• Read more about Eaton introduces bill to study access to treatment for substance use disorder

AUGUSTA - Many Mainers in rural parts of the state struggle to access treatment for substance use disorder. Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, has proposed legislation to create a working group to examine the issue closely.

"Access to the medication a person needs when they are in recovery from substance use disorder is critical," said Eaton. "It hurts our neighbors and our community if folks seek help but cannot actually access it."

• Read more about Terry serves as Speaker pro tempore in the Maine House

Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, served as Speaker pro tempore of the Maine House of Representatives on Tuesday. Terry is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents part of Gorham. She serves as the House Majority Leader.

Contact:

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

• Read more about Milliken to hold constituent office hours in Trenton

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, will host constituent office hours in Trenton on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Trenton Town Office, located at 59 Oak Point Rd.

The office hours will provide residents with an opportunity to hear updates from Augusta, ask questions about policymaking and share opinions on state matters. Office hours also serve as an opportunity for residents navigating state agencies to voice their concerns.

• Read more about Fay bill to amend laws governing water supply protection funds receives unanimous committee support

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted last week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond. LD 211, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Water Supply Protection Funds, would allow water utilities to partner with conservation organizations to preserve land in order to protect water quality for their ratepayers.

• Read more about Brunswick student presents testimony before legislative committee

Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, welcomed Cecelia Smith, an eighth-grader at Brunswick Junior High School, to the Legislature's Transportation Committee on Tuesday, where she presented testimony in support of LD 21, Resolve, Designating Maine Turnpike Approach Road in South Portland as Samantha Smith Way.

• Read more about Heating Help is on the Way

Maine Revenue Services announced that it has begun mailing out the first wave of $450 winter energy relief checks to an estimated 880,000 eligible Maine residents as part of LD 3, An Act to Establish the Winter Energy Relief Payment Program to Aid Residents with High Heating Costs and to Finalize the COVID Pandemic R

• Read more about Doudera introduces bill to increase education workforce

AUGUSTA - Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that would increase the number of available educational professionals in Maine by accepting out-of-state certifications.

• Read more about Waterville delegation joined by local rabbi at State House

Reps. Colleen Madigan and Bruce White, both D-Waterville, welcomed Rabbi Rachel Isaacs of Beth Israel Congregation to the State House on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Madigan, White], c. 305-965-2744

Left to right: Rep. Bruce White, Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, Rep. Colleen Madigan.

• Read more about Loranger Middle School students debate Maine state butterfly choices

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, and state officials from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife joined Loranger Middle School students on Friday to discuss Gramlich's bill to name a state butterfly.

Fifth-grade students made their cases on which butterfly deserves the title to Gramlich and Commissioner Judy Camuso, wildlife biologist Phillip deMaynadier, Ph.D., and Education and Outreach Supervisor Laura Craver-Rogers.

• Read more about Legislative panel advances O'Neil proposal to celebrate Maine Needham candies

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's State and Local Government Committee advanced a proposal on Thursday that would celebrate Maine's signature confection by creating Maine Needham Day. The vote was unanimous.

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