AUGUSTA - Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, presented two pieces of legislation Tuesday at public hearings before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that would provide proactive and strategic approaches to addressing chronic absenteeism and ensuring that students who have experienced educational disruptions have stability and support.
Reps. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, Ann Matlack, D-St. George, and Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, welcomed Maddie Ripley and her family to the State House on Thursday. Ripley is the first female wrestler to win a state title in a co-ed tournament.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Geiger, Matlack], c. 305-965-2744
Mary-Erin Casale [Talbot Ross], c. 415-4965
Left to right: Rep. Valli Geiger, Gavin Ripley, Jason Yates, Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, Maddie Ripley, Daphne Ripley and Rep. Ann Matlack.
Reps. Karen Montell, D-Gardiner, and Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, welcomed Dillon Elliott, Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club of Kennebec Valley, to the State House on Thursday.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Montell, Shagoury], 305-965-2744
AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would bolster monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments to replace the temporary boosts provided as a federal emergency measure.
AUGUSTA - Rep. Kevin O'Connell, D-Brewer, has been awarded the 2023 G. Clifton Eames Leadership Award from the Bangor Regional Leadership Institute (BRLI).
"To be awarded something named after Clif is an absolute honor," said O'Connell. "He set the bar for what it truly means to be a leader, and I will continue to work hard to be the leader that Brewer and our surrounding communities deserve."
AUGUSTA - Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, introduced a measure Wednesday that would balance Maine's renewable energy development goals with efforts to conserve the state's valuable farmland, soils, and fish and wildlife habitat.
AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services voted to advance legislation on Tuesday sponsored by Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, which would provide ongoing funding for Elena's Way, a Portland-based transitional housing program that serves up to 40 people who are chronically homeless.
AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, legislation Tuesday that would expand the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) and establish a weatherization tax credit.
Maine's current HTC offers a 25% refundable credit for certified commercial rehabilitation projects. For projects that include affordable housing, there is an additional 5% tax credit. The program also offers a small project credit of $50,000 to $250,000 for qualified rehabilitation expenses.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval Tuesday to a measure from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would name the Pink-edged Sulphur the state butterfly. The bill was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.
Gramlich introduced the bill after she was contacted by students Oscar Stanton and Tate Graham last fall. The two fifth-graders at Loranger Middle School wrote to suggest the Legislature name a state butterfly.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would provide funding to integrate trained clinical staff into sexual assault support centers to ensure the highest quality of care.
An estimated one in five Mainers will experience sexual assault at some point in their lifetime, which can lead to serious psychological, physical and emotional trauma.
