AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature passed a joint resolution Wednesday recognizing the exceptional efforts of long-term care facilities and workers. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, honors the dedication of workers in long-term care facilities to provide quality care for older individuals and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, presented LD 1792, An Act To Support Employees of the Riverview Psychiatric Center, Including the Riverview Psychiatric Center Outpatient Services Team, before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee last week.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services (HCIFS) Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday, with two members absent, to advance a bill to make it easier for Maine people to access emergency supplies of medications. The proposal, LD 1776, is sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor.

AUGUSTA - A proposal by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, would help low-income families and families with children with disabilities access high-quality programming after school.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, presented LD 1880, An Act To Provide Textbook Cost Assistance for High School Students Enrolled in Early College Courses, before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee to establish a pilot program to facilitate climate change education in Maine public schools.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, presented LD 1847, An Act To Prohibit a Public Utility from Terminating or Disconnecting Service to a Public Safety Facility without Advance Notice and Approval, before the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Paige Zeigler, D-Montville, introduced a bill before the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee that would address per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) pollution at Juniper Ridge, a landfill owned by the State of Maine.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, will introduce legislation on Tuesday to improve the availability of routine and emergency care for pets, service animals and livestock by growing Maine's veterinary workforce.

AUGUSTA - The House chair of the Legislature's Transportation Committee, Rep. Roland "Danny" Martin, D-Sinclair, shared his support for the Maine Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Three-Year Work Plan released on Tuesday. The interactive publication outlines priority projects for calendar years 2022, 2023 and 2024, including highway maintenance, bridge repairs, passenger rail improvements, harbor upgrades and more.