Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, (fifth from right) presented a legislative sentiment to Dory Waxman at the State House on Wednesday in honor of her more than 45 years of public service. They were joined by Waxman's family, friends and several graduates of Common Threads of Maine, a nonprofit founded by Waxman dedicated to promoting fulfilling careers in Maine's textile industry by teaching new Mainers to become skilled stitchers. Graham sits on the organizations board.

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, the Legislature unanimously advanced legislation sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, that would allow the parents of children with disabilities who are MaineCare eligible to be paid to provide personal care services.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval on Wednesday to a bill sponsored by Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, that would continue a successful homeless substance use disorder service program.

"Housing is a critical component of substance use disorder treatment," said Gattine. "Traditional case management systems are unsuitable for homeless individuals experiencing acute symptoms of substance use disorder, making them particularly susceptible to overdoses and death. More intensive, low-barrier approaches like this legislation are needed."

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature advanced a bill this week from Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would modernize Maine's beverage container redemption laws, also known as the "Bottle Bill."

Rep. Drew Gattine, Rep. Morgan Rielly and Rep. Sue Salisbury, all D-Westbrook, welcomed Dory Waxman to the State House on Wednesday to honor her more than 45 years of public service.

Waxman served on the Portland School Committee, Portland City Council, Portland City Charter Commission and has chaired several city committees.

She also founded a neighborhood organization and several successful local businesses.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Gattine, Rielly, Salisbury], c. 305-965-2744

Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, presented a legislative sentiment to Conor Morin and welcomed his family and coach to the State House on Wednesday.

Morin was recognized for winning the triple jump at the 2023 New England Interscholastic Boys Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

The track and field star broke his own Cony High School record and set a new Class B record with a jump of 47 feet, 6 inches. He also placed 11th in the nation at the New Balance National Championship this month.

Contact:

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

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval Friday to a measure by Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, to balance Maine's renewable energy development goals with efforts to conserve the states valuable farmland, soils, and fish and wildlife habitat. Lawmakers advanced the bill "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

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

Contact:

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

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted this week to advance LD 1783, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, which would implement recommendations from the Governor's Advisory Council on Military Sexual Trauma and take additional steps to support survivors of sexual assault and harassment within the Maine National Guard.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would help support survivors and help prevent the sexual exploitation of children.