AUGUSTA - Yesterday, members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee met to consider the 245 bills that made it to the Special Appropriations Table. During their meeting, the committee made recommendations to fund 80 bills and take no action on the remainder.
Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross released the following statement:
"These investments will address immediate needs in our communities and represent careful consideration from legislators throughout the session. By prioritizing initiatives that will improve health care, advance equitable outcomes and better educate our children, we are striving to create a Maine where everyone has a fair chance to thrive and succeed."
AFA Chair Rep. Melanie Sachs released the following statement:
"The set of bills that were forwarded yesterday bills from both chambers and both sides of the aisle are strategic investments that will help ensure that we are better able to meet the needs of Maine people. They will help make progress as we work to create a strong future for our state."
Critical pieces of legislation championed by House Democrats received the support of the committee, including:
LD 1161 - An Act to Fund Free Health Clinics. This initiative provides one-time funding for the State's free health clinics, which are designed to provide care to underserved communities.
LD 1684 - An Act to Invest in the Health and Wellness of Older Maine Residents by Expanding Coordinated Community Programming. This bill expands coordinated community programming for older adults to include case management and navigation services.
LD 348 - An Act to Make Menstrual Products Available in Certain Schools. - This bill requires school administrative units to require their schools that serve students in grades 6-12 provide menstrual products in one bathroom per school.
LD 2001 - Resolve, to Establish the African American and Wabanaki Studies Advisory Council and Provide Funding to Support African American Studies and Wabanaki Studies. This bill establishes the African American and Wabanaki Studies Advisory Council to serve as a resource to educators, schools and the Department of Education to ensure the implementation of African American studies and Wabanaki studies in accordance with existing Maine law.
LD 2203 - An Act to Require Health Insurance Coverage for Federally Approved Nonprescription Oral Hormonal Contraceptives. This bill will improve access to contraception by requiring private insurers to cover all FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptive products.
LD 2210 - An Act to Establish a Civil Rights Unit Within the Office of the Attorney General and Require Enhanced Ongoing Civil Rights Training for Civil Rights Officers. This bill establishes a civil rights unit within the Office of the Attorney General. The unit will receive and investigate complaints related to possible violations of the Maine Civil Rights Act, initiate civil actions under the Maine Civil Rights Act, coordinate with other individuals and entities dedicated to advancing civil rights, engage in public education and outreach on civil rights issues related to hate and bias to advance civil rights and provide recommendations on how to ensure protections of civil rights.
Bills that have been amended will face further consideration by the full legislature on Friday, May 10.
Contact:
Mary Erin Casale (207) 415-4965