AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, President Joe Biden approved the State of Maine's request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the back-to-back January storms that caused severe coastal flooding. The federal assistance will help cover the cost of public infrastructure repairs and make direct assistance available to eligible families and businesses in eight counties, including York.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted this week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, that would provide more property tax relief to low-income older Mainers by expanding the existing Property Tax Fairness Credit. The bill passed the House in a 135-1 vote on Wednesday and passed the Senate in a unanimous vote on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - Today, Reps. Dan Ankeles and Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, and Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, welcomed the Brunswick High School Girls' Basketball Team to the State House. The team was presented with a legislative sentiment for winning the 2024 Class A Girls' High School Basketball State Championship.

"We are all so proud of this team making history," said Ankeles. "The focus and dedication they showed makes them all role models for kids across Brunswick and throughout Maine."

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, to establish a clean hydrogen pilot program, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - Legislation sponsored by Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, that would require health care entities and private insurers to provide patients with an estimated cost of their health care services, received unanimous final approval by the Maine Legislature on Wednesday.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, allowing manufactured housing on single-family lots was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday.

LD 337 will add an affordable homeownership pathway for low-to-middle-income Mainers grappling with the state's housing crisis. As amended, the bill will put manufactured housing on par with single-family, site-built homes by subjecting them to the same municipality-specific design and zoning criteria.

State Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, delivered the official prayer in the House chamber during the session's opening ceremonies on Tuesday

Contact:

Brian Lee [Graham], c. 305-965-2744

Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell (right) welcomed Gary Crocker of West Gardiner to the State House on Tuesday. Crocker performed the national anthem in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the start of the day's session.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Shagoury], c. 305-965-2744

We have many things to be grateful for here in Maine, including access to clean air and water, and a livable climate. However, without our continued efforts to limit the effects of climate change, the natural resources we've come to cherish may become relics of the past.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted to advance a bill this week sponsored by Rep. Mark Worth, D-Ellsworth, that would expand hands-on learning opportunities for Maine students.

LD 2131 would help increase Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), which are programs for high school students that include paid meaningful work experiences and skills development that could be applied towards an academic credit or professional certification upon graduation.