Issues

Advocating for Communities

I care deeply for our children and their future well-being, for law and order, and for justice to be upheld as our Constitution requires.

After hearing from concerned residents, Sheriff deputies, and state troopers about Bingham’s grave public safety issues(hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, endangerment of human lives, concern or safety of children, etc.) due to rampant juvenile crime in the summer/fall of 2025, I conducted meetings with citizens, town officials, law-enforcement, Department of Corrections, and DHHS to find solutions.

Then in October of 2025, I held a public informational meeting with a panel including Somerset Sheriff, District Attorney, State Police, and Dept. of Corrections.  I believe it’s critical that government officials are transparent with the process and that residents can receive answers to their questions.

Based on the panel’s recommendations and mutual desires to protect our children and communities, I submitted proposed legislation with agreed-upon language to adjust the statutes. However, by a party-line vote (6 Democrats-NO to 4 Republicans-YES), Legislative Council would not allow the proposal to become a bill preventing it from proceeding to committee or the House/Senate for discussion and vote.

Unfortunately, as the panel clearly understood, the juvenile justice system has deteriorated since the legislature changed the statute a few years ago. Without a change in the majority of the Legislature and/or the Executive office, there will be no appetite to fix the broken juvenile system. Meanwhile, the juveniles are suffering and in danger, community is suffering, frustrated, and scared, and residents do not have their constitutional “domestic tranquility”. Law enforcement and the courts are held back from doing more than the statutes allow. The system must change – and it will start when people show up to vote in November.

Property Tax

After hearing from several Unorganized Territory constituents concerned over their 2025 property tax and assessments, I reached out to Maine Revenue Services and the Somerset County commissioners. I hosted this informational session so that taxpayers could learn more, ask questions about the 2025 process, and get help with their assessments/bills.  I also advocated at the Taxation Committee on behalf of our rural Maine and unorganized territory property owners.

Local Government & Disaster Resiliency

Serving as Caratunk’s First Selectmen since 2006, I have working knowledge & experience with most aspects of local government. I have navigated 2 FEMA disasters, paved the roads 3 times, produced our Comprehensive Plan, and collaborated with towns, regional organizations, and state agencies advocating for our townspeople, our resources, and our way of life.

“Representative Liz Caruso is leading the way in advancing rural community resiliency and awareness!”

Educating Mainers on Frauds & Scams

Everyday money and identity are stolen from innocent Mainers by scammers over the phone, text messages, emails, and on websites. As the Somerset County Broadband Director for Somerset Economic Development Corp., I have been leading the effort to educate and protect Mainers from being victimized by the next scam.  I partnered with Somerset Sheriff, local police departments, towns, churches, senior groups, veterans and AARP to bring our Fraud Awareness & Prevention classes in 2025 and 2026.

I give free, 1-hr presentations on various scams including romance, impersonations of family, banks and businesses…as well as how to identify threats on texts, emails, phone calls, social media, and websites – and what to do if you’ve become a victim. I’m committed to helping protect Mainers from the onslaught of scams and fraud.

Advocating for Rural Maine, Local Control, Data Privacy, 2^nd Amendment, Parental Rights, Fairness & Safety in Sports & Private Spaces, Hunting/Fishing, and ATV access, and more

During the 132^nd Legislature, I submitted legislation and advocated Mainer’s constitutional rights and ways of life.  I served on the Judiciary Committee, overseeing more proposed legislation than any other legislative committee. I worked hard to study the proposed changes in law and how it would affect Maine families, businesses, and abide by the Constitution. I never missed a day of voting in the House chamber and ensured the majority of my constituents would be represented.

---

CALL TO ACTION

I’ve made some very short videos to explain why & how to testify at a Public Hearing so YOUR voice can be heard. 

🚨 Part 1: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B5mjALD42/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

🚨 Part 2: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CdqNsH753/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

🚨 Part 3: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16GCChpgGa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🚨 To sign up for Zoom or submit written testimony: https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/