• Read more about Maine Legislative leaders send letter to Starbucks CEO in support of Biddeford Starbucks workers

AUGUSTA - On Thursday, Maine Legislative leaders sent a letter in support of Biddeford Starbucks workers to the President and CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz.

The letter states:

"It has come to our attention that employees at Store #48490 in Biddeford, Maine are in the process of organizing a union with Starbucks Workers United. As state elected officials, we support our hardworking constituents and respect their right to form labor associations to represent their interests in the workplace.

• Read more about Maine state agency releases data on firearm deaths

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has released its first annual report on firearm deaths and hospitalizations. The report is the result of a measure introduced by Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, which became law last year.

• Read more about To the Editor:

High energy costs and rising prices have hit Maine households hard. As state representative, my top priority has been to make sure we are helping Mainers during this difficult time. That's why I supported measures to provide relief to working people, retirees and families, including $850 direct relief payments.

The $850 direct relief checks are expected to begin hitting mailboxes this week, so I want to make sure my constituents have the eligibility information needed to qualify.

• Read more about Bill to establish green housing standards becomes law

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to codify green housing standards was recently signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills.

As amended, LD 1656, will increase Maine's energy-efficient affordable housing stock by requiring new construction projects funded by the Maine State Housing Authority to meet certain housing design standards and sustainability requirements.

• Read more about News from Augusta: Free day use at state parks

You may have heard in the news recently about the upcoming "Residents' Day" at Maine State Parks. Gov. Janet Mills has waived day use fees for Maine residents at our parks and historic sites on Sunday, June 19. This a great opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors and maybe explore a park you've never been to before.

• Read more about Rep. Zeigler: Don't miss out on $850 direct relief checks

The Legislature has completed its work for the 2020-2022 term, and, while there is much to report, there is one item I want to be sure Waldo County residents know about.

Recognizing that Mainers are struggling with rising prices and the lingering strain from the pandemic, my colleagues and I passed legislation to send revenue dollars directly to you. This will come in the form of $850 checks, which will be mailed to over 850,000 tax filers starting in June.

• Read more about Maine Legislative Leaders Support Biddeford Starbucks Employees

AUGUSTA - On Friday, all three Democratic leaders in the Maine House of Representatives shared supportive statements at the news of Starbucks workers in Biddeford Maine filing a petition for a union election. The Biddeford store's letter to the President and CEO of Starbucks is available here. Starbucks workers signed their letter 'In Solidarity, Partners of store #48490. Today's announcement makes Maine the 35th state where Starbucks workers are unionizing.

• Read more about Governor signs Blume bill to create a climate change education pilot program

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, to create a climate change education pilot program in Maine public schools is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill May 3.

• Read more about Governor signs Madigan bill to require health care companies to cover fertility treatment

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills ceremonially signed a bill Monday sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, that will require health care providers to cover fertility treatment.

• Read more about Dodge bill to increase access to lifesaving drug signed into law

On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a measure by Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, that will increase the availability of intranasal naloxone in community and corrections settings. The bill will go into effect on August 8, 2022.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Dodge] c. 812-1111

Pictured from left to right: Rep. Jan Dodge of Belfast, Gov. Janet Mills and Gordon Smith, Director of Opioid Response.