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Island lawmaker to lead Democrats in the 123rd Legislature
November 21, 2006
AUGUSTA – Rep. Hannah Pingree, D- North Haven, has distinguished herself in the Maine Legislature - serving on the powerful budget-writing Appropriations Committee in her first term, and as the House Chair of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee in her second term. Now in her third term, the North Haven native has risen again, this time into the highest ranks of legislative leadership.
Last week, House Democrats chose Pingree as the House Majority Leader for 123rd Maine Legislature. Pingree is only the third woman in Maine history to be elected to serve as the House Majority Leader, and at 30 years old, she is the youngest women to assume the post. As the Majority Leader, she will serve as the floor leader and the spokesperson for the House Democratic caucus, which now holds an 89-seat majority.
“It was an honor to have my colleagues put this trust in me at such an important and challenging time for our state,” said Pingree. “I look forward to working with my fellow House members, on both sides of the aisle, to find solutions for Maine people. And as a Democratic leader, I will have an even greater opportunity to address the needs of my constituents and those of island and coastal communities in Maine.”
Pingree follows in the footsteps of her mother, Chellie Pingree, who served as the Majority Leader in the Maine Senate - but she has also built her own reputation. During her legislative service, she has been a leader on issues ranging from ensuring access to the internet for rural and island communities, keeping prescription drug coverage affordable and available for Maine seniors, fighting for electoral reform, protecting children from toxins, growing the economies of Maine’s rural communities, and working to lower property taxes.
During her run for leadership, Pingree also established the Women’s Leadership Fund to help support aspiring women who are interested in making the transition into public service.
In the Legislature, Pingree represents her home town of North Haven as well as 10 other island and coastal towns including Brooklin, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, Stonington, Swan’s Island, Tremont, Vinalhaven and part of Mount Desert Island. In addition to serving in the Legislature, she works as the Capital Campaign Director for the North Haven Community School Building Fund.
Pingree grew up on North Haven and graduated from the North Haven Community School. She went on to graduate from Brown University, and was a Fellow for Leadership in Public Affairs for the Coro Foundation in New York City.
Contact:
Rep. Hannah Pingree, 287-1430
Casey Johnson Bromberg, Legislative Aide, 287-1430