AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Housing Committee voted Friday to advance two proposals from Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that aim to tackle the state's worsening housing crisis.

As amended, the first bill, LD 226, would invest $40 million in affordable housing construction and programs annually over the next five years, adding up to a total investment of $200 million. It received unanimous support from the committee.

Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, and Rep. Ed Crockett, D-Portland, welcomed Dr. Patrick Connolly of Falmouth to the State House on Thursday, where he served as the Maine House Doctor of the Day. Connolly is a colleague of Rep. Zager at Martin's Point Health Care and a constituent of Rep. Crockett.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Zager, Crockett], c. 305-965-2744

AUGUSTA - Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, introduced legislation Wednesday before the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee that would establish Maines Storm Water Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee that would update the description of the Maine state flag to include gender-neutral language. It would also require that one of the figures on the flag be depicted as female.

Reps. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Winthrop, Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, Senator Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows welcomed 8th grade students from Mranacook Community Middle School to the State House Thursday.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Hasenfus, Shagoury], 305-965-2744
Lisa Haberzettl [Hickman], 207-251-3548
Emily Cook [Bellows], 207-441-0405

AUGUSTA - Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, introduced LD 1775 Tuesday before the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, which would establish a clean hydrogen pilot program.

Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, and fellow physician Dr. Patrick Connolly of Falmouth biked together to the State House Thursday from Gardiner for Bike Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Dr. Connolly also served as Doctor of the Day for the Maine House of Representatives.

Contact:

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

Left to right: Rep. Sam Zager and Dr. Patrick Connolly.

Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, was joined at the State House on Wednesday by constituent and former state representative from Yarmouth, Janice Cooper.

Contact:

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

Left to right: Former state representative Janice Cooper and Rep. Art Bell.

AUGUSTA - Following the introduction today of extreme Republican legislation that could ban books, hinder access to educational materials and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Maine public schools, Rep.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Wednesday to advance LD 830, sponsored by Rep. Daniel J. Hobbs, D-Wells, which would direct the Maine Community College System to study providing more housing on its campuses.