Maine Democratic lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow “clean elections” candidates running for state office to use taxpayer-funding campaign financing to pay for caregiving services for their dependents.
The Maine Clean Elections Act (MCEA), enacted in 1996 by voter referendum, allows candidates for governor, state senator and state representative who meet certain requirements to receive public funding to finance their campaigns.
Under current state law, all taxpayer funds distributed to a certified “clean elections” candidate must be used for campaign-related purposes.
LD 818, or “An Act to Allow Expenditure of Maine Clean Election Act Funding for the Care of Candidates’ Dependents,” sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier (D-Lewiston), seeks to amend the Clean Elections Act to add the cost of caregiving services for candidates’ dependents to the definition of “campaign-related purposes.”
[RELATED: Legislative Panel Considers a Trio of Bills That Could Reform Maine’s Campaign Finance Laws…]
If passed, “clean elections” candidates would be able to use taxpayer funds provided to them for the purpose of campaign financing in order to pay for caregiving services provided to their spouse, domestic partner or dependent family member.
The bill requires that the need for paid caregiving services be “directly connected with the candidate’s campaign activities during the election cycle,” and would not exist except for the candidate’s campaign.
LD 818 has been referred to the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee where it will be scheduled for a public hearing.
I don’t think so. Quite a stretch. You are either available for public service or you are not. Ask not what the taxpayers can do for you, ask what you can do for the taxpayers.
Sure. I think every person in the state should run for state office. Where do we sign up?
Holy Crap ! It just dont stop, have they got marbles in their head !
This nonsence has to stop , pay out of “YOUR” pocket like everyone else
Absolutely ridiculous. The wording of this proposed bill would allow any candidate to receive reimbursement not only for the babysitter, but also for living expenses if their spouse is not employed.
Maine Democrats are taking spending “other people’s money” to a whole new level. Taxpayers cannot foot the bill for every “idea” that comes down the highway, is it any wonder why the State of Maine is in the hole almost a Billion Dollars? The State of Maine can’t even pay its obligations to nursing homes and hospitals now, how the hell are they going to afford yet another expense like this? C’mon Democrats, this is absurd. Maine is a poor state, and getting poorer, under Democratic “leadership”.
What is wrong with these people? Seriously Mainers is this what you voted for? Are all of you that clueless?
Just so you know who your reps are that support this: Presented by Representative CLOUTIER of Lewiston. Cosponsored by President DAUGHTRY of Cumberland and Representatives: BOYER of Cape Elizabeth, EATON of Deer Isle, KUHN of Falmouth, LEE of Auburn, MCCABE of Lewiston, MILLIKEN of Blue Hill, SUPICA of Bangor, Senator: RENY of Lincoln
At least we will not have to worry about our “clean election” money going to support an off spring of Sheena, the SOS: It don’t never get cold enough in Maine for any guy to want to get in bed with That!
“Maine Democrats” and “clean elections” in the same sentence
That s funny!
You have got to be kidding me! The money is appropriated for clean elections not family care!!
ever notice every (D) piece of legislation does exactly the opposite of what the title to the legislation is?
Like how “affordable” Healthcare was made by the Affordable Healthcare Act is ten times as expensive as ever if not on Medicaid.
Guaranteed this makes Dirtier than ever before elections.
As only State pre-approved candidates will be eligible to hold office once the State controls the financing of candidates.
Man, that is Super Double Dipping.