• Read more about Legislature enacts Wood's LGBTQ veteran bill

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature has unanimously enacted a bill that would restore state benefits to Maine veterans who separated from service without an honorable discharge due solely to the veteran's sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support on this bill," said Wood. "Our veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, served our country and should qualify for the benefits their fellow service members have access to."

• Read more about The Maine Legislature approves Back-to-Basics Budget

AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Legislature adopted a responsible biennial budget that provides critical funding for schools, property tax relief, rural health care and nursing homes in a vote of 77-67 in the House and 20-14 in the Senate. The Back-to-Basic Budget is a continuation of the bipartisan biennial budget that earned two-thirds support in both chambers in 2019. The budget will now go to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

• Read more about Doore releases statement on biennial budget

AUGUSTA - Rep. Donna Doore, D-Augusta, issued the following statement following the Maine House's vote to advance the "Back-to-Basics" Budget:

• Read more about Cuddy releases statement on passage of biennial budget

AUGUSTA- Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, released the following statement on the Legislature's passage of the "Back-to-Basics" Budget on Tuesday:

• Read more about Berry issues statement in support of Back-to-Basics budget

AUGUSTA- Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in support of the Maine House advancing the "Back-to-Basics" Budget:

• Read more about Presiding Officers outline plan for legislative work after Republicans reject the Back-to-Basics Budget

AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Legislature began voting on a biennial budget to provide funding for schools, property tax relief, rural health care and nursing homes. The Back-to-Basic Budget is a continuation of the bipartisan biennial budget that earned two-thirds support in both chambers in 2019. All Republicans rejected the budget proposal. The budget will face a final vote for enactment in the House later today.

• Read more about The Maine Legislature to convene at the Augusta Civic Center on Tuesday, March 30

AUGUSTA - Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford have announced that the Maine Legislature will convene Tuesday, March 30 at the Augusta Civic Center. The Senate proceedings will begin at 10:00 a.m.; the House proceedings will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Lawmakers are expected to take up the biennial budget proposal.

An advanced copy of the budget will be available online Sunday afternoon. Senate and House calendars will be made available on the Legislature's website Monday night.

• Read more about Affordable Housing Legislation sponsored by Speaker Fecteau clears committee with bipartisan support

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Committee on Labor and Housing unanimously voted to advance a bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford Friday. The bill aims to pave 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" would establish a commission to review barriers to producing more affordable housing in Maine.

• Read more about ICYMI: Affordable Housing Legislation sponsored by Speaker Fecteau clears committee with bipartisan support

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Committee on Labor and Housing unanimously voted to advance a bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford on Friday. The bill aims to pave 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" would establish a commission to review barriers to producing more affordable housing in Maine.

• Read more about Back-to-Basics Budget clears committee

AUGUSTA - Today, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved the "Back-to-Basics" budget in a vote of 8-4. The proposal will go before the full Legislature for a two-thirds vote at the Augusta Civic Center on Tuesday, March 30. Republicans did not offer an alternative budget proposal.