When newly-elected presiding officers Rep. Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven) and Sen. Libby Mitchell (D-Vassalboro) took the gavel in their respective chambers Wednesday, they also outlined an ambitious agenda for the upcoming term.

With a $274 million budget gap, there are tough times ahead, they stressed. "We face the task of governing our state through some of the most trying times it has faced in a generation," Pingree told the House.

Pingree said she wants to divert 10 percent of Maine's food and energy spending to in state sources. She said this will strengthen Maine's economy by supporting small businesses and their communities. Those sources might include Maine's lobstermen, blueberry farmers or renewable energy providers, Pingree said.

Pingree said she and Mitchell will form a joint select committee on energy to create jobs in the alternative energy sector, save energy in Maine homes and businesses, reduce carbon emissions and create beneficial policies. Pingree also said she wants a balanced budget, meaningful tax reform and better access to health care. She said she also wants to provide education for Maine's young people, and improve the state's infrastructure.

In her speech to the Senate, Mitchell had a similar tone.

"We arrive here in the midst of an economic crisis. State government revenues are slipping, at the very time that demands for state services in health care, higher education, and economic development are increasing," she said.

She then brought up past crisis' that the state went through, such as the workers' compensation crisis in 1990 and the energy crisis in the 1970s.

Mitchell also noted the new energy committee. "This Committee will harness the talents of Legislators from both bodies who will work together and identify opportunities to advance a greener Maine," she said.

Mitchell also said she wants to invest in creating jobs in the state by supporting research and development, biotechnology, energy efficiency, infrastructure, education and health care.

She said she also wanted to promote Maine's natural beauty.

"Maine is a great place to live," Mitchell said. "Our natural beauty and quality of life are unmatched. But it is our people who make this a special place. Maine people believe in family, in hard work and community. They may have trouble asking for help, but they have no trouble offering it. All people want is an opportunity for a better tomorrow."