AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council recently voted to advance a bill from Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, that would provide property tax relief to Mainers by expanding the existing Property Tax Fairness Credit.

AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council recently approved a bill from Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, that would make it easier for more MaineCare members to have a loved one accompany them to a medical appointment.

AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council recently approved a bill from Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, that would address ratepayer dissatisfaction by enhancing performance-based ratemaking (PBR) for Maine's electric utilities, adding incentives or penalties for utilities that meet or fail to meet performance goals established by state regulators.

AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council approved a bill last week from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, which would direct the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) to examine systemic difficulties in obtaining and utilizing low-income affordable housing vouchers and provide further support for Section 8 housing voucher recipients.

AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council voted earlier this month to advance two bill proposals sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would support the state's health care workforce by adding Maine to the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact and prohibiting the Maine Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing electronic visit verification practices among hospice care providers within the MaineCare program.

AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council recently approved a bill from Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, that would make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food by exempting buildings used for the cultivation of crops, like permanent greenhouses, from the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC).

AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council approved a bill Thursday from Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, that would increase the state's annual shelter operating subsidy from $2.5 million to $12.5 million.

AUGUSTA - Legislative leaders voted to advance a proposal by Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, to address looming property tax reassessments across Maine that could accelerate gentrification and make it more difficult for families to afford to remain in their homes and communities.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, delivered the keynote address at the Excellence in Long-Term Care Awards Luncheon on Nov. 9. The event, hosted by the Maine Health Care Association in partnership with the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, honored 14 caregivers for their dedication and performance. Among the honorees was Durgin Pines MDS Coordinator Kathryn Derosiers, who was recognized for her clinical expertise and dedication to her residents.

AUGUSTA - Rep. David Sinclair, D-Bath, will serve as a member of the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government. He was appointed by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland.

"Maine has a long history of strong local government," said Sinclair. "It is vital to a thriving democracy, and I look forward to bringing my experience serving on the Bath City Council to this work to support our municipalities and the public services they provide. I am grateful to Speaker Talbot Ross for this opportunity."