AUGUSTA - Today, Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, was announced as one of 20 finalists in NewDEAL's 2023 National Ideas Challenge, a nationwide competition recognizing state and local leaders who have advocated for policy ideas that improve American's well-being and overall quality of life. Cloutier is a finalist in the Creating Economic Opportunities and Lowering Costs for Families policy category for her work this year to implement a statewide paid family and medical leave program in Maine.

LEWISTON - In response to a mass casualty event that took place across several locations in Lewiston, Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston, Senator Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston and members of Lewiston's legislative delegation released the following statements:

Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier:

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, was recognized recently as Citizen of the Year by the Boothbay Region Chamber of Commerce. The chamber recognized Stover for her unparalleled commitment to the values of community citizenship and for serving as an example to all.

"I was born and raised in Boothbay, and there is no greater compliment than my peers' recognition and appreciation," said Stover. "It is a great privilege to work on issues and initiatives that positively impact my community, and I look forward to continuing my work."

AUGUSTA - Last week, The Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) recognized Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, as Maine's Social Worker of the Year. Crafts was presented with the award at the NASW Maine 2023 Conference in Rockport, where she also gave the keynote address.

"Social workers improve quality of life for individuals and communities and are essential to improving the overall health of our state," said Crafts. "I am humbled by this recognition and honored that I get to work with social workers and advocates across the state."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, was presented the Maine People's Alliance (MPA) Rising Tide Award for her work to address Maine's housing crisis during the first session of the 131st Legislature. The award was presented at the organization's annual banquet on Sept. 28.

SACO - Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, will deliver the keynote address at the Second Annual Coastal Conference hosted by SOS Saco Bay on Wednesday, Sept. 27. The conference will focus on the challenge of confronting rising seas and coastal erosion, and Gramlich's remarks will address the effects of climate change on Maine's shoreline and the economy, as well as how she and other state officials are working to mitigate the impact.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, joined climate leaders from across the nation at the first-ever White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities on Thursday, September 28.

AUGUSTA - On Friday, the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future announced that the Town of Old Orchard Beach was selected to receive a $33,500 Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant award from the state.

The funding will be used to complete energy audits of six municipal buildings and utilize recommendations to develop an energy efficiency implementation plan.

Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, released the following statement applauding the funding:

AUGUSTA - On Friday, the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future announced that the Town of Bowdoinham was selected to receive a $50,000 Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant award from the state.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, will serve as the House chair of a new legislative commission that will evaluate how to improve sustained public health investments in Maine. Graham was appointed to serve on the commission by Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland.