The local, front page, headline, “Tribal bill override of veto fails,” was welcome news for Mainers who care for good government. Gov. Mills’ veto of L.D. 2004, a bill to allow federal laws to apply to Maine’s Wabanaki nations, even when they interfere with state jurisdiction, was a pill she could not swallow. Factually, score One for Mills, and Zilch for the Legislature. Thank heavens.

The seven-page bill was sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, late in the session. A public hearing was held within 24 hours. It was whisked through both chambers, one day after issuing from the Judiciary Committee. Here was legislation, pushed out at the 11th hour, by lawmakers, physically breathless.

What the politicians failed to honor was the fact that enactment of the bill would introduce a new era of legal conflict between federal laws and Maine’s jurisdiction over the tribes; a 43-year agreement existed by the state and the tribes. Talbot Ross conveniently shelved that document, by writing: “It is widely accepted that the current status quo under the Settlement Act is unfair, unjust and inequitable.”

Maine citizens should thank lucky stars for the 10 votes by which the required two-thirds vote margin failed to tally-ho! The Settlement Act, between the state and the tribes, remains free from federal fingering. And then there are the tribes, already benefitting from all but a small number of federal laws and programs, who have received over $423 million in federal funding since 2019!

Yes, an exclamation point.

 

John Benoit

Manchester

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