High energy costs and rising prices have hit Maine households hard. As state representative, my top priority has been to make sure we are helping Mainers during this difficult time. That's why I supported measures to provide relief to working people, retirees and families, including $850 direct relief payments.

The $850 direct relief checks are expected to begin hitting mailboxes this week, so I want to make sure my constituents have the eligibility information needed to qualify.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to codify green housing standards was recently signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills.

As amended, LD 1656, will increase Maine's energy-efficient affordable housing stock by requiring new construction projects funded by the Maine State Housing Authority to meet certain housing design standards and sustainability requirements.

You may have heard in the news recently about the upcoming "Residents' Day" at Maine State Parks. Gov. Janet Mills has waived day use fees for Maine residents at our parks and historic sites on Sunday, June 19. This a great opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors and maybe explore a park you've never been to before.

The Legislature has completed its work for the 2020-2022 term, and, while there is much to report, there is one item I want to be sure Waldo County residents know about.

Recognizing that Mainers are struggling with rising prices and the lingering strain from the pandemic, my colleagues and I passed legislation to send revenue dollars directly to you. This will come in the form of $850 checks, which will be mailed to over 850,000 tax filers starting in June.

AUGUSTA - On Friday, all three Democratic leaders in the Maine House of Representatives shared supportive statements at the news of Starbucks workers in Biddeford Maine filing a petition for a union election. The Biddeford store's letter to the President and CEO of Starbucks is available here. Starbucks workers signed their letter 'In Solidarity, Partners of store #48490. Today's announcement makes Maine the 35th state where Starbucks workers are unionizing.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, to create a climate change education pilot program in Maine public schools is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill May 3.

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills ceremonially signed a bill Monday sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, that will require health care providers to cover fertility treatment.

On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a measure by Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, that will increase the availability of intranasal naloxone in community and corrections settings. The bill will go into effect on August 8, 2022.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Dodge] c. 812-1111

Pictured from left to right: Rep. Jan Dodge of Belfast, Gov. Janet Mills and Gordon Smith, Director of Opioid Response.

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills recently signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, that will expand the current sales tax exemption for nonprofit housing developers.

LD 1732 will amend the exemption to allow nonprofit developers to serve households with incomes up to 120% of the area median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an increase from the current threshold of 80%.

AUGUSTA - A bill to clarify new rulemaking parameters for the Office of Marijuana Policy, sponsored by Rep. Lynne Williams, D-Bar Harbor, is now law.