AUGUSTA - A bill from Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford intended to grow affordable housing options in Maine was voted on by the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee today. By a vote of 8-3, the bill was supported by the majority of committee members.

AUGUSTA - The Maine State Legislature's Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to advance LD 1626, the Tribal Sovereignty Act, by 8-6. Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, is the lead sponsor of the legislation.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to advance a bill to support safe drinking water. LD 1891, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, would provide one-time funding to eligible owners of single-family homes or landlords for the treatment of private drinking water wells that show evidence of contamination.

AUGUSTA - Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, is urging all Maine residents to check the state database for unclaimed property.

Every year, the Office of the State Treasurer releases its annual list of unclaimed property, which consists of money and other personal assets that are considered lost or abandoned when an owner cannot be located.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, will host an in-person "Coffee with Constituents" event on Saturday, March 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Moore Community Center, 125 State Street, Ellsworth.

This monthly series provides an opportunity for Ellsworth and Trenton community members to share ideas, ask questions and learn more about Maine's legislative process. Joining for a portion or all of the event is welcomed. Coffee and tea will be provided.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee advanced a bill Thursday from Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, that would create the Education Fair Share Fund in order to safeguard state funding for public education.

AUGUSTA - In a 73-56 vote, the Maine House gave initial approval Wednesday to a proposal from Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, that would provide pay increases for employees at the Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta and the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in Bangor.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Wednesday to advance LD 1658, An Act to Increase Campaign Finance Transparency and Accountability in Municipal Elections, sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland.

Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, and Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Kennebec, welcome the Winthrop High School field hockey team to the State House Wednesday.

The team was recognized by the entire House and Senate for winning the 2021 Class C State Championship.

Hasenfus is serving his first term in the Maine House and serves on the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee. He represents Readfield, Winthrop and part of Monmouth.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill from Rep. Ann Matlack, D-St. George, which will clarify state law for municipal assessors and property owners and improve the fairness of valuations across the state.