AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, allowing manufactured housing on single-family lots was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday.

LD 337 will add an affordable homeownership pathway for low-to-middle-income Mainers grappling with the state's housing crisis. As amended, the bill will put manufactured housing on par with single-family, site-built homes by subjecting them to the same municipality-specific design and zoning criteria.

State Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, delivered the official prayer in the House chamber during the session's opening ceremonies on Tuesday

Contact:

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

Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell (right) welcomed Gary Crocker of West Gardiner to the State House on Tuesday. Crocker performed the national anthem in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the start of the day's session.

Contact:

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

We have many things to be grateful for here in Maine, including access to clean air and water, and a livable climate. However, without our continued efforts to limit the effects of climate change, the natural resources we've come to cherish may become relics of the past.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted to advance a bill this week sponsored by Rep. Mark Worth, D-Ellsworth, that would expand hands-on learning opportunities for Maine students.

LD 2131 would help increase Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), which are programs for high school students that include paid meaningful work experiences and skills development that could be applied towards an academic credit or professional certification upon graduation.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Kelly Noonan Murphy, D-Scarborough, was presented with the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) Legislative and Public Policy Award for supporting maternal and infant health in her work as a legislator.

Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, (back row, third from the right) joins other legislators on Thursday in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland.

Contact:

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

Rep. Kelly Murphy, D-Scarborough, (back row, second from the right) joins other legislators on Thursday in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland.

Contact:

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

Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, (second from left) joins other legislators on Thursday in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland.

Contact:

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

AUGUSTA - This week, the Maine House and Senate advanced a bill from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would establish a commission to improve tenant-landlord relationships and increase the use of housing vouchers and other rental assistance programs.