• Read more about Sachs bill to support municipal franchise agreements goes into effect

AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that will support municipal franchise agreements, goes into effect today.

• Read more about Ankeles law to protect Maine's working waterfront goes into effect

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, that will help protect fishermen's access to Maine's working waterfront goes into effect today.

• Read more about Arford selected for Council of State Governments 2024 Eastern Leadership Academy

AUGUSTA - Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, has been selected to participate in the national Council of State Governments 2024 Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy.

• Read more about Geiger moderates housing panel at Council of State Governments' Eastern Regional Conference

AUGUSTA - Last week, Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, moderated a housing panel at the Council of State Governments' annual Eastern Regional Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

• Read more about Brennan appointed to NCSL Homeless Student Workgroup

AUGUSTA - Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, has been appointed to serve on the Homeless Student Workgroup established by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The workgroup provides an opportunity for collaboration among legislators from across the country to develop policies and funding sources to assist students who are homeless.

• Read more about Golek participates in 2024 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program

AUGUSTA - Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, was one of 50 state legislators chosen nationwide to participate in the 2024 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and held at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia from July 8-11.

The attendees were chosen based on their demonstrated leadership qualities, such as integrity, compassion and intelligence. The program is designed to inspire participants to continue their careers in public service while bolstering their leadership skills.

• Read more about Officials recognize Leanne Robbin for over 40 years of public service

AUGUSTA - On June 26, state and federal officials recognized Leanne Robbin, the longest-serving member of the Maine Attorney General's staff, who received a statewide award from the Maine Prosecutors Association. Robbin has served as an assistant attorney general for 42 years.

• Read more about Beck honored with Edie Beaulieu Award for advocacy on behalf of Maine workers

AUGUSTA - The Maine AFL-CIO has honored Rep. Matthew Beck, D-South Portland, with the Edie Beaulieu Award for Outstanding Service to Maine Workers.

"I'm proud to receive this recognition from Maine's labor unions," said Beck. "I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to continue to make things better for working people and their families across our state."

• Read more about Crafts receives National Social Worker of the Year award

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, received the 2024 National Social Worker of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) on June 20 in Washington, D.C. Crafts was recognized for her outstanding dedication to social justice, innovative legislative initiatives and unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of Maine's most vulnerable populations. She had previously been named the Maine Social Worker of the Year by the organizations state chapter.

• Read more about Sen. Daughtry, Rep. Cloutier applaud PFML rulemaking process, offer written comment to strengthen program

AUGUSTA - In May, the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) published its proposed rules for the state's new paid family and medical leave (PFML) program, which was created in 2023 as part of the supplemental budget enacted by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Janet Mills.