​AUGUSTA — Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, has introduced a constitutional amendment to protect any voter-approved referendum results from repeal or alterations for at least one year following their passage.
 
Chenette’s bill submission comes on the heels of a contentious legislative session that saw nearly every referendum approved by voters in the 2016 election altered or repealed.
 
“It’s appalling to me that a small group of politicians can overturn the will of the voters,” said Sen. Chenette. “We must protect the legitimacy of fair and free election results, otherwise what’s the point of voting?”
 
As the ranking member of the Taxation Committee, Chenette was a leading voice to fully implement Question 2’s progressive tax policy in order to fully fund public education. He also supported legislative efforts to implement the increase in the minimum wage, ranked choice voting, and marijuana initiatives approved at the ballot box.
 
“The Legislature should allow enough time for voter-approved referendums to become law and collect data to determine their effectiveness before rushing to change them or eliminate them entirely,” Chenette said.
 
All bill submissions for the second regular session of the Legislature will go before Legislative Council for approval on October 26. The council consists of House and Senate leadership from both parties.

​AUGUSTA — In an effort to bring the workings of the State House to constituents as the Legislature preps for 2018’s legislative session, Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco,  will be holding “Fall Town Halls” in communities throughout his district in early November.
 
"Being available and accountable to my constituents is something I take very seriously," said Sen. Chenette. "Maine people deserve to have direct and frequent access to their elected officials."
 
Sen. Chenette’s first town hall will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the University College, 4 Scamman Street #18, Saco. Residents can come and speak with Sen. Chenette about state issues, questions, or anything on their mind.
 
RSVPs are not necessary, and all are welcome. Individuals that cannot attend the Town Halls can call Sen. Chenette's office at 207-287-1515, email him directly at justin.chenette@legislature.maine.gov, or message him at facebook.com/justinchenette.
 
SACO TOWN HALL
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1
WHERE: University College, 4 Scamman Street #18, Saco (next to Shaws)
  
OLD ORCHARD BEACH TOWN HALL
WHEN: 10:30 to noon Saturday, Nov. 4
WHERE: Libby Memorial Library on 27 Staples Street in Old Orchard Beach

HOLLIS/BUXTON TOWN HALL
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9th
WHERE: Salmon Falls Library on 18 Hollis Road in Hollis

LIMINGTON TOWN HALL
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday Nov. 17th
WHERE: Old Town Hall on 297 Sokokis Avenue in Limington