AUGUSTA - Early Thursday morning, the Legislature gave final approval to a supplemental budget that makes significant investments in affordable housing, education, health care, child care and relief funding for Maine communities to recover from the devastating winter storms in December and January. It was enacted after a series of last-minute, late-night floor amendments were offered in the Senate and defeated by the House.

Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, welcomed members of the First Congregational Church of Gray, United Church of Christ Maine to the State House on Tuesday and presented them with a sentiment celebrating the church's 250th anniversary.

Contact:

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

AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, spoke at an event on Wednesday to advocate for organ donation and to share her own story as a donor spouse. In 1997, Hepler lost her husband after a workplace fall, but because of his decision to be an organ donor, he saved multiple lives.

"Making the decision to go forward with organ donation when your loved one is dying is something everyone should consider," said Hepler. "I think of it as a final act of love."

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval Friday to legislation sponsored by Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, that would improve access to social work services in Maine by enacting an interstate social work licensure compact.

AUGUSTA - On Monday, April 15, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved an amended supplemental budget proposal that makes significant investments in affordable housing, education, health care and child care. The budget also makes discrete changes regarding transportation funding, dairy subsidies and ensures ongoing tax relief for pension holders.

Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, welcomed students and chaperones from the Midcoast Baptist Church Homeschool Group to the State House on Wednesday.

Contact:

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

Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, welcomed Maine state chess champions Molly Tefft and Gabe Eaton of Brunswick to the State House on Friday and presented them with a legislative sentiment.

Tefft won the Maine State Girls K-12 Chess Tournament, and Eaton won the 2024 Maine Scholastic Individual Chess Championship.

Contact:

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

Left to right: Rep. Dan Ankeles, Molly Tefft, Gabe Eaton and Sean Eaton.

AUGUSTA - On Friday, the Legislature's Transportation Committee voted unanimously to give approval to LD 2229, a supplemental spending package to the Highway Fund Budget.

Following the vote, Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, House chair of the Transportation Committee, issued the following statement:br />

Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, welcomed Brunswick High School social studies teachers Ben Clark and Connor Lynch, along with students from their government and civics classes, to the State House on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Thursday to pass legislation sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, aimed at lowering Maine's high rate of suicide deaths.