AUBURN – When state Rep. Margaret Craven first arrived in Augusta, she attended orientations on how state funding worked, from bonds to taxes. Fascinated by what she learned, Craven realized understanding the nuts and bolts of state government is as important for private citizens as it is for legislators.

“People should know how their tax dollars are being spent,” said the Lewiston Democrat, now in her third term as a member of Maine’s House of Representatives.

Inspired by her revelation, Craven began hosting “Answers from Augusta,” a public access television show that airs on Time Warner’s channel 11 and Oxford Networks’ channel 2. The 60-minute show, taped once a month while the state Legislature is in session, airs at 3 a.m., 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. every Monday.

Produced by Philip Larlee and Brian Soucy of Great Falls TV, the show costs taxpayers nothing. Larlee said cable operators pay for the community access station through “franchise fees” paid to local cities and towns.

State Rep. Richard Wagner, D-Lewiston, co-hosts the program, which typically features a guest from the Lewiston-Auburn area and a guest from state government.

Wagner agreed with Craven about the importance of the show’s mission.

“Many people locally don’t understand how Augusta operates – what the Legislature does, what the state government does and how their tax dollars are spent,” said Wagner. “This has been our opportunity to bring state government to people at the local level.”

Craven said she tries to pick “hot topics” to cover each month, and has already taped shows addressing school consolidation and the state’s current budget shortfall.

The budget episode, which is airing this month, features guests Rebecca Wyke, commissioner of Maine’s Department of Administrative and Financial Services, and state Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, co-chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.

On Feb. 11, they taped the March episode, which have all been done in the Great Falls TV studio at Central Maine Community College. It focuses on common misconceptions many Mainers have regarding state government.

Maine’s Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, was the guest in charge of debunking misconceptions, ranging from how much legislators earn in salary to what percentage of the total state budget is spent on public assistance.

Cummings said he is pleased with the way “Answers from Augusta” helps to provide transparency.

“Distance breeds contempt,” said Cummings. “The closer you stay with people and they realize you listen and you care about their issues the more you are able to have a positive dialogue and be effective in Augusta.”

Craven said she runs into people in the supermarket who have seen the show and express their gratitude.

“They often say, ‘I saw you on TV and that was really informative for me,'” she said.

But it’s not all business for Craven.

“It’s great fun,” she said. “In the beginning I was nervous and stumbled over my words. I thought I was Katie Couric. Now, I am a bit more relaxed.”

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