Andre Cushing III

Andre E. Cushing III is an American politician from Maine. Cushing is a Republican State Senator from Maine's 10th (formerly 33rd before 2013 redistricting plan) Senate District, representing Carmel,Corinna, Corinth, Dixmont, Etna, Exeter, Hudson, Glenburn, Hampden, Kenduskeag, Levant, Newburgh, Newport, Plymouth, and Stetson Maine and his residence in Hampden. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008, reelected in 2010, then the Maine Senate in 2012 and reelected in 2014. He has also served on the Hampden Town Council, (2007-2012) and,was deputy mayor of the town (2010-2012). After the Republicans took over the Maine House of Representatives in 2010, Cushing was named the Assistant Majority Leader for the 125th Maine Legislature (2010–2012).^[1] He was chosen to serve as Assistant Majority Leader of the Maine Senate for the 127th Legislature.

In 2010, he was named chair of the Elections Committee and House Chair of the Select Committee on Joint Rules.^[1] In 2012 he was appointed to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development as the Senate lead.In the 127th Legislature he was reappointed. He also was appointed to the decentennial Commission on Apportionment to work on redistricting of house, senate and county commissioner districts. Cushing serves on the senate Rules Committee and the Senate Elections Committee, which oversaw the contested election in Senate District 25.

He offered legislation in 2011 which led to three study commissions, two of which he co-chaired: The Blue Ribbon Panel on Affordable Housing and the Study Committee on regulatory takings, which reviewed the relationship between government laws and rules and their impact on property owners. A report was issued which resulted in a new bill to protect the value of property from diminution as the result of new state enacted laws. After a contentious debate with the environmental lobby, it passed the House but died in the Maine Senate. He also sponsored LD 1571, a comprehensive reform of Maine's Workers Compensation system which led to a directive from the Joint Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Economic Development (LCRED) to have the executive director empanel a working group to study and report back suggested changes based upon their discussions of the points proposed by the bill. This report was due by mid-February 2012. AS a result of this work by the 13 members of the panel a new bill was crafted and Rep. Cushing asked to have it replace LD 1571. This legislation was passed and made changes which help see workers comp rates reduced and service for injured workers adjusted to better serve their needs. In 2013 he introduced legislation to allow for the collaborative practice between doctors and pharmacists to better manage patient care, he also sponsored a resolve to allow for a citizen vote on a constitutional amendment to allow for the public election of three constitutional officers (Attorney General, Secretary of State and State Treasurer), he resubmitted this legislation in the 127th. He also was the lead sponsor (in the 126th Legislature) on a bill to extend a trial program which allowed for the exemption from tax on aircraft parts which spurred a number of developments in aviation services in Maine.

In December 2011, Cushing announced his candidacy for the Maine Senate District 33, which includes 17 communities in So. Penobscot County. He is seeking to replace fellow Republican Debra Plowman, who is unable to seek re-election due to term-limits.^[2] As the Assistant Republican Leader in the Maine Senate, Cushing introduced a tax proposal that increased taxes on all annual incomes under 57,000 while cutting taxes on all annual incomes over 89,000.^[3]

Personal

Cushing attended Bangor-area schools growing up and the University of Maine.^[1] He has been active with a variety of civic and community organizations over the years including: Bangor Jaycees, Bangor Rotary, Hampden Kiwanis, EMMC Children’s Miracle Network Board – President, Phillips-Strickland House – Corporator, Eastern Maine Community College Foundation, Avalon Village, Board of Directors, Black Bear United Football Club, President, Hampden Business Association, Vice Chair, Citizens for Quality Education.

He has over thirty years experience as a small business owner and currently is a Realtor and home builder.

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