• Read more about Republicans oppose Geiger bill to increase access to justice for sexual assault survivors

AUGUSTA - All of the Democratic members of the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted Wednesday in support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland. The bill would increase access to justice for survivors of sexual assault by establishing a statewide sexual assault forensic examination kit tracking system. Every Republican on the committee voted against the bill.

• Read more about House advances Fay bill to protect Maine internet subscribers

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval Thursday to legislation sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to ensure that Maine consumers would not have to pay for unused internet services.

LD 1932 would require an internet service provider to allow for 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.

• Read more about House approves Cloutier bill to expand affordable housing

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval Tuesday to legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, to expand affordable housing via group equity cooperatives.

The bill, LD 1505, would amend the Maine Cooperative Affordable Housing Ownership Act to include group equity cooperatives, which is resident-controlled housing owned by a corporation in which residents own a share of stock.

• Read more about Coastal access advocates testify in support of Ankeles' bill to protect Maine's working waterfront and prevent homelessness

AUGUSTA - Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, presented a bill to the Legislature's Taxation Committee that would help protect access to Maine's working waterfront and provide additional property tax relief for residents of mobile homes through the Homestead Exemption.

• Read more about Committee unanimously advances Shaw bill to make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, that would make it easier for more Mainers to grow their own food.

• Read more about Russell introduces bill to expand property tax relief for older Mainers

AUGUSTA - Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, introduced a bill before the Legislature's Taxation Committee on Wednesday that would provide property tax relief to more Mainers by expanding the existing Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC).

• Read more about Madigan introduces bill to improve transportation rules for MaineCare members

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced a bill last Thursday before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would make it easier for more MaineCare members to have a loved one accompany them to a medical appointment.

• Read more about Brunswick legislators welcome students to Maine State House

AUGUSTA - Brunswick legislators Rep. Poppy Arford, Rep. Dan Ankeles, Rep. Cheryl Golek and Sen. Mattie Daughtry welcomed students and teachers from the Brunswick High School Off Campus Learning Program to the Maine State House last Thursday, Feb.1. In addition to touring the Capitol and visiting the House Gallery, the students met with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Ankeles, Arford, Golek], c. 305-965-2744
Emily Cook [Bellows], c. 207-441-0405

• Read more about Crafts introduces bill to enact a social work licensure compact

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, presented legislation Tuesday at a public hearing before the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee that would improve access to social work services in Maine by enacting an interstate social work licensure compact.

• Read more about Committee advances Dhalac bill to create the Office of New Americans in Maine State Government

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's State and Local Government Committee voted Tuesday in support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, which would establish the Office of New Americans (ONA) within Maine State Government.