Rapid Reaction: State of the State

A few quick thoughts on the Governor’s State of the State tonight:

1. The Governor has some more selling to do, and that starts tomorrow. Augusta is tepid about his plan, but he delivers it with passion. That approach won him the Blaine House for a second term and may win him substantial tax reform.

2. There is a lot more in this budget that everyone should like – fighting Maine’s drug epidemic, eliminating the waiting lists for some of Maine’s most needy, and moving individuals from welfare to work.

3. The Governor offered an open hand to the Legislature, Democrats and Republicans alike. He recognized that he needs their help and implored them to work together.

All in all, it was a great start to the 127th Legislature. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Michael Cianchette

About Michael Cianchette

Michael Cianchette was the chief counsel to Gov. Paul LePage from 2012-2013 and deputy counsel from 2011-2012. A Navy reservist, he was deployed to Afghanistan from 2013-2014 as a trainer and adviser to the Afghan National Police. He is an alumnus of the Leadership Maine program and holds a BA in economics and political science from Boston College along with a JD and an MBA from Suffolk University. He works as in-house counsel and financial manager for a number of affiliated companies in southern Maine.