To the editor:
Rep. Bob Saucier of Presque Isle knows actions speak louder than words when it comes to issues that matter to Maine people. As a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, Rep. Saucier has worked tirelessly to ensure Maine is making good on its promises to our veterans.
A veteran himself, Rep. Saucier spent four years in the U.S. Air Force before serving another 24 years in the Maine Army National Guard. He is a retired officer and former Commander of C Battery in Fort Kent and Headquarters Battery in Caribou.
In the past session alone, Rep. Saucier has worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass new laws to encourage Maine businesses to hire veterans, ensure those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have access to a veterans’ property tax exemption and expand the successful Veterans Treatment Court to help newly returned service members struggling with substance abuse.
He has been a voice for the nearly 3,000 Maine veterans who would benefit from expanded health care coverage, as well as the many more who qualify for health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs but live too far from VA centers to easily access the care they need and have earned.
Rep. Saucier also led on a measure that recognized and urged federal compensation for the harm that has come to Maine National Guard veterans as the result of exposure to Agent Orange while training at the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown, New Brunswick. He has worked to combat homelessness and increase access to workforce training programs among veterans.
I could also write more about his leadership on agriculture and forestry issues. I will have to save his work on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee for another time.
I am proud to serve alongside Rep. Saucier in the Legislature. He is truly a determined and effective advocate for the people of Presque Isle and the brave men and women throughout the state who have served our country.
Jeff McCabe
Assistant House Majority Leader
Skowhegan
