Social media accounts: facebook.com/JenPoirier2020
Occupation: Community Living Coordinator
Education: Attended Thomas College
Community Organizations: Served 12 years on MSAD 54 board of directors; Volunteer and fundraising with several community organizations
Personal information (hobbies, etc.): I enjoy spending time with my family and pets. My hobbies include spending time at camp, fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, and exploring the beautiful mountains of Maine.
Family status: Married
Years in the Legislature: Four
Committee assignments (if elected): Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary (Republican Lead)
Q&A
1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.
If my community elects me to serve a third term in the legislature, success would be continuing to have open communications with constituents. Constituent services is a top priority and I work to address concerns and find solutions. Some concerns can be easily addressed by utilizing department liaisons, and others involve more research and resources. I have introduced several pieces of legislation that address concerns of constituents.
In regard to legislation, I consider bills very carefully, without regard to the political party introducing the bill. Success will be continuing to hold an objective view and listen to the input from my community.
2) Name one issue the Legislature handled last session. Explain why you agree or disagree with the final outcome.
The 131st Legislature repealed the Property Tax Stabilization program. I do not agree that the program had to be removed. Seniors in Maine would have been better served if modifications had been made to the program, including valuation limitations. Many bills were introduced to resolve issues with the program, including LD 529 “An Act to Remove the Annual Filing Requirement in the Property Tax Stabilization Laws”. I introduced this bill to make it easier for our seniors to benefit from the program by removing the annual filing requirement. Many of us, particularly seniors, are facing astronomical increases in our property taxes. The stabilization program offered a sense of security for those on fixed incomes. After the repeal, people who had qualified are being hit with a two year tax increase. The legislature needs to work harder to reduce the high tax burdens and make Maine a more affordable place to live.
OPPONENT: Cecil Gray, D-Skowhegan
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