• Read more about Sen. Ingwersen, Rep. Gramlich applaud EPA announcement of new standards for PFAS in drinking water

AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced final rules that will establish new standards to limit exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," in drinking water.

Additionally, the agency announced that $1 billion will be newly available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems, as well as to help owners of private wells address contamination.

• Read more about House advances Roberts bill to license residential general contractors

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, that would protect Maine consumers by licensing residential general contractors.

Maine already licenses plumbers, electricians, architects, interior designers and more but residential general contractors, who often work on projects with these professionals, have no licensing requirements.

• Read more about Governor signs Golek bill to improve low-income renters' access to housing vouchers

AUGUSTA - A measure sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, to establish a stakeholder group to investigate the challenges facing renters in acquiring and utilizing housing vouchers, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills last week.

• Read more about Cloutier issues statement condemning baseless, incendiary remarks made on House floor regarding Lewiston shooting

AUGUSTA - Tonight, during a floor debate in the House of Representatives on LD 227, Rep. Michael Lemelin, R-Chelsea, insinuated that the Legislature's enactment of LD 1619 last summer caused the October mass shooting in Lewiston. These baseless remarks were later affirmed by Rep. Shelley Rudnicki, R-Fairfield.

• Read more about Lawmakers approve Geiger bill to increase access to justice for sexual assault survivors

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave final approval on Tuesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, that would establish a statewide sexual assault forensic examination kit tracking system.

Many states have already established a tracking system, while others have passed laws that require every rape kit to be tested. Maine is currently the only state in the nation that has not passed any recommended reforms.

• Read more about Graham honors South Portland Business Leader of the Year recipient

AUGUSTA - Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, welcomed her brother, Edward H. Palmer Sr. to the State House on Tuesday and presented him with a legislative sentiment.

A longtime leader in the Greater Portland hospitality industry and a 2019 inductee of the Maine Hospitality Hall of Fame, Palmer was named the South Portland Business Leader of the Year for 2023.

• Read more about Cloutier issues statement in strong support of reproductive autonomy amendment

AUGUSTA - Today, the House of Representatives voted on a measure that would enshrine reproductive autonomy in the Maine Constitution. The bill earned a majority 76-68 vote but failed to garner the two-thirds support it would need in a future enactment vote to send the amendment to Maine voters for final approval.

In response to the vote, Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, issued the following statement:

• Read more about Committee advances legislation to encourage smart housing development

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Select Committee on Housing has voted to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that would encourage smart housing development in Maine by updating the state's growth management program law.

• Read more about Bangor House delegation secures funding for low-barrier shelters like Hope House

AUGUSTA - On Saturday, April 6, members of the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee gave initial approval for funding that will help address the alarming financial shortfall facing low-barrier shelters across Maine like the Hope House Health and Living Center in Bangor, a community nonprofit that serves unhoused Mainers.

• Read more about Cloutier bill to expand physician assistant workforce receives initial approval in House

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval on Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would add Maine to the Compact for Licensing Physician Assistants (PAs).