By Rep. Wayne Farrin, D-Jefferson
I hope you were able to enjoy your summer and are settling into the beginning of fall. As we move into the new season, I’ve been thinking about my first year in the Legislature and the work we did for Maine people – along with the work that still lies ahead.
On Sept. 24, hundreds of new laws that we passed this year took effect, including measures that will protect health care access, increase nursing home funding, strengthen our child care workforce, double Maine’s Child Tax Credit for many families and provide the largest tax cut for first-time homebuyers in state history. These laws will help young families build their lives here while ensuring that more older Mainers can age with dignity in their communities.
While the Legislature is fairly quiet right now, my work continues through constituent meetings, community events and preparing for the upcoming legislative session that starts in January. This summer also provided me with valuable opportunities to deepen my understanding of the marine issues that are impacting our coastal economy and way of life.
In August, I joined my fellow members on the Marine Resources Committee for a tour of four oyster farms organized by Maine Ocean Farms in Freeport. We traveled on their new electric aquaculture boat, learned about their growing techniques and even got to sample their harvest. Witnessing the hard work and innovation of Maine’s aquaculture community firsthand reinforced how critical it is that we make good policy decisions that support our coastal economy.
This kind of direct engagement with our fishing and aquaculture communities is great to help guide the legislative work we do. That’s why this year I was proud to cosponsor LD 1503, An Act to Create a Green Crab Only Wholesale Dealer License, which was signed into law. This legislation tackles the invasive green crab population that threatens our shellfish resources like blue mussels and soft-shell clams. By creating an affordable harvester license specifically for green crabs, we’re opening pathways for viable commercial markets while protecting our wild fisheries.
I also proudly cosponsored LD 1353, An Act Regarding Required Landings in the Menhaden Fishery, which has been carried over to the next session. Currently, menhaden license eligibility requires holding a license the previous year, but this can unfairly disqualify experienced fishermen who missed a single season due to circumstances beyond their control, such as illness, boat repairs or shifting bait demand. This bill supports working fishermen, protects the critical bait supply for our lobster industry and ensures this fishery remains local and sustainable under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's quota management system. I look forward to continuing to work on this important issue.
Despite much of the progress the Legislature made this year on important issues the number one issue I continue to hear from constituents is that they’re struggling with rising costs. There’s still much work ahead to make our state more affordable and build an economy that works for all Mainers. This is especially true for our fishing communities, who face unique pressures from both economic challenges and evolving federal regulations.
Maine’s marine resources represent far more than an economic engine—they’re fundamental to who we are as Mainers. Whether we’re supporting innovative aquaculture operations, addressing invasive species or navigating federal regulations, protecting these resources while supporting the families and communities who depend on them requires careful balance and constant vigilance. Together, we must preserve and grow Maine’s maritime heritage for future generations.
As always, please feel free to contact me at wayne.farrin@legislature.maine.gov with your questions and concerns. I have greatly enjoyed representing you in Augusta and I am deeply committed to my committee work. I will continue to diligently serve our district and support legislation that improves the lives of all Mainers.
Rep. Wayne Farrin is serving his first term in the Maine House, representing Jefferson, Alna, Whitefield and Wiscasset. He serves as a member of the Marine Resources Committee and the State and Local Government Committee.