AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Legislature began voting on a biennial budget to provide funding for schools, property tax relief, rural health care and nursing homes. The Back-to-Basic Budget is a continuation of the bipartisan biennial budget that earned two-thirds support in both chambers in 2019. All Republicans rejected the budget proposal. The budget will face a final vote for enactment in the House later today.

AUGUSTA - Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford have announced that the Maine Legislature will convene Tuesday, March 30 at the Augusta Civic Center. The Senate proceedings will begin at 10:00 a.m.; the House proceedings will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Lawmakers are expected to take up the biennial budget proposal.

An advanced copy of the budget will be available online Sunday afternoon. Senate and House calendars will be made available on the Legislature's website Monday night.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Committee on Labor and Housing unanimously voted to advance a bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford Friday. The bill aims to pave the way for more affordable housing in Maine. LD 609, "Resolve, To Establish a Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions" would establish a commission to review barriers to producing more affordable housing in Maine.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Committee on Labor and Housing unanimously voted to advance a bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford on Friday. The bill aims to pave the way for more affordable housing in Maine. LD 609, "Resolve, To Establish a Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions" would establish a commission to review barriers to producing more affordable housing in Maine.

AUGUSTA - Today, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved the "Back-to-Basics" budget in a vote of 8-4. The proposal will go before the full Legislature for a two-thirds vote at the Augusta Civic Center on Tuesday, March 30. Republicans did not offer an alternative budget proposal.

AUGUSTA - House Majority Leader Michelle Dunphy, D-Old Town, and Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, have released a joint statement in response to the actions of Rep. Bruce Bickford, R-Auburn, in the Legislature's Taxation Committee:

AUGUSTA - A bill from Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford to establish a COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights became law without the governor's signature on Wednesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, reintroduced her bill providing for the safe disposal of expired marine flares at a public hearing before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Wednesday.

AUGUSTA - In a press conference today, University of Maine Professor Sandra Butler unveiled a report that underscores the need for Maine to update the unemployment insurance system to reflect the structure of today's economy and workforce. Impacted workers described their experience navigating Maines unemployment insurance system and Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford outlined the need for reform.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Sylvester, D-Portland, on Monday that would call on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council to coordinate the development of higher education programs and public-private partnerships to enhance education and employment opportunities in STEM fields.