• Read more about Legislature approves Rielly bill to study strategies for building economic security among working families

AUGUSTA - A bill to study strategies to help working families achieve long-term economic security, LD 1005, was approved by the Maine Legislature this week. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, creates a commission to study strategies that will help families establish financial success, including baby bonds, a savings program initiated at birth.

• Read more about House advances McCrea bill to expand disciplinary authority of the board of trustees of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to advance a proposal from Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, to amend the rules of the board of trustees of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, giving the board greater authority over the development of disciplinary standards.

• Read more about House passes Dodge bill to benefit public employees

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, to ensure that public workers pay the same income tax as other retirees, received unanimous support from the Maine House of Representatives Wednesday.

• Read more about Legislature approves bill to improve air quality and ventilation in Maine's public schools

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature approved a measure Thursday sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would improve the air quality and ventilation in Maine's public schools.

• Read more about House advances Sylvester bill to study the impact of ending at-will employmen

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted this week to advance a proposal from Rep. Mike Sylvester, D-Portland, which, as amended, directs the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to study the impacts of ending at-will employment in Maine.

• Read more about Arford shelter funding proposal earns initial approval

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted this week to advance a proposal from Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, to provide much-needed funding for capital projects at Maine's emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

"When Mainers are facing homelessness, 24-hour shelters are crucial to keeping them safe and helping them access the services they need to secure stable housing. But our shelters, like Tedford Housing, are struggling to meet the need," said Arford. "This bill is needed to increase capacity for emergency shelter in our state."

• Read more about House advances Doudera bill to reduce child access to loaded firearms

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Thursday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, to protect Maine children from death and injury from loaded firearms. The measure, LD 759, would amend the child endangerment laws to include unauthorized access to firearms. The vote was 77-67.

• Read more about Morales proposal to address chronic homelessness signed into law

AUGUSTA - A proposal by Rep. Victoria Morales, D-South Portland, to provide stable housing and community services to Mainers experiencing chronic homelessness was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday.

"This proposal is about breaking the cycle of homelessness and crisis among those who are most frequently utilizing expensive emergency services. The way to accomplish this is to create a supportive housing framework that provides stability and increases access to services," said Morales, who leads a working group of lawmakers focused on housing policy.

• Read more about Mills signs Rielly bill to study the establishment of the Maine Climate Corps into law

AUGUSTA - A bill to look into establishing the Maine Climate Corps, LD 722, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.

• Read more about Affordable Housing Legislation sponsored by Speaker Fecteau passed by the Legislature, to be sent to the Governor's Desk

AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate voted to pass a bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford Thursday. The bill paves the way for more affordable housing in Maine. LD 609, Resolve, To Establish a Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions will establish a commission to review barriers to producing more affordable housing in Maine.