• Read more about There aren't enough veterinarians in Maine - Heres what we can do about it

Maine has a shortage of veterinarians, and it is growing worse, particularly in rural communities. There are only about 420 veterinarians practicing now in Maine, down from 540 just a few years ago. While this shortage is more acute in some areas than in others, it is having an impact on Mainers across the state. It is affecting all sorts of people who love, own and care for animals. Some people are waiting weeks or months for wellness visits for their pets.

• Read more about Bill to support Riverview employees advanced by Legislative Council

AUGUSTA - In a vote last month on bill proposals for the upcoming session, members of the Legislative Council approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, to raise wages for employees at the Riverview Psychiatric Center.

• Read more about LaRochelle sworn into Maine House

AUGUSTA - Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, was sworn into office on Wednesday by Gov. Janet Mills after defeating Republican James Orr in a special election on November 2, 2021. LaRochelle now serves House District 86, the seat previously held by Rep. Justin Fecteau, who resigned in the spring.

• Read more about Legislative Council approves bill to clarify definition of "domestic partner"

AUGUSTA - Members of the Legislative Council voted last month on bill proposals for the upcoming session. One bill sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, to clarify the definition of "domestic partner," has been approved by the council to be considered next year.

The bill, An Act To Provide Consistency in the Laws Regarding Domestic Partnership, would establish a new, standardized definition to replace the assortment of definitions presently used in state laws.

• Read more about Local legislators earn highest score for supporting Maine's education professionals

AUGUSTA - Reps. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, Joyce "Jay" McCreight, D-Harpswell, Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport and Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, each received a 100% rating on votes to support Maine's education professionals and schools, according to a recent scorecard released by the Maine Education Association (MEA).

• Read more about Grohoski to host in-person "Coffee with Constituents" event

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, will host an in-person "Coffee with Constituents" event on Saturday, November 13 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Moore Community Center in the Friends in Action Cafeteria, located at 125 State Street in Ellsworth. Masks are required, and coffee and tea will be provided.

This event is an opportunity for constituents from Ellsworth and Trenton to reconnect, share ideas and ask questions about the upcoming legislative session and what has been accomplished so far.

• Read more about Dodge joins State Treasurer Henry Beck in promotion of ABLE accounts

Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, joins State Treasurer Henry Beck and Hazel Young, assistant branch manager, at the Bangor Savings Bank Belfast branch to highlight and promote the availability of ABLE accounts, a tax-advantaged account for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Dodge] c. 812-1111

• Read more about Legislative Council approves bill to address browntail moth infestations

AUGUSTA - Members of the Legislative Council voted last week on bill proposals for the upcoming session. One bill sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to address the growing problem of browntail moth infestations in the state, has been approved by the council to be considered next year.

• Read more about Roeder emergency medication bill approved by Legislative Council

AUGUSTA - A bill proposal sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, that would help patients obtain emergency supplies of drugs to manage chronic medical conditions was approved by the Legislative Council.

• Read more about Blume attends COP26 in Glasgow

GLASGOW - Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, is attending the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, which started Sunday, October 31 and runs through November 12. The conference is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, under the co-presidency of the United Kingdom and Italy.