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AUGUSTA

April 13, 2010

Enjoying recess ...and the light of day

Governor says goodbye to legislators

By Susan M. Cover scover@mainetoday.com
MaineToday Media State House Writer

AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci thanked legislators for their hard work during tough financial times Monday during his final address to the House and Senate.

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He also joked about the rare daylight adjournment.

Baldacci, who is termed out after eight years in office, delivered the "sine die" address to lawmakers, which marks the end of the two-year legislative session.

Sine die is Latin for "without day," meaning a date is not set for a future meeting.

"With elections pending and national rhetoric running hot, there was a tremendous amount of danger for stalemate," he said.

Baldacci said lawmakers worked to pass a bipartisan budget and to find a compromise on a borrowing package, along with passing bills that will help the state be more energy independent and measures to help businesses.

"I know in the final days of the session patience has been tested and nerves have been frayed," he said. "There have been arguments and, at times, hurt feelings."

Baldacci delivered similar three-minute addresses to the House and Senate separately, which clears the way for final adjournment. And while most years work is completed in the wee hours of the morning, this year, lawmakers got out in time to head home for supper and sleep in their own beds.

The Senate officially adjourned at 4:57 p.m., with the House finishing up just a few minutes earlier.

Lawmakers had hoped to finish work last Wednesday and were moving toward that goal around midnight when Democrats decided to delay a vote on bonds until Monday. With little else left to do, the Legislature was able to complete its work before dark.

Just before taking final action, Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, said getting done in the daytime was a first for her.

Mitchell, who's running for governor, is a former Speaker of the House.

"In all those 12 times, 'I've never adjourned in the daylight," she said.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com

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