AUGUSTA — Representative Sawin Millett has been appointed to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee which has started briefings with department heads and evaluating the Governor’s proposed biennial state budget.

Reached for comment this week, Rep. Millett is already hard at work reviewing plans to adjust for revenue losses in 2020. “This budget cycle will be different than every other one I’ve been part of, primarily because of the financial shape we find ourselves in due to the pandemic. Especially with the uncertainty of federal aid and the lagging rate of recovery, now is the time to be responsible, sensible and realistic about getting our finances in order.

This committee will review all new bills impacting General Fund appropriations and general fiscal policy; federal funds allocations, special revenue and block grant allocations when part of a biennial or supplemental budget; Budget Stabilization Fund; general obligation bond issues; collective bargaining funding; budgeting methodologies; review of financial orders; and financial evaluation of agencies of state government.

Representative Millett also has the distinction of serving on the Government Oversight Committee, which oversees program evaluation and government accountability within State government.

COVID-19 will impact the way legislators interact with the public. For the first time, hearings and work sessions will be conducted virtually by zoom. Members of the public can watch recordings of live-streamed public hearings and work sessions on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN859af0PsPYz1zfOC-32nQ