Pres. Jackson introduces bill to provide electric rate relief for working families, small businesses
Too many Mainers have been buried not only by snow this winter but by soaring energy costs. The sky-high price of natural gas driving up electric rates is forcing Maine businesses owners to decide between keeping their lights on or keeping their doors open. It’s forcing working families and older residents to decide whether to confront sub-zero temperatures and risk an outrageous bill or pay for other essentials from food to medication. Although this proposal is a concept draft, I firmly believe we can work together to come up with some short-term relief to help Maine people get by while we work to rein in costs in the long run. Solving this issue won’t be easy, but together we deliver meaningful relief.
Jackson bill to save Caribou, Machias Veterans’ Homes clears committee
There is no question that the Maine Veterans’ Homes provide first-rate care to the residents who call these facilities home. It’s a testament to the extraordinary staff dedicated to serving our servicemen and women in need of long-term care. However, there seems to be a debate about whether it’s worth it to provide this care in rural Maine. Let me be clear — when the Maine Legislature established the Maine Veterans’ Homes, we made a commitment to veterans across this state — a commitment that I intend to keep. We cannot and will not turn our backs on the brave men and women who have served our country and now find themselves in need of quality, compassionate long-term care. This legislation will ensure that the closure of these homes remains the option of last resort.
Committee approves Jackson bill to help farmers amid extreme weather conditions
Farming is a critical part of our state’s character and economy. It’s a core part of who we are and our storied history in Aroostook County. But in recent years, extreme weather conditions, like drought, have hit Maine farmers pretty hard, causing devastating losses that threaten the entire industry. This bill is about making sure that our state is taking steps to protect and preserve our heritage industries that have powered rural communities for generations by establishing grants to improve access to irrigation.
Jackson, Legislative Democrats unveil plan to help Mainers heat their homes, keep the lights on
Maine people expect solutions from their elected officials, not excuses or finger-pointing. That’s why Legislative Democrats have come together to provide relief now and lower prices in the long term. With this plan, we can ensure that Mainers can afford to not just stay in their homes but heat their homes and keep the lights on while also providing for their families. We can also make sure small business owners can afford to pay their energy bills, keep their doors open and contribute to our economy.
Pres. Jackson introduces bill to support survivors of sexual violence on college campuses
No one, let alone a college student, should have to worry about sexual violence. However, the truth is that sexual assault is an all too common occurrence on college campuses. All you have to do is look at the data on sexual violence, listen to the stories of survivors or talk to any college student. It represents an ugly stain on our education system. I want to thank all of the students who partnered with me on this legislation as well as the students who bravely shared their experiences with the committee today. I’m in awe of their drive and commitment to make things better for their peers and the students who follow in their footsteps. We owe it to them to make sure that Maine college campuses offer a safe environment to learn and prepare for the workforce.
County residents, family members and veterans organizations testify in support of bill to save the Caribou Veterans’ Home
AUGUSTA – A bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, intended to prevent the Maine Veterans’ Homes in Caribou and Machias from closing, received a public hearing before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Wednesday. Aroostook County residents, families, veterans advocacy organizations and health care professionals overwhelmingly testified in support of the measure. […]
Pres. Jackson introduces legislation to save Maine Veterans’ Homes in Caribou and Machias
We cannot turn our backs on the brave men and women who have served our country or military spouses who now find themselves in need of quality, compassionate long-term care. Our veterans didn’t throw in the towel on us when things got tough. We shouldn’t either.
President Jackson thanks administration for keeping Wilton Call Center open
Today, the 45 Mainers who work at the Wilton Call Center to support the Maine Department of Health and Human Services can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the jobs they rely on to earn a good wage and provide for their families aren’t going anywhere. We applaud Gov. Janet T. Mills, Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and the Department for hearing workers’ concerns and taking quick action to protect these jobs during these tumultuous times. At this point, trying to solve this problem through the Legislative process would have taken weeks if not longer, causing unnecessary anguish and uncertainty. We’re grateful that the Department was able to use all the tools at their disposal to come up with a swift resolution.
Jackson bill to save Caribou Veterans’ Home scheduled for public hearing
To me, this is about making good on our commitment to the brave men and women who served our country and their spouses. Our veterans in need of long-term care should be able to get the high-quality care they deserve near their loved ones and community. I hope people will join me in testifying to keep the Maine Veterans’ Homes open in Caribou and Machias. Our veterans and their families were there for our state and country when we needed them. Now it’s our turn to repay this debt.
President Jackson testifies in favor of County residents nominated to Loring Development Authority
AUGUSTA – Senate President Troy Jackon, D-Allagash, testified in support of two Aroostook County residents nominated to serve on the Loring Development Authority during a confirmation hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business on Tuesday. The committee unanimously approved the nomination of Grace O’Neal of Limestone and Joseph M. Sleeper, […]