• Read more about From housing to education, Democrats are investing in Maine families

The first session of the 131st Legislature has come to a close, and I am so proud of all we accomplished to support our community.

• Read more about Lookner to greet sea kayaker paddling from Portland to Augusta to raise awareness for public beach access and outdoor education

AUGUSTA - Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, will join registered Maine sea kayak guides in Augusta on Wednesday evening to greet Joe Guglielmetti, Master Maine Sea Kayak Guide, following his attempt to paddle the nearly 70 miles from Portland's East End to the Maine State House in just one day. Guglielmetti is embarking on the trip to raise awareness and build support for preserving public beach access and increasing funding for outdoor education programming in Maine schools.

• Read more about Brennan applauds funding for English Language Learners

AUGUSTA - The supplemental budget passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Janet Mills last month will provide a significant infusion of new funds to school districts across the state that have seen an increase in students who are English Language Learners (ELL).

• Read more about Governor Mills signs measure to create a school meal equipment improvement fund

AUGUSTA - A measure by Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, that will establish the School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund, administered by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill on Thursday, July 27.

• Read more about Rielly bill to better address sexual assault and harassment within Maine National Guard signed into law

AUGUSTA - A proposal by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, which would implement recommendations from the Governor's Advisory Council on Military Sexual Trauma is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the measure on Thursday, July 27.

• Read more about Bridgeo bill to fund lake restoration projects is now law

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Bill Bridgeo, D-Augusta, aimed at funding lake restoration projects, is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the measure last week.

As amended, LD 164 will provide $200,000 to the Department of Environmental Protection's Lake Restoration and Protection Fund to help improve or maintain the water quality of lakes in the state.

• Read more about Governor Mills signs measure to improve school bus safety

AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, Governor Janet Mills signed into law a measure that will improve safety for students when entering and exiting a school bus. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell.

LD 62 requires antipinch sensors to be installed in all new school buses starting in 2025.

• Read more about Landry bill to protect Maine firefighters from harmful chemicals is now law

AUGUSTA - A proposal by Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, to help local fire departments limit firefighters' exposure to harmful chemicals is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the measure on Thursday.

"Firefighters are at a significantly increased risk for cancer because of the carcinogens they encounter while on the job," said Landry. "It's time that we gave them the tools they need to minimize their exposure to toxic chemicals. Firefighters respond at all hours to protect our safety, and we should be doing all we can to keep them safe, too."

• Read more about Kessler bill to increase notice period for certain rent increases becomes law

AUGUSTA - A bill to increase the notice period that a landlord must provide a tenant before significantly increasing their rent is now law. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland.

• Read more about Roeder, Supica selected for prestigious CSG Henry Toll Fellowship

AUGUSTA - The Council of State Governments (CSG) has announced that Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, and Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, have been selected to participate in the 2023 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship. Bringing together 47 individuals from 29 states and U.S. territories and from all branches of state government, the Henry Toll Fellowship is the nation's premier leadership development program for state government officials.