By Rep. Kristi Mathieson

As the federal government grinds through a historic shutdown, the headlines – predictably – often focus on political maneuvering. But out of the political spotlight, the real story is unfolding in colder homes, emptier fridges and workplaces where people are showing up without pay. The pain can be quiet, cumulative and largely invisible to those in power who call basic assistance like heating help and food security measures “extreme.”

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, local lawmakers reacted to 

AUGUSTA – Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, has been appointed to serve as House chair of the Legislature’s Taxation Committee by Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford. Having served in Maine’s House of Representatives for three years, he takes over for Rep. Kristen Cloutier, who resigned from the House effective Oct. 31. 

The committee oversees the Bureau of Revenue Services and the State Board of Property Tax Review, as well as measures related to taxpayer relief programs, property valuation and assessment, and municipal revenue sharing.  

By Rep. Parnell Terry

Throughout my first year in office, one of the most frequent concerns I’ve heard from constituents is that the rising cost of living is making it harder for families in Gorham to get ahead. From increasing housing costs to grocery prices, it feels like everything is more expensive now than it was even just a year ago. It’s hurting working families and older folks on fixed incomes the most. 

By Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot 

By Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, and Sen. Teresa Pierce, D-Falmouth, welcomed members of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to hear oral arguments for appeal cases at Falmouth High School. 

Contact: 

Kuhn invites Maine Supreme Judicial Court to Falmouth High School on Oct. 9

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Oct. 9 at 9 a.m., the Maine Supreme Judicial Court will arrive at Falmouth High School to hear oral arguments for three different legal cases.. The event, which is being organized by Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, will provide local high school students the opportunity to witness proceedings of the state’s judicial branch up close. 

AUGUSTA – Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, and Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, will hold office hours on Friday, Oct. 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Wescustago Hall and Community Center. The community center is located at 120 Memorial Highway in North Yarmouth.  Appointments are not necessary. 

AUGUSTA – Today, 11 Maine state lawmakers signed a letter spearheaded by Rep. Gary Friedmann, D-Bar Harbor, condemning the recent removal of educational signs in Acadia National Park, as directed by Secretary Doug Burgum of the U.S. Department of the Interior.