AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Charles Skold, D-Portland, that would benefit both restaurants and workers by bringing Maine into alignment with recent changes in federal regulations regarding tip pooling.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously on Thursday to enact LD 1169, sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston. The legislation would change the Foreign Credentialing and Skills Recognition Revolving Loan Program to a grant program and increase the maximum allowable distribution of funds to eligible applicants from the current $700 to $1,000.

AUGUSTA - On Thursday, the Maine House of Representatives enacted LD 684, sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, which would direct the Maine Department of Education to review the critical components of the Educare model for publicly funded early child care and education programs. It would also identify necessary resources and best practices for statewide implementation.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Thursday to enact a bill sponsored by Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, that would allow nursing homes more flexibility in managing occupancy at their facilities.

As amended, LD 938 would restore the ability for nursing homes to voluntarily reduce their number of licensed beds and then later increase the number of those beds to the prior level after obtaining state approval.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval this week on bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, that would help low-income Mainers establish or improve credit through their rental payments.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to enact LD 612, sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, that would establish a green schools coordinator position within the Maine Department of Education. The position would assist department staff in establishing school facility priorities and work with school administrative units to improve building weatherization and make modifications compatible with renewable energy resources.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval on Thursday to a bill from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, to protect the rights of sexual assault survivors. The measure was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval Thursday to a measure from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would protect endangered and threatened species from habitat loss. The bill was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, that will require motorists to take measures to prevent snow and ice from falling from their vehicles while operating on Maine roadways.

"With this new law, more Mainers will be safe traveling on our roads in the winter," said White. "It will help provide accountability for drivers and prevent unnecessary deaths, injuries and damage to vehicles."

Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, and Rep. Ann Matlack, D-St. George, welcomed Oceanside High School AP U.S. Government & Politics students to the State House on Thursday.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Geiger, Matlack], c. 305-965-2744