AUGUSTA, MAINE - Rep. Kyle Bailey, D-Gorham, has introduced bipartisan legislation to ban foreign campaign contributions in Maine elections.

Currently, it is legal in Maine for foreign governments, corporations and billionaires to spend unlimited sums of money in support of, or in opposition to, state and local referenda. LD 479 would prohibit foreign spending to produce and disseminate communications about state and local ballot referenda.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee held a public hearing Thursday on a proposal that would push for Maine to enter into early talks with Canadas Atlantic provinces regarding a proposed renewable energy project that would span five provinces and potentially cross through Maine.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Roland "Danny" Martin, D-Sinclair, presented his bill, LD 280, An Act To Increase Funding for Snowmobile Trails and Capital Equipment Grants, to the Legislature's Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Wednesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, has introduced a bill that would ensure female firefighters receive cancer coverage for reproductive system cancers. Currently, prostate and testicular cancers are covered under the Workers Compensation Act of 1992, while female reproductive system cancers are not. There will be a public hearing on L.D. 213, An Act To Require Coverage for Female Firefighters Facing Reproductive System Cancer, on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee unanimously agreed Thursday to a measure from Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, to ensure emergency access to insulin. The bill, LD 60, would require that emergency insulin refills be dispensed in at least a 30-day supply.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, and Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, have been appointed to serve on the New England and Eastern Canada Legislative Commission, along with Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, and Sen. Marianne Moore, R-Washington.

The commission was established in 1986 to facilitate a relationship and strengthen regional cooperation between the Maine Legislature and legislative bodies in nearby states and Canadian provinces.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in response to Central Maine Powers withdrawal of claims regarding solar projects and capacity upgrades:

"Did CMP find a solution to the problem they created? Or were they caught making up numbers and told to stop?

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in response to Central Maine Powers claims regarding solar projects and capacity upgrades:

"CMPs latest actions profoundly damage Maines newfound 'open for business reputation for renewable energy investments. When Governor Paul LePage moved the goalposts and chased out offshore wind investors, he at least had the courtesy to do it before they had committed hundreds of millions of dollars.

PORTLAND - During a virtual press conference held Wednesday morning, Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, announced legislation that will move the state forward in confronting structural racism through the use of racial impact statements in the legislative process. A racial impact statement is a data-driven tool that provides an analysis of the impact of a proposed policy, practice, program or plan on historically disadvantaged racial populations in order to minimize adverse consequences.

PORTLAND - Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, will host a press conference at 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, to discuss LD 2, a bill to incorporate racial justice impact statements in the legislative process.