AUGUSTA - Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, joined leaders from Maine and Quebec last week to build support for a Montreal-to-Boston passenger train route that would include stops in Old Orchard Beach and other Maine locations.

AUGUSTA - The Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services in the State will hold its first meeting today, Thursday, Sept. 1. The commission established by the Legislature will examine and make recommendations on the structure, support and delivery of emergency medical services in the State.

Summer is still in full swing, and we've seen record temperatures in recent weeks. However, we know that the cold weather will return soon enough. I've heard from a few people recently about their concerns for keeping their homes warm this winter. Fortunately, there are resources available for those who need assistance.

Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP) Home Energy Assistance Program helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. The approval process can take some time, so I encourage you to apply as early as possible.

AUGUSTA -A first-of-its-kind Maine law to protect survivors of domestic violence from poor credit reports as a result of economic abuse by their estranged partners has been upheld by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The bill from Representative Jessica Fay was widely celebrated by domestic violence advocates when it passed in 2019. However, the U.S. District Court of Maine invalidated a critical piece of the law in a case brought by the consumer data industry in 2020.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Richard Evans, D-Dover-Foxcroft, that helps to aid uninsured Mainers in obtaining health insurance, will go into effect today, Monday, August 8.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that would establish the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, goes into effect today, Monday, August 8.

AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to provide direct funds to communities to support their efforts to reduce the presence of browntail moths goes into effect today, August 8.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, that will review the safety of Maine's dams, will go into effect today, Monday, August 8.

AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, that aims to prevent tax haven abuse by corporations who do business in Maine goes into effect today.

AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, to address Maine's need for clinical behavioral health care services and increase the state's qualified counseling workforce goes into effect today.