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.
AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted Thursday in support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, which would establish greater economic opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations by authorizing each federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in Maine to operate internet gaming, opening up new a revenue stream.
State champion field hockey team visits State House
Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, and Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, welcomed the Winthrop/Mranacook High School field hockey team to the State House on Tuesday.
The team was recognized by the entire House for winning the 2023 Class C State Championship, their third state title in three years.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Hasenfus], 305-965-2744
Lisa Haberzettl [Hickman], 207-251-3548
AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval on Thursday to LD 2146, sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, that would prevent municipalities with populations exceeding 20,000 from adopting moratoria on the establishment of emergency shelters.