AUGUSTA - A pair of bills to increase funding for Maine's tobacco prevention and cessation programs, sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, and Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, received funding approval last week from the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

AUGUSTA - Three bills advancing public health, sponsored by Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, passed the House and Senate Monday and now await signature by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature passed a legislative sentiment Monday recognizing Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, for his 54 years of public service to the people of Maine.

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills signed into law last week a bill sponsored by Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, that will protect patients' access to health care.

AUGUSTA - In response to news that over 857,000 Mainers will receive $850 direct relief checks after the supplemental budget was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Janet Mills, Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, released the following statement:

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, that would allow the state to reimburse municipalities for qualifying expenses incurred in their effort to permit licensed adult use marijuana businesses.

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills recently signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, that will clarify and strengthen state laws regarding domestic partners.

AUGUSTA - Following strong bipartisan votes in the Legislature, Gov. Janet Mills signed a supplemental budget into law Wednesday that includes funding to improve public employees' retirement benefits. Efforts to increase public employees' pensions in the 130th Legislature were spearheaded by Sen. Joseph Rafferty, D-York, the sponsor of LD 1413, and Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, the sponsor of LD 1227.

AUGUSTA - In response to news that the Maine Department of Marine Resources has terminated a permit application by American Aquafarms to farm Atlantic salmon in Frenchman Bay, Rep. Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington, released the following statement:

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted to enact a bill Monday sponsored by Rep. Richard Evans, D-Dover-Foxcroft, that would help encourage job growth in Maine's forestry industry.

"The forestry industry is a critical component of our states economy, especially in rural areas," said Evans. "This bill would encourage and reward the hiring of younger workers in order to help solidify the futures of small, woodland businesses. Through these incentives, well be able to strengthen the workforce in this sector for years to come."