Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, welcomed local student artist, Meredith McGonigle, who has received national recognition for her artwork, to the State House on Tuesday. 

AUGUSTA — Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, and Sen. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, welcomed Maine’s first professional soccer club, the Portland Hearts of Pine, to the State House and introduced the team to the 132nd Legislature.

By Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle

On Dec. 4, I was sworn into office as your state representative, and I could not be more honored to continue to serve you and the people of Brooklin, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan’s Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven. 

Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, and Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, welcomed the Westbrook High School Chamber Singers to the State House on Tuesday. The group performed the national anthem in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the start of the day’s session.

Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, welcomed Pastor Nic Benner of Granite Hill Church to the State House on Tuesday to serve as Chaplain of the House. Pastor Benner led the House in prayer at the start of the day’s session.

AUGUSTA – Following tonight’s State of the Budget Address by Governor Janet Mills, House Majority Leader Matt Moonen, D-Portland, and Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, released the following statements: 

 AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court struck down a 2021 law that eliminated the statute of limitations on civil claims of child sex abuse to allow survivors to seek justice through the courts regardless of when the abuse occurred.  

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced it is now accepting grant funding applications for coastal sand dune restoration and protection projects.

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) held a public hearing on a proposed rule regarding the unavoidable use of intentionally added PFAS in products. The rule will help implement a law passed last year that was sponsored by Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, and Assistant House Majority Leader Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, by establishing criteria for currently unavoidable uses of PFAS and implementing notification requirements. 

AUGUSTA – Rep. Gary Friedmann, D-Bar Harbor, has announced his resignation as Vice Chair of the Bar Harbor Town Council after serving on the it for 10 years. While serving simultaneously on the town council and in the Legislature is permitted under state law, Friedmann is choosing to focus solely on his state legislative work.