AUGUSTA - Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, will introduce a proposal on Monday that would allow eligible Mainers to register to vote using a secure online portal.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to advance a measure by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, which would help more Maine children receive the behavioral health care they need. The vote was 7-5.

AUGUSTA - Today, Governor Janet T. Mills signed a responsible biennial budget into law. The Back-to-Basics Budget provides critical funding for schools, property tax relief, health care, nursing homes and other essential services over the next two years.

Presiding Officers and Chairs of the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee released the following statements praising the budget and outlining the work that lies ahead:

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature has unanimously enacted a bill that would restore state benefits to Maine veterans who separated from service without an honorable discharge due solely to the veteran's sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support on this bill," said Wood. "Our veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, served our country and should qualify for the benefits their fellow service members have access to."

AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Legislature adopted a responsible biennial budget that provides critical funding for schools, property tax relief, rural health care and nursing homes in a vote of 77-67 in the House and 20-14 in the Senate. The Back-to-Basic Budget is a continuation of the bipartisan biennial budget that earned two-thirds support in both chambers in 2019. The budget will now go to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Donna Doore, D-Augusta, issued the following statement following the Maine House's vote to advance the "Back-to-Basics" Budget:

AUGUSTA- Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, released the following statement on the Legislature's passage of the "Back-to-Basics" Budget on Tuesday:

AUGUSTA- Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in support of the Maine House advancing the "Back-to-Basics" Budget:

AUGUSTA - Today, the Maine Legislature began voting on a biennial budget to provide funding for schools, property tax relief, rural health care and nursing homes. The Back-to-Basic Budget is a continuation of the bipartisan biennial budget that earned two-thirds support in both chambers in 2019. All Republicans rejected the budget proposal. The budget will face a final vote for enactment in the House later today.

AUGUSTA - Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford have announced that the Maine Legislature will convene Tuesday, March 30 at the Augusta Civic Center. The Senate proceedings will begin at 10:00 a.m.; the House proceedings will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Lawmakers are expected to take up the biennial budget proposal.

An advanced copy of the budget will be available online Sunday afternoon. Senate and House calendars will be made available on the Legislature's website Monday night.