• Read more about Rep. Russell welcomes Bucksport High School student groups to State House

AUGUSTA - Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, welcomed Bucksport High School student groups to the State House on Thursday.

The BHS robotics team was recognized by the Legislature for placing third at the world championship. The team was one of 619 finalists to earn championship spots, competing against 3,300 teams from 23 countries around the world.

The BHS jazz combo groups were recognized for finishing second and third at the Maine Music Educators Association Instrumental Jazz Festival and taking three of five individual musician awards.

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• Read more about Committee advances Hepler bill to protect Maine's Common Loon

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to expand protections for Maine loons and other waterfowl by prohibiting the sale and use of certain painted lead fishing tackle, which can be fatal for these species.

• Read more about House advances Malon bill to establish a green schools coordinator within the Department of Education

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to advance LD 612, sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, that would establish a green schools coordinator position within the Department of Education. The position would assist department staff in establishing school facility priorities and work with school administrative units to improve building weatherization and make modifications compatible with renewable energy resources.

• Read more about Committee advances Golek bill to support weatherizing manufactured homes

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted last week to move forward a measure from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would improve access to energy efficiency programs for low- and moderate-income Mainers living in manufactured homes.

• Read more about Salisbury accepted to Council of State Governments' New Legislative Leaders Academy

AUGUSTA - Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, has been accepted to the Council of State Governments' New Legislative Leaders Academy which will gather officials that have been newly elected to leadership positions and facilitate discussions about leadership best practices in a nonpartisan environment.

The academy is dedicated to helping legislators advance their priorities and build connections with leaders across the country. It will take place on June 14-16.

• Read more about House advances Zager bill to improve renters' access to credit

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives unanimously voted to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, that would help low-income Mainers establish or improve credit through their rental payments.

• Read more about Supica introduces legislation to protect renters from unjustified evictions and rent increases

AUGUSTA - Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, presented legislation Monday that would establish statewide rent stabilization and amend the laws regarding lease termination and rent increases.

• Read more about Committee advances Roberts legislation to help reduce student chronic absenteeism and dropout rates

AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to advance two pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, that would provide proactive and strategic approaches to addressing chronic absenteeism and ensuring that students who have experienced educational disruptions have stability and support.

• Read more about Cluchey recognizes Maine's oldest continuing plant sale

Rep. Sally Cluchey, D- Bowdoinham, presents a legislative sentiment to Laura and Sibo Anderson of Bowdoinham recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Bowdoinham Plant Sale.

Laura Anderson is the child and Sibo Anderson is the grandchild of Leslie Anderson, one of the six founding members of the sale.

Contact:
Brian Lee [Cluchey], c. 305-965-2744

Photo: Left to right: Laura Anderson, Sibo Anderson and Rep. Sally Cluchey

• Read more about Gattine introduces bill to close the pay gap for executive branch employees

AUGUSTA - Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, introduced a measure on Friday before the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee that would implement a comprehensive review of the classification and compensation system for executive branch employees.