Lobby Corps

The Legislative Lobby Corps is an LWVME initiative which pursues a full lobbying agenda in Augusta. Begun with the 2007 legislative calendar, the Lobby Corps is an on-going, important part of League activities.

Priorities

The legislative priorities as adopted by the Board include: civil liberties, clean elections, freedom of information, HAVA implementation, lobbying reform and governmental ethics, nonpartisan redistricting, term limits repeal and voting rights. Within these priorities, the Board reviews all proposed legislation and rule-making by relevant agencies (such as the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices) and monitors special legislative study committees to determine those areas where we can make a significant impact.

Activities

League members from around the state analyze relevant bills and regulations, help choose those where the League can make a real difference, apply established League positions to the issue, write testimony, attend committee and agency hearings and work sessions, review and comment upon relevant proposed administrative agency regulations, contact legislators and help publicize our work. These activities are co-ordinated by the League's Advocacy Committee.
During the 2007 Legislative session, the League reviewed over 60 bills, testified and lobbied on 13 bills.

Legislation of Interest

The Maine State Legislature convened for the second regular session on January 2, 2008, and adjourned on Friday, April 18, 2008.
Legislation of interest this session is listed below. No League position regarding any bill is implied by its inclusion in this list. Link to complete information at the Maine Legislature's web site by clicking on the bill title.

LD 1393 An Act Regarding Lobbyist Disclosure (amended title). Dead.
LD 1744 An Act To Join the Interstate Compact on the National Popular Vote. Indefinitely postponed.
LD 1799 An Act To Establish Open Ballot Voting in Maine . Dead.
LD 2015 An Act To Ensure Integrity in Financing Publicly Funded Campaigns. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2068 An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Lobbyist Disclosure. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2070 An Act To Improve the Campaign Finance Laws and Their Administration. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2110 An Act To Amend the Election Laws. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2130 An Act To Implement the Recommendation of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council To Allow Youth To Preregister To Vote upon Reaching 16 Years of Age. Amended and retitled: Resolve, Directing the Secretary of State To Work with the Legislative Youth Advisory Council To Establish a Program Regarding Educating Youth about Voting. Passed and signed by the Governor.
LD 2178 An Act To Increase Public Confidence in Government by Expanding Public Disclosure. Passed as amended by both houses in concurrence. Not yet signed into law.
LD 2212 An Act Concerning Public Records Exceptions. Passed and signed into law.
LD 2219 An Act To Promote Transparency and Accountability in Campaigns and Governmental Ethics. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2293 Resolve, To Improve the Absentee Voting System on November 3, 2008. Passed and signed into law.
LD 2304 An Act To Require That a Person Be a Maine Resident in Order To Be Issued a Maine Driver's License. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2309 An Act To Enhance the Security of State Credentials. Passed as amended and signed into law.
LD 2315 RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine Regarding Early Voting. Indefinitely postponed.

Volunteer Opportunities

This is an all-volunteer effort so the larger our Lobby Corps team, the greater difference we can make in Augusta! Even if you have only an hour or two you can spare a month you can be a valuable member of our team! Most of this work can be done from your home or office.
We need volunteers interesting in doing one or more of the following:

Download, read and analyze a proposed law
Apply established League positions to the bill
Help design a "lobbying blueprint" for the bill (when we should do what)
Help track dates for public hearings, work sessions and other activities
Assist in preparing written testimony for oral presentation by our President
Lobby legislators to support League positions (either in Augusta or your home District)
Attend public hearings and/or work sessions in Augusta
Monitor proposed agency rule-making, develop testimony when needed
Monitor special legislative committees that often meet between sessions
Help start a "Legislative Listserv" to keep our members informed of Lobby Corps activities.

Contact us

Contact us: To volunteer or for more information, contact Ann Luther, LWVME co-president, 622-0256; lwvme@gwi.net.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: June 9, 2008 06:27 PDT.