AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted to advance a historic bill Tuesday to replace Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant with the Pine Tree Power Company, a consumer-owned electric utility dedicated to providing Mainers with lower cost, locally controlled, more reliable, cleaner electricity.

AUGUSTA - A proposal from Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to support students who experienced significant education interruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety voted Tuesday to advance LD 1044, a measure to protect the rights of people who are transgender and incarcerated.

AUGUSTA - A proposal from Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, to ensure Mainers who lose their health insurance have the information they need to transition to new coverage was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation voted to advance a bill Wednesday sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, to incentivize businesses to donate to organizations working to address hunger in Maine.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Taxation Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would certify up to five eligible attorneys to claim the Access to Justice Income Tax Credit.

AUGUSTA - Legislation to support and improve municipal recycling programs and decrease property taxes, LD 1541, advanced out of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources with bipartisan support on Monday.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously on Friday to advance a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would establish the Family Caregiver Grant Pilot Program. If passed into law, the proposed legislation will give certified family caregivers the opportunity to receive $2,000.

AUGUSTA - Today, the state of Maine received a Aa2 bond rating from Moody's Investor Service. The news comes after Fridays strong S&P bond rating indicating the state of Maine is recovering from the pandemic, showing signs of strong financial health.

Chairs of the Legislatures Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee released the following statements commending the updated bond ratings:

Senator Cathy Breen:

AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, will welcome constituents to attend outdoor office hours on June 5 at Nequasset Park located behind the Woolwich Town Office. This is an opportunity for members of the public to sit down with Hepler and hear updates from Augusta, ask questions about policymaking and share opinions on state matters.