AUGUSTA - The Legislature gave unanimous initial approval Tuesday to a measure from Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, that would help determine the untapped potential of dormant rail corridors across the state.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Tuesday to advance a measure by Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, that would incorporate African American studies into Maine's statewide learning standards. As amended, the bill includes proposals introduced by Sen. Louie Luchini, D-Ellsworth, to also require the study of genocide and the Holocaust. The vote was 106-38.
AUGUSTA - A bill to strengthen lead testing in school drinking water received unanimous support Monday from the Maine House of Representatives.
LD 206 amends state rules to decrease the standard for lead in school drinking water from 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 4 ppb and requires schools to share results with the public within five days.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature gave initial approval Tuesday to legislation from Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, that would plan for a new state-level position to help address incidents of bias, discrimination and harassment in Maine's public schools. The House vote was 81-62, and the Senate approved the measure by unanimous consent.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Monday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to include more career and technical education (CTE) teachers in the minimum $40,000 salary initiative.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Monday to advance a measure by Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, which aims to bridge Maine's "digital divide" between those with internet access and those without. The vote was 84-61.
LD 1555 would dedicate $15 million to help marginalized groups access the internet. The ConnectMaine Authority would oversee the use of those funds in consultation with stakeholder groups.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave unanimous initial approval Monday to a measure from Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, that would accelerate Maine's efforts to weatherize homes and businesses and increase the number of low-income households that would qualify for weatherization assistance.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave bipartisan approval Monday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, to grow Maine's workforce by simplifying the licensure process for out-of-state license holders.
AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, will join lawmakers from across the country to announce the creation of the Coastal Working Group at a virtual press event on Monday, June 7 at 2 p.m. The group, organized by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), will look at ocean-based solutions to address climate change.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Thursday to advance a measure by Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, which would increase the existing Homestead Property Tax Exemption program. The bill earned initial approval with unanimous consent.
"The Homestead Exemption is one of our most powerful property tax relief programs. Strengthening the program will help Mainers, especially working families and older residents, afford to stay in their homes," said Talbot Ross.
