By Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio 

One of my biggest legislative priorities as a member of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee is to craft bills that protect consumers from predatory business practices and ensure that Maine businesses are providing their consumers with high-quality products. One of the many ways we have worked to protect customers is to restrict businesses from being able to charge surcharges on credit or debit cards during transactions. 

By Reps. Cluchey and Beck

As lawmakers begin debating Maine’s supplemental budget, some politicians are once again calling for Maine to automatically adopt recent federal tax changes. While the idea is often promoted as tax relief for working people, the reality is far more complicated and far more costly for Maine.

By Rep. Ellie Sato 

It is saddening and disturbing to see the injustices being committed by the federal government against the immigrant community, not just in our state, but across the country. Immigrants here in Maine have contributed much to our economy and communities. Many have escaped violence and persecution and are working to achieve the same goal as those who were born here: to build a better life for themselves and their family.  

AUGUSTA – Last week, the Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee voted in support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, that would create a standardized process for recalling public school board members in the event of misconduct.

AUGUSTA – Last week, Rep.

By Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham 

In the Legislature, one of the issues I hear from constituents more than any other is that the rising cost of living is making it difficult for working families to make ends meet. The increasing costs of housing, health care, child care, groceries and other everyday essentials are making it harder for Mainers to get by, let alone get ahead. Energy costs are also near the top of the list.  

AUGUSTA – Today, Rep. Mana Abdi (D-Lewiston), issued a statement in response to the speculation that federal law enforcement could be conducting operations in Maine in the coming days, including in Lewiston.  

Statement from Rep. Abdi:  

“I have been hearing from many Lewiston residents who are feeling anxious after learning about potential increased federal immigration enforcement activity in Maine. I want to share what I know, be clear about what I don’t, and make sure people have accurate information. 

By Rep. Wayne Farrin, D-Jefferson 

As I write this, we have just begun the new second session of the 132nd Legislature. We have a lot of important work ahead of us in the coming months, including doing more to lower the cost of living for Maine families, remove housing roadblocks and protect our heritage industries.  

By Rep. Kristi Mathieson 

Every day in my clinic, I help patients navigate a maze of nutrition advice. I’ve found that much of what they hear about nutrition before coming in is driven by online trends and information rather than science. There are kernels of truth buried in the noise, but good nutrition is usually less glamorous than people portray online. 

AUGUSTA – Last week, the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to pass a measure sponsored by Rep.