Legislative Team
The Legislative Team supports the overall vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the Maine Department of Education in a variety of ways, including those below.
Liaising with the State Legislature
- Provides information regarding Department programs and Maine's education system to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee
- Shepherds Department opinions regarding proposed legislation
- Supports the development of proposed legislation at the Department
Collaborating with DOE Offices
- Supports the preparation of Department testimony
- Provides logistical support for legislatively established work groups, task forces, and reports
- Provides information regarding legislation, rules, and statutory language to colleagues, including legislative session summaries of education-related bills
Representing Maine's Interests in Federal Contexts
- Builds collegial working relationships with Maine's federal legislators
- Works collaboratively with departments in other states to inform best practices
Leading Rulemaking Efforts
- Gathers individuals with a vested interest and leads conceptual conversations
- Solicits public comment
- Drafts proposed rules or rule changes
Implementing Work Groups, Task Forces, and Legislative Reports
- Collaborates with Office Leads to complete legislatively required work groups, task forces, and legislative reports
- Provides logistical and facilitation support for convenings of individuals with a vested interest for work groups and task forces
- Ensures timely and thorough completion of all reports
Providing Constituent Service
- Provides information on how to get involved in the legislative process
- Answers constituent questions regarding statutes
- For general questions, comments, and concerns regarding education in Maine, use the Contact Us form and your question will be directed to the most knowledgeable person
Contact
Laura Cyr
Federal and State Legislative Specialist
Phone: 207-446-8791
Email: Laura.Cyr@maine.gov
Jennifer Belanger
Legislative Research and Communications Specialist
Phone: 207-620-4575
Email: Jennifer.Belanger@maine.gov