AUGUSTA – The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee unanimously advanced legislation recently proposed by Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, to support public health initiatives and preserve youth-focused tobacco prevention efforts in Maine.  

AUGUSTA – Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, introduced legislation before the Judiciary Committee last week that would provide clarity for employees at Maine health care facilities, public libraries, schools and daycare centers that they cannot provide non-public information to federal immigration authorities like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill would also ensure that ICE cannot access the non-public spaces of public facilities without a valid judicial warrant. 

AUGUSTA – Yesterday, Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, introduced a bill before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that would help nonprofit organizations address the growing threat of hate crimes and acts of terrorism by increasing security measures. 

AUGUSTA – Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, introduced two bills to address high energy costs in Maine last week before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.  

AUGUSTA – Yesterday, Representative Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, urged lawmakers on the Legislature’s Transportation Committee to pass legislation that would make school buses safer for Maine students. The measure, LD 2159, was introduced by Rep.

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, introduced legislation to protect kids riding on school buses before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee.  

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Rep. Julie McCabe, D-Lewiston, introduced a measure before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee that would establish an emergency rate increase and a stabilization fund for children’s residential care facilities in Maine.

LD 2125 would provide $1 million to the sustainability fund in order to help stabilize children’s residential treatment providers that are in danger of closing. 

By Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle

As of Jan. 7, the 132nd Legislature is back in Augusta to conduct our second session of the two-year term. Currently, we have roughly 700 bills to consider before our adjournment date in April. 

AUGUSTA – The Housing and Economic Development Committee voted to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Wayne Farrin, D-Jefferson, that would help more Mainers afford to buy homes by reducing mortgage costs. 

By Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach

All children deserve to be safe, healthy and cared for, and to have access to an education that meets their individual needs. But for too many young Mainers, that is simply not the case.