“When’s Lisa getting back?”
The question was frequently heard Monday and Tuesday as Democrats talked about when the House would vote on the budget.
Rep. Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville – whose day job is being a family doctor – was in Paris, France, on a much-delayed honeymoon.
Back in Augusta, Democrats were wondering whether they’d have enough votes to pass the budget over Republican objections. With Democrats outnumbering Republicans only 76-73, and with a few potential Democratic defectors, every vote was critical.
The decision was made to hold the budget vote until Marrache returned.
Marrache explained why she went on a honeymoon in the middle of the legislative session. Last Christmas, her husband gave her a romantic gift: tickets for two to Paris.
“We’ve been married 14 years, but when we married we were both in medical school,” she said. They didn’t have time for a trip at that time. Then came their residencies. Before they knew it, both Lisa and her husband, Dr. Ronnie Marrache, were working doctors and parents.
Her husband decided their overdue honeymoon would be March 24 to March 29. When she opened the gift, “I was so excited, until I saw the date. We’d be in session,” she said.
Marrache tried to get the dates changed, but that would have meant losing their money. “It was expensive.” She decided to take the trip and hope it wouldn’t conflict with the budget vote.
It was close.
On Tuesday, Marrache’s plane touched down in Portland at 7:30 p.m. She immediately called Augusta. Democratic staffer Travis Kennedy was dispatched for the pickup and delivery.
She walked into the House chamber around 9 p.m. “It was awful! The minute I walked in they all turned and looked and me, and came up to me, saying, We’re glad you’re back.’ I felt bad.”
“I was relieved to see Lisa, almost as relieved as when the budget bill was enacted,” said House Majority Leader Glenn Cummings, D-Portland.
As soon as Marrache got to her desk, debate began. At about 2 a.m., members cast their votes for the budget bill: 77-73.
Marrache said their honeymoon was all they dreamed of. And she’s relieved she was able to vote for the budget also. “I’m glad it’s done.”
Mills: Republicans won’t support bonds
During contentious debate in the Senate Wednesday over the state budget – passed by Democrats over Republican objections – Sen. Peter Mills, R-Skowhegan, vowed to oppose sending a bond package proposal to voters this November. Gov. John Baldacci has said the bond package, if approved by voters, would increase jobs, improve transportation and create research and development opportunities.
Mills said not only will he vote against it, but other Republicans would also vote no. “My bond package is a $447 million bond package, and it’s done!” he said. He was referring to the $447 million the state will borrow under the new budget, to finance programs, tax relief and retirement debt.
“I don’t perceive how we can get the two-third’s vote for (passage of) the bond package,” he added.
Quote of the week: “Paul Madore is a rough-and-tumble Catholic layperson who knows what he believes and puts his faith into action. He really is a St. Paul for the 21st century in Maine.”
– The Rev. Sandy Williams of Freeport, speaking at a Pastors’ Press Conference on Thursday in opposition to Maine’s new gay rights law.
Bonnie Washuk is a State House reporter
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