AUGUSTA - Mainspring, a southern Maine resource hub under development by Fair Tide, Footprints Food Pantry and York County Community Action, is set to receive $1 million in federal funding as part of the recent funding bill for fiscal year 2024 approved by Congress last week.
AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, to appropriate $15 million to fully cover the state's reimbursement to municipalities for costs associated with the Property Tax Stabilization Program, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Wednesday. The bill would also appropriate $50,000 to reimburse municipalities for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the program.
AUGUSTA - Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at lowering Maine's high rate of suicide deaths. LD 2119, as amended, would allow individuals to voluntarily and confidentially have their names added to the federal do-not-sell firearms list, thereby preventing future gun purchases during a suicidal crisis.
AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, that would increase the monthly benefit level provided by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which would support greater financial security for Maines low-income families.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature unanimously voted to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Steve Moriarty, D-Cumberland, that would allow municipalities to create their own partial property tax deferral programs, increasing property tax relief for seniors while ensuring municipalities have sufficient financial protections.
AUGUSTA - Over Republican opposition, the House advanced a bill on Thursday from Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, to increase access to participation on certain state boards and commissions by allowing departments to authorize equitable compensation for participants.
AUGUSTA - A proposal sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, which ensures that Maine consumers would not have to pay for unused internet services, was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Feb. 29.
LD 1932 requires an internet service provider to grant a credit or rebate for unused internet services if a customer makes a request within a 60-day period after the end of their billing period.
AUGUSTA - Rep. Matthew Beck, D-South Portland, was sworn into office on Wednesday by Gov. Janet Mills after winning a special election on March 5, 2024. Beck now serves House District 122, the seat previously held by Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt.
"I am thankful to the people of South Portland for giving me the honor of representing them in Augusta," said Beck. "I look forward to working with my new colleagues on a range of issues in the coming weeks, including fair labor practices and affordable housing."
On Tuesday, Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, spoke at a press conference held by House Democrats to rally for a safer Maine. Doudera addressed the importance of enacting meaningful gun safety reform and public health measures this session, both in response to the recent mass shooting in Lewiston and ongoing gun-related violence including suicide, homicide and violent crime, and domestic abuse.
AUGUSTA - Tomorrow, March 5 at 9:30 a.m., House Democrats will hold a press conference in the Hall of Flags to rally for a safer Maine. The event will highlight the importance of enacting meaningful gun safety reform and public health measures this session, as the Legislature holds public hearings this week on a suite of legislation.
