• 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).

• Read more about Roeder bill to better support Mainers in foster care receives initial legislative approval

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature gave initial approval on Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, which would help ensure that the state reserves survivors benefits for Maine's foster youth, rather than spending those benefits on the cost of their foster care. Additionally, the bill would provide better financial literacy education and support to foster youth, which would help them understand and navigate their benefits when they age out of the system.

• Read more about Winthrop scholarship winner honored by lawmakers

Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Winthrop, and fellow legislators welcomed Brooke Belz, of Winthrop, and her parents to the State House on Wednesday, March 27. Belz was awarded the 2024 Legislative Memorial Scholarship for Kennebec County.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Hasenfus], 305-965-2744

Front row, left to right: Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, Darryl Belz, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, Brooke Belz, Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, Susan Belz.
Back row: Rep. Kathy Javner, R-Chester.

• Read more about Legislature honors Cony High School Basketball team

Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, Rep. Bill Bridgeo, D-Augusta, and Sen. Matthew Pouliot, R-Kennebec, welcomed members of the Cony High School Girls' Basketball Team to the State House on Monday and presented them with a legislative sentiment.

The team was recognized by the Legislature for winning the Class A North Championship on Feb. 23.

Contact:

Brian Lee [LaRochelle], c. 305-965-2744

• Read more about Arford bill to improve health care price transparency signed into law

AUGUSTA - Legislation sponsored by Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, that would require health care entities and private insurers to provide patients with an estimated cost of their health care services, was signed into law on Tuesday, April 2.

• Read more about House approves Geiger bill to increase access to justice for sexual assault survivors

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval on Tuesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, that would increase access to justice for survivors of sexual assault by establishing a statewide sexual assault forensic examination kit tracking system.

• Read more about Westbrook legislators welcome the Westbrook High School Chamber Singers, jazz students and top seniors to the State House

AUGUSTA - Westbrook Reps. Morgan Rielly, Sue Salisbury and Drew Gattine, as well as Sens. Jill Duson, D-Portland, and Tim Nangle, D-Windham, welcomed the Westbrook High School Chamber Singers to the State House on Tuesday.