AUGUSTA - On Friday, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved a continuing services budget. The vote was unanimous among present members. The budget measure - LD 424, "An Act Making Certain Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government" goes before the Legislature for a vote next week.

AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted last Thursday to move forward LD 603, An Act to Make Electric Breast Pumps More Accessible by Providing for MaineCare Reimbursement. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Noonan Murphy, D-Scarborough.

The bill would allow eligible MaineCare recipients to obtain electric breast pumps or supplies without prior authorization or limitations when prescribed or recommended by a physician.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, introduced legislation Friday that would provide additional student debt relief for social workers to help grow the profession and improve mental health services in Maine.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Thursday that intends to allow a prospective tenant to use a streamlined screening service report during the rental application process in an effort to limit the rental application fees paid by applicants.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, will host constituent office hours in Castine on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Compass Rose Books, located at 3 Main Street.

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.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 804, An Act to Increase the Time Period for Notice to Terminate a Tenancy at Will, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 691, An Act to Reduce Barriers to Housing by Prohibiting Tenant Application Fees, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee that would prohibit an employer from requiring or permitting a veterinarian to enter into a noncompete agreement, unless they have an ownership interest in the practice. The bill would also prohibit a court from enforcing a noncompete agreement that was signed prior to the date the bill would become law.

AUGUSTA - For decades, natural resources have been vital to Maine's economy and identity. To protect the state's natural resources and the industries and communities that rely on them, House Democrats have recently introduced several pieces of legislation that foster rural economic development opportunities, expand access to agricultural education in public schools and support our heritage industries.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, introduced legislation Wednesday to require school administrative units to provide a 30-minute lunch period for Maine students.