• Read more about Zager introduces bill to improve low-income individuals' access to credit

AUGUSTA - Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, has proposed bipartisan legislation to create a new pilot project that would improve fair access to housing by helping low-income individuals establish or improve credit.

LD 1107 would create a two-year pilot program at the Maine State Housing Authority to connect renters' favorable payment history to the databases of national credit agencies, such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, on a voluntary basis.

• Read more about Stover recognized as an Outstanding Woman of 2023

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, was recognized this week as one of 20 Outstanding Women in 2023 for her work as the director of the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council and with Lincoln County Dental, a low-income dental program.

Coast 93.1 and Hannaford Supermarkets offer this recognition to women from around Maine who go above and beyond to improve their communities.

• Read more about Mathieson joined by former representative Deane Rykerson at State House

Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, was joined at the State House on Tuesday by constituent and former state representative, Deane Rykerson, who performed the national anthem on the cello prior to the opening of the legislative session.

Contact:

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

Left to right: Rep. Kristi Mathieson and former state representative Deane Rykerson.

• Read more about House gives initial approval to O'Neil proposal to celebrate Maine Needham candies

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval Thursday to a proposal that would celebrate Maine's signature confection by creating Maine Needham Day. The measure was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

LD 292, sponsored by Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, would designate the last Saturday in September each year as Maine Needham Day.

• Read more about Meyer honors Eliot Police Chief Moya at State House

AUGUSTA - Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, and members of the Legislature honored Eliot Police Chief Elliott L. Moya at the State House on Tuesday.

Moya was named Chief of the Year by the Maine Association of Police. He was nominated for the honor by Eliot police officers, who highlighted Moya's work to create a crisis intervention team and his focus on officer wellness.

• Read more about Runte bill to establish a vehicle-to-grid pilot project receives strong community support

AUGUSTA - Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, presented LD 519, A Resolve to Conduct a Vehicle-to-grid Pilot Project Using Electric School Buses, at a public hearing before the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee on Tuesday.

• Read more about Sen. Daughtry, Rep. Cloutier present final report from paid family and medical leave commission

AUGUSTA - Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, presented the final findings and recommendations from the Commission to Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee on Tuesday.

• Read more about Maine House passes measure supporting Ukraine, condemning Russia's aggression one year after invasion

AUGUSTA - The Maine House on Tuesday passed a measure expressing support for Ukraine and condemning Russia's aggression one year after Russian forces invaded the neighboring country. The vote was 87-54.

• Read more about Legislative committee advances Terry bill to support veterans relocating to Maine

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted on Friday to advance legislation sponsored by House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham, aimed at supporting military members transitioning to civilian life in Maine.

LD 265 would help fund organizations actively recruiting retiring military members and their families to Maine, and would provide support as they transition to civilian life.

• Read more about Taxation Committee approves Murphy bill to create a sales tax exemption for diapers

AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Taxation Committee voted Thursday to move forward LD 287, An Act to Support Parents by Providing a Sales Tax Exemption for Diapers. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Noonan Murphy, D-Scarborough.

The bill was amended to include diaper accessories such as covers and pins and clarifies that the exemption is limited to the purchase of children's diapers.