• Read more about Ankeles introduces bill to allow towns to lower speed limits

AUGUSTA - Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, introduced legislation Thursday to make it easier for Maine cities and towns to lower speed limits in areas with high bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

"Giving towns the opportunity to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists will reduce accidents and save lives," said Ankeles. "We need a faster, locally-focused way to adapt as more Maine families bike and walk in an increasing number of circumstances".

• Read more about Legislative committee advances Bridgeo bill to fund lake restoration projects

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Bill Bridgeo, D-Augusta, aimed at funding lake restoration projects.

As amended, LD 164 would provide $2.5 million over two years to the Department of Environmental Protections Lake Restoration and Protection Fund to help fund efforts that will either improve or maintain the water quality of lakes in the state.

• Read more about Craven introduces bill to require recess for middle school students

AUGUSTA - Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, introduced legislation Thursday to require a minimum weekly amount of outdoor recess for students in grades 6 to 8.

"Most middle school students are at school for over seven and a half hours," said Craven. "It is essential for them to have some freedom to do what they'd like to do, to get some fresh air, to have down time to reduce stress or organize their thoughts. Children find it difficult to stay seated for hours at a time, and going outdoors is a proven way to release pent-up energy and engage with their peers."

• Read more about Roeder introduces bill to increase access to severance pay

AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee that would increase access to severance pay for Maine workers.

Current law requires industrial and commercial facilities with more than 100 employees to provide severance pay due to the closing, substantial shutdown or relocation of 100 miles or more of their establishment. It also requires an employee to work with their employer for a minimum of three years to be eligible for this severance pay.

• Read more about Shagoury presents sentiment to outgoing city clerk

Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, presents Diane Polky with a legislative sentiment recognizing her decades of service to the City of Hallowell and congratulating her on her retirement.

Left to right: Rep. Dan Shagoury, City Clerk Diane Polky, Hallowell Mayor George Lapointe.

• Read more about Start of legislative session offers fresh opportunities to help Mainers

The start of a new year is often seen as a time of new beginnings, with many of us resolving to make positive changes and explore opportunities for a fresh start. Our work in the first session of the 131st Legislature is no different.

• Read more about Rielly bills to fund the Maine Climate Corps and Maine Service Fellows receive committee support

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted on Tuesday to advance two bills by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, that would fund the Maine Climate Corps and Maine Service Fellows programs.

LD 142, An Act to Fund Climate-related Service Work, seeks approximately $3.7 million over the next three years to support four Maine Climate Corps program leadership positions and 50 program participants.

• Read more about Rep. Scott Landry visits Cascade Brook School

Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, visited Mrs. Sarah Reynolds' third-grade class at Cascade Brook School. Landry, who is serving his third term in the Legislature and represents Farmington and Chesterville, keeps several breeds of pigeons at his Farmington home. He brought a racing pigeon to teach the students about the hobby.

Contact:

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

• Read more about Facing attempts to roll back toxic chemical protections, Maine must lead

Since the discovery of PFAS contamination on Stoneridge Farm in Arundel back in 2016, Maine has been a national leader on combating PFAS contamination. The Maine Legislature and Governor Janet Mills have taken several important steps to both reduce the sources of these so-called "forever chemicals," per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, and to provide resources to those impacted by PFAS contamination.

• Read more about Heating Help is on the Way

To the Editor:

Maine Revenue Services has begun mailing $450 winter energy relief checks to approximately 880,000 eligible Maine residents as part of LD 3, which the Legislature enacted with bipartisan support in early January.