AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Sponsors of three bills to cut back the size of the Maine Legislature say it's time for the state to economize as lawmakers ask others to do the same.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers say Maine has one of the smallest state populations, but the 10th largest legislature. They see their bills as money savers, but also symbolic as lawmakers cut back spending for others.
Portland Democratic Rep. Jon Hinck says lawmakers "have to show we can take it as well as dish it out."
Mary Adams, a longtime tax activist, says the bills take Maine in the wrong direction. She says they allow fewer elected officials to consolidate power while weakening the public voice.
Maine's Legislature now has 186 members, and the bills would reduce its size by different amounts.
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