AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave unanimous initial approval Monday to a measure from Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, that would accelerate Maine's efforts to weatherize homes and businesses and increase the number of low-income households that would qualify for weatherization assistance.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave bipartisan approval Monday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, to grow Maine's workforce by simplifying the licensure process for out-of-state license holders.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, will join lawmakers from across the country to announce the creation of the Coastal Working Group at a virtual press event on Monday, June 7 at 2 p.m. The group, organized by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), will look at ocean-based solutions to address climate change.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Thursday to advance a measure by Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, which would increase the existing Homestead Property Tax Exemption program. The bill earned initial approval with unanimous consent.

"The Homestead Exemption is one of our most powerful property tax relief programs. Strengthening the program will help Mainers, especially working families and older residents, afford to stay in their homes," said Talbot Ross.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to enact a bill that protects survivors of economic abuse from long-term consequences.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Thursday to a bill that would establish a municipal grant program to promote sustainable economic development driven by local leaders.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives unanimously voted Thursday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, that aims to improve health outcomes in the state through data collection from the Maine Health Data Organization (MHDO).

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives approved LD 1440, a bill that would provide municipal funding for the purchase of safe and fitted protective equipment for firefighters who are women.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted in support of a measure Wednesday sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would protect an employee's right to paid time off.

AUGUSTA - A measure that would increase reimbursement rates for substance use disorder treatments received initial approval Thursday from the Maine House of Representatives.

LD 1135, sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, would address the need for increased access to treatment for substance use disorder through a 25% increase in reimbursement rates. The legislation would specifically increase reimbursement rates in Section 65 for substance use disorder outpatient services.