Senator Roger Sherman Selected to Serve as Vice-Chairman of the 123^rd Legislature’s Rural Caucus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 8, 2007

Augusta – Senator Roger Sherman of Houlton has been selected by his colleagues on the Rural Caucus to serve as their Vice-Chairman for 123^rd Legislature. The Rural Caucus, established in 1992, is a bipartisan group open to all State Senators and Representatives who represent the State’s rural regions and gather to discuss policies and programs with implications on their areas.

“I’m very happy to be given the opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity on the Rural Caucus. I believe in the work that this group does, as it moves beyond the labels of ‘Republican’ and ‘Democrat’ to advocate for the people of rural Maine,” Senator Sherman said.

Members of the Rural Caucus are anticipating an eventful legislative session, with many of the over 2,400 bills submitted, and measures in the proposed biennial budget, with the potential of having a direct impact on the State’s rural areas. These issues include the proposal to decrease the amount of administrative school districts from 152 to 26, and the reorganization of certain State offices.

“There are a lot of issues facing the 123^rd Legislature that the Rural Caucus is going to pay close attention to. We are particularly concerned with the effects of the proposed school restructuring plan, considering the wide terrain of rural Maine,” Senator Sherman said. “My goal as Vice-Chair is to oversee informative research on the potential effects of the various proposals, and facilitate productive discussions within the caucus to arrive at meaningful agreements.”

Senator Roger Sherman represents Southern and Central Aroostook County, including Fort Fairfield, Houlton and Presque Isle. He can be reached at his Senate office by calling 287-1505, or by calling 532-7073 or e-mailing rsherm_2000@yahoo.com.

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