Barbara Bagshaw: A Government That Forgets Who It Works For

By State Rep. Barbara Bagshaw

Our state is at a crossroads. I’ve spent my time in Augusta standing up for your rights, our Constitution, and the principle that government exists to serve the people –not the other way around.

State Rep. Barbara Bagshaw

Right now, the majority party controls the governorship, the House, and the Senate. With that level of power comes responsibility, yet what we’re seeing instead is unchecked spending and misplaced priorities. Too often, policies seem to favor those here unlawfully over Maine’s hard-working citizens who struggle daily to make ends meet.

At the same time, lawmakers recently voted to remove the cap on how much municipalities can raise property taxes each year. For years, increases were limited to the rate of inflation. Now, local governments can raise taxes without limit – and many are doing just that. Property taxpayers should brace themselves; this could easily become an annual trend unless voters demand change at the ballot box.

I come from a family of “Kennedy Democrats.” My parents and I still share many of the same values – fiscal responsibility, fairness, and belief in opportunity for all. But what we see in Augusta today bears little resemblance to that tradition. The current leadership has drifted far from the principles that once united Mainers across party lines.

Government is meant to be a vehicle driven by the people. Somewhere along the way, many in Augusta have forgotten that. They work for us, not the other way around.

Recently, I attended a local school board meeting that reminded me how far off course we’ve drifted in education. It has become clear that too many school policies are written to protect institutions rather than students and parents. Legal advisors seem to hold more sway than families or educators. Even the Education Commissioner has acknowledged that “academics will have to take the back seat.” Unfortunately, Maine’s declining test scores confirm it.

We need to get back to the basics – reading, writing, math, and science – and prepare our children to think critically and contribute meaningfully to society. Social and emotional programs can play a role, but not at the expense of fundamental learning. The federal government has even warned Maine that it must refocus on academics – yet little has changed.

In the Legislature, I sponsored LD 252, a bill to withdraw Maine from the National Popular Vote Compact. This agreement, narrowly approved by the House in a prior session, would tie Maine’s Electoral College votes to the national popular vote – effectively allowing large urban areas like New York or Los Angeles to determine Maine’s voice in presidential elections.

Beyond the fairness issue, the Constitution is clear: Article I, Section 10 prohibits states from entering into interstate compacts without congressional consent. I believe this compact violates that clause. My bill to withdraw passed the House twice but failed in the Senate – by a single vote each time. That’s how close we came to restoring Maine’s independent voice.

Elections have consequences. I encourage everyone to research the candidates on the ballot this fall – not just in state races, but local ones as well. We need leaders who remember that they are elected to represent the people, not to advance an ideology.

The challenges ahead are real, but so is the opportunity to steer Maine back toward accountability, balance, and respect for the values that built this state.

It is an honor to represent part of Windham in the Legislature. If there is any way that I can be of assistance, please contact me at barbara.bagshaw@legislature.maine.gov. My office phone number is 207-287-1440. You can find me on Facebook. To receive regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter at https://mainehousegop.org/

The opinions in this column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Windham Eagle newspaper ownership or its staff. <