AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval on Thursday to LD 1779, sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland. The bill would give law enforcement the option to refer youth who are believed to have committed a low-level juvenile crime to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for a needs assessment.
Children in foster care are some of Maine's most vulnerable. As of October 2023, approximately 2,500 of Maine's children remain in state custody, many of whom are living with significant developmental, emotional and medical needs.
In our two House districts alone, multiple foster children have been deprived of survivors benefits that could make a profound difference in the quality and trajectory of their lives. Ultimately, under state law, these young people are made to pay for their own care using the benefits due to them as the children of deceased parents.
AUGUSTA - Today, Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, welcomed Sgt. Colleen Adams of Sanford and her colleagues to the State House. Sgt. Adams was named Maine's winner for the USA Today's 2024 Women of the Year list, an honor given to women who make a difference in their communities every day in every state.
We are just weeks away from the Legislature adjourning for the year, but there is still much work to be done. I anticipate my next update to you will highlight much of the good work that was accomplished this year. For now, I'd like to focus on two important, timely matters for Islesboro.
President Biden has approved the State of Maine's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help eight counties, including Waldo and Knox, recover from the January storms that caused severe flooding and devastated coastal communities.
AUGUSTA - Legislation from the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs that would provide ongoing funding for two military sexual trauma liaisons at community-based organizations received initial approval in the Maine House on Thursday.
AUGUSTA - On March 12, the Maine Department of Transportation held a public hearing on a proposed rule that would result in an increase in some ferry ticket prices for all routes operated by the Maine State Ferry Service, including service to Islesboro, Swans Island, Frenchboro, North Haven, Vinalhaven and Matinicus.
AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, President Joe Biden approved the State of Maine's request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the back-to-back January storms that caused severe coastal flooding. The federal assistance will help cover the cost of public infrastructure repairs and make direct assistance available to eligible families and businesses in eight counties, including York.
AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted this week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, that would provide more property tax relief to low-income older Mainers by expanding the existing Property Tax Fairness Credit. The bill passed the House in a 135-1 vote on Wednesday and passed the Senate in a unanimous vote on Thursday.
AUGUSTA - Today, Reps. Dan Ankeles and Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, and Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, welcomed the Brunswick High School Girls' Basketball Team to the State House. The team was presented with a legislative sentiment for winning the 2024 Class A Girls' High School Basketball State Championship.
"We are all so proud of this team making history," said Ankeles. "The focus and dedication they showed makes them all role models for kids across Brunswick and throughout Maine."
AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, to establish a clean hydrogen pilot program, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday.
