AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Legislature's Legislative Council voted 6-2, with 1 member absent and 1 member abstaining to safely reopen the State House to the public beginning Monday, May 24. The full Legislature will begin holding floor sessions at the State House beginning June 2.
The COVID-19 Prevention Policy has been updated to eliminate social distancing requirements and require the wearing of face coverings when in shared legislative space. Committee work will remain entirely virtual through the end of the special session.
The Presiding Officers released the following statements:
Senate President Troy Jackson:
"After months of doing our part to keep our constituents, colleagues, and staff, we can finally reopen the State House to the public and begin moving towards normalcy. We are so fortunate that the Maine Legislature did not experience the devastating outbreaks and heartbreaking tragedies that we saw in the legislative bodies in other states. While I'm disappointed that some of my colleagues voted against safely reopening the State House, I look forward to returning to the Senate Chamber so we can end this session by delivering some much-needed relief to our constituents. Make no mistake - the fact that our slowly returning to normal is a testament to the commitment of Maine people to do their part to look out for each other and get vaccinated."
Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau:
"Members of the Legislative Council had a lengthy discussion about how to return to the State House in a safe way today. A revised plan was approved that does the best, at this time, to protect the health and safety of everyone who enters and works in the building. This is yet another major leap towards normalcy."
Todays Legislative Council meeting can be streamed on Youtube.
Christine Kirby (Jackson), (207) 294-2468
Jenna Howard (Fecteau), (207) 214-3185