Gov. Mills vetoes Jackson bill to ban the aerial spraying of glyphosate, other harmful chemicals in the Maine forests
To say this news is disappointing would be an understatement. How much longer are we going to allow large landowners to get away with spraying poison in our forests so they can grow their bottom line? The science is clear — the aerial spraying of glyphosate and other harmful chemicals has a devastating effect on our rivers and streams, plants and wildlife, and the health and well-being of people in the surrounding area. It’s also detrimental to hunting and fishing and the businesses that depend on outdoor recreation, and sets Maine back on our climate goals. Although the chances of overriding the governor’s veto are slim, Maine lawmakers will have one final opportunity to ban this practice once and for all. I’m hoping that we can come together as Democrats, Republicans and Independents to override this veto and put an end to this alarming practice.
Jackson bill to protect Maine trucking jobs becomes law
AUGUSTA — A bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to protect Maine trucking jobs became law without the governor’s signature Friday, June 18. LD 188, “An Act Regarding the Transportation of Products in the Forest Products Industry” would fine large landowners and the offending motor carrier for failing to follow federal cabotage. “All Maine workers are asking for is […]
Emergency insulin program becomes law, key Rx bills remain in limbo
https://youtu.be/jN7es0_u8xo Pres. Jackson speaks in favor of LD 1117 and the Making Health Care Work for Maine before the Senate vote. AUGUSTA — Two bills sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, and Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, that sought to improve prescription drug price transparency and create an emergency insulin program, were signed into […]
Pres. Jackson commits to appointing forester to Maine Forest Advisory Board
As a state, Maine faces complex challenges in our forests, including climate change, drought, fire, insects, and wildlife and habitat management. The way we solve complicated problems in Aroostook County is by getting everyone around the same table and working together to come up with commonsense solutions, or at the very least, the best path forward. The same commonsense approach should work statewide as we work to protect and preserve jobs, recreational opportunities and natural resources in the Maine woods.
Jackson bill to safeguard the rights of workers earns initial approval
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the way our current laws fail Maine workers from seeking justice in the face of human rights or labor violations in the workplace. Part of the problem is that workers often unknowingly sign their rights to legal recourse away at the start of a new job. The other challenge is that the Attorney General and Department of Labor lack the resources to take up legitimate cases. As a state, we can and must do better. Mainers deserve justice. If the state is unable to take the case, workers deserve somewhere else to turn. These bills would allow folks to access the resources they need in the wake of injustice.
Pres. Jackson releases statement as budget committee votes on ed funding and rev sharing
The reality is that Maine’s budget is a statement about what we value. With the funding measures passed by the AFA Committee today, we say loud and clear that the Maine Legislature supports our public schools, students, teachers and hardworking property taxpayers. Maine voters have told us in no uncertain terms that the state needs to be doing its part to take care of our schools and help local government. It’s high time we kept that promise.
Pres. Jackson’s HOMED Act becomes law
AUGUSTA — A bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, that looks to reduce student debt and help young Mainers compete in a tough housing market was signed into law by Governor Janet T. Mills on Tuesday. LD 1709, “An Act To Promote Home Ownership by Minimizing Education Debt,” otherwise known as the HOMED Act, […]
Legislature approves Jackson bill to boost Twin Rivers in Madawaska
For generations, Maine workers have relied on paper mills, including Twin Rivers, to earn a living and provide for their families in northern Maine. Despite the hardship Twin Rivers has experienced this year, the company has committed to PFAS-free food packaging to meet the challenges of the 21st century, sustain and grow its operations in Madawaska, and ensure the future financial security of its workers and its regional community. This bill would create a tax credit to support good-paying jobs in the forest products industry and facilitate these types of long-term investments in Maine.
President Jackson lauds ACA ruling from the Supreme Court
AUGUSTA – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Affordable Care Act in a 7-2 decision today. This decision ensures that millions of Americans can continue to rely on the Affordable Care Act for quality, affordable health insurance. Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, released the following statement lauding the Supreme Court’s decisions: “Today, millions of Americans and […]
Senate approves Jackson bill to create good-paying jobs, connect Aroostook County to ISO-NE
For too long, northern Maine has been left behind when it comes to renewable energy production and the good-paying jobs and the widespread economic benefits that come with the development of these projects. This proposal lays out a path to eliminate the longstanding barriers to energy production that exist in Aroostook County. The truth is — there is so much untapped potential for renewable energy in northern Maine, and we can’t afford to let it go to waste.