AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial, unanimous support on Tuesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Ed Crockett, D-Portland, that would increase the minimum wage paid to Maine's educational technicians (ed techs) and hourly school support staff.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature unanimously voted Wednesday to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, that would help protect fishermen's access to Maine's working waterfront.
Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, and Rep. Bill Bridgeo, D-Augusta, welcomed members of the Cony High School Girls' Swim Team to the State House on Wednesday.
The team was recognized by the Legislature for winning the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Championship.
Contact:
Brian Lee [LaRochelle], c. 305-965-2744
Back, left to right: Rep. Bill Bridgeo (second from left), Rep. Raegan LaRochelle (second from right) and coach Bob Johnston (far right).
AUGUSTA - The Legislature gave initial approval earlier this week to a measure sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, that would create a universal exclusionary list for all forms of gambling to which those struggling with gambling addiction could voluntarily add their names.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
