124th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 838		LR 1839(01)
	RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Elect 2 Senators from Each County and To Increase the Senate Term from 2 to 4 Years
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Joy of Crystal
	Committee: State and Local Government
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund Future biennium savings - Other Special Revenue Funds
Referendum Costs		Month/Year	Election Type	Question	Length
		Nov-09	General	Referendum	Standard
	The Secretary of State's budget includes sufficient funds to accommodate one ballot of average length for the general election in November.  If the number or size of the referendum questions requires production and delivery of a second ballot, an additional appropriation of $107,250 may be required.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	If approved by the voters, the Legislature would realize General Fund savings of $116,112 in fiscal year 2010-11, $110,295 in fiscal year 2011-12 and $123,982 in fiscal year 2012-13 due to the reduction in the number of senators.
	Increasing the Senate term to 4 years would result in cost savings to the Maine Clean Election Fund.  If this legislation were to go forward and be approved by the voters, 2012 would be the first year savings would be realized to the Fund, which are estimated at $1,030,000 in Other Special Revenue Funds.  It would also result in a reduction in Other Special Revenue Funds of approximately $25,000 from reduced qualifying contributions. This bill does not address the $2,000,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Maine Clean Election Fund that occurs every January 1 per Title 21-A, c. 14, section 1124.