AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted unanimously to enact a measure Thursday to upgrade the clean water classification of the lower Androscoggin River, along with other Maine waters. The legislative action marks 50 years since the passage of the Clean Water Act, a landmark law spearheaded by former U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Thursday to advance a proposal by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, to increase behavioral health support for Maine's first responders. The bill earned initial approval "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee held a public hearing Friday on a proposal to strengthen how the Maine National Guard prevents and responds to sexual assault and sexual harassment.

AUGUSTA - In a unanimous vote, the Maine House gave initial approval Thursday to a bill from Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, that would help identify the best land for clean energy development while ensuring the state's natural resources remain protected.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House enacted legislation Thursday to provide funding for the Maine Climate Corps, a program that gained unanimous support in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee last year, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted unanimously Thursday to enact a measure sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would provide direct funds to communities to support their efforts to reduce the presence of browntail moths.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House delivered a strong bipartisan vote Thursday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would provide direct relief funds to Maine's lobster fishermen impacted by recent federal regulatory changes. The vote was 116-18.

Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, presided over the Maine House of Representatives Tuesday as Speaker pro tempore. House members serving their final term are offered an opportunity to oversee the House's proceedings. Pierce is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents part of Falmouth. She is House chair of the Legislatures budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Pierce] c. 812-1111

AUGUSTA - The Maine House advanced a bill, LD 1975, Tuesday that would build on an emergency measure introduced by Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham, to allow town plowing of private ways in Windham.

Are you missing money? If you check the state's unclaimed property database, you may find you are.

A lot of people just do not know about unclaimed property, while others have heard about it but are worried its too good to be true. As a state representative, part of my role is making sure my constituents know how to check the list and safely claim their property.