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July 31, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Rich Cebra Named to National Leadership Committee on Transportation

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Rich Cebra has been named to an influential committee on transportation issues at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The appointment, made by Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree, will bring Rep. Cebra into contact with state legislators from around the nation to share approaches and solutions to common transportation issues.

“I’m honored by this appointment and by the opportunity to represent Maine at the national level,” said Rep. Cebra (R-Naples), a third-term legislator. “The NCSL is an outstanding organization, and its Transportation Committee serves as a forum for legislators to share information about options being considered in other states. The best ideas don’t always come from the federal government. I think the most innovative solutions often come from the states.”

In the Maine Legislature, Rep. Cebra is serving his second term as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. That panel has jurisdiction over the Department of Transportation; the Bureau of Motor Vehicles; motor vehicle registration and license plates; driver licenses; Maine Turnpike Authority; Highway Fund; transportation policy; aeronautics; highway and bridge construction and maintenance; highway safety; waterways; railroads; and motor vehicles.

The NCSL Transportation Committee consists of state legislators and legislative staff from all over the country. It convenes three times a year in conjunction with NCSL’s main national meetings. The committee reviews and develops NCSL policy positions on state-federal transportation issues to be used in lobbying Congress and the federal administration. Its jurisdiction includes aviation, freight mobility, highways, hazardous materials transport, waterways and ports and transportation funding.

“One of the strengths of the NCSL is its solid support for state sovereignty,” said Rep. Cebra. “At a time of growing federal encroachment on states’ right, we’re fortunate to have this strong advocate for federalism.”

The NCSL, based in Denver, is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. It also advocates for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

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