Rep. Lynn Williams (D-Bar Harbor) has quietly resigned from her position in the House of Representatives, shrinking the Democrat’s majority several days before the statutory adjournment date of April 17.
“Well, I got a job, a real job that actually pays a living wage unlike, what the legislature pays. And it’s with the state, so I couldn’t start that until I resigned,” said Rep. Williams, speaking to The Maine Wire.
“One of the people tried to talk me out of resigning, and I said, I gotta start this job. I mean, it’s been vacant for a while, they want me to start right away. And there it is, you know, we all have to take care of ourselves and our family,” Williams said.
Williams said her decision was not the result of any contention within the legislature, and was inspired by a need for a job which provides a living wage.
A job opportunity working for the state as a Workers Compensation Mediator opened up, and Williams left in order to take it, which she says pays more than her position in the legislature.
Prior to leaving the legislature, Williams had already informed House leadership that she would not seek re-election in 2024.
Williams’ departure has not yet been publicized, and her name still appears on the state’s legislative website and on voter tallys, where her vote is marked as “absent.”
Although the Democrats maintain a significant majority in the House, with 80 Democrats and 68 Republicans after William’s departure, the loss of one Democrat could have an effect on future decisions.
This week, shortly after William’s departure, two controversial, Democrat sponsored bills passed through the house with only single vote majorities.
On Thursday, the house voted to pass a controversial “paramilitary training” bill, which many believe has the potential to violate the constitutional rights of lawful gun owners and firearms instructors.
[RELATED: Controversial Bill Targeting “Unauthorized Paramilitary Training” Passes Through Maine’s House…]
That bill passed with a 72-71 vote.
Another, even more controversial bill passed through the house on Tuesday.
That bill, LD 1578, will have national implications by bringing Maine into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
By joining that compact, Maine would pledge its electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote, giving the vote of each individual Mainer significantly less power than they currently have.
That bill passed with a slim 73-72 majority, while four Democrats who previously opposed the bill were absent for the vote.
With such slim margins of victory, any Democrats leaving the legislature could give Republicans an edge on key issues.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="27213 https://www.themainewire.com/?p=27213">6 Comments
“With such slim margins of victory, any Democrats leaving the legislature could give Republicans an edge on key issues.” Don’t bet on it. Republicans will find a way to lose.
Article 1.10.3 – Without the consent of congress, no state shall enter into any agreement or compact with another state or with a foreign power. The National Popular Vote is a compact with other states and is NOT constitutional –
Being a state representative is not a real job. We should do what New Hampshire does .
I wonder what her new taxpayer funded job is.
That’s the spirit! Just in it for the money —. Typical Democrat turd
Grifters doing GRIFTING things. Service to her constituents that voted for her? Faggedaboutit. That new state job as a worker compensation staffer pays much better.