AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, and Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technologies Committee, issued the following statements in response to the announcement from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of electricity rate increases affecting both CMP and Versant Power customers starting in 2022. Berry represents a district served by CMP, and Grohoski represents a district served by Versant.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Thom Harnett, D-Gardiner, and Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, have each received a 100% rating on votes to support Maine's education professionals and schools, according to a recent scorecard released by the Maine Education Association (MEA).

"Providing all of our young people with a quality education is one of the most important functions of government," said Harnett. "I am proud to support our teachers and all involved in education, and I thank them for their service."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Christopher Babbidge, D-Kennebunk, has received a 100% rating on votes to support Maine's education professionals and schools, according to a recent scorecard released by the Maine Education Association (MEA).

Maine has a shortage of veterinarians, and it is growing worse, particularly in rural communities. There are only about 420 veterinarians practicing now in Maine, down from 540 just a few years ago. While this shortage is more acute in some areas than in others, it is having an impact on Mainers across the state. It is affecting all sorts of people who love, own and care for animals. Some people are waiting weeks or months for wellness visits for their pets.

AUGUSTA - In a vote last month on bill proposals for the upcoming session, members of the Legislative Council approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, to raise wages for employees at the Riverview Psychiatric Center.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Raegan F. LaRochelle, D-Augusta, was sworn into office on Wednesday by Gov. Janet Mills after defeating Republican James Orr in a special election on November 2, 2021. LaRochelle now serves House District 86, the seat previously held by Rep. Justin Fecteau, who resigned in the spring.

AUGUSTA - Members of the Legislative Council voted last month on bill proposals for the upcoming session. One bill sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, to clarify the definition of "domestic partner," has been approved by the council to be considered next year.

The bill, An Act To Provide Consistency in the Laws Regarding Domestic Partnership, would establish a new, standardized definition to replace the assortment of definitions presently used in state laws.

AUGUSTA - Reps. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, Joyce "Jay" McCreight, D-Harpswell, Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport and Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, each received a 100% rating on votes to support Maine's education professionals and schools, according to a recent scorecard released by the Maine Education Association (MEA).

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, will host an in-person "Coffee with Constituents" event on Saturday, November 13 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Moore Community Center in the Friends in Action Cafeteria, located at 125 State Street in Ellsworth. Masks are required, and coffee and tea will be provided.

This event is an opportunity for constituents from Ellsworth and Trenton to reconnect, share ideas and ask questions about the upcoming legislative session and what has been accomplished so far.

Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, joins State Treasurer Henry Beck and Hazel Young, assistant branch manager, at the Bangor Savings Bank Belfast branch to highlight and promote the availability of ABLE accounts, a tax-advantaged account for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Dodge] c. 812-1111