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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Wednesday to advance a bill by Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, that would allow eligible Mainers to register to vote using a secure online portal. The vote was 81-61.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature gave initial approval this week to a bill from Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, that would increase voter access to the ballot and provide clearer guidance to municipal officials overseeing elections. The vote in the House was 79-58, and the vote in the Senate was 22-12.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature unanimously voted Wednesday to pass a measure sponsored by Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, that would require certain schools to provide free menstrual products to students.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave unanimous final approval Wednesday to legislation from Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, that would create better, more accessible measurements of economic and social progress.
