Senate sends corporate campaign contribution ban to governor’s desk
Getting money out of our politics and our government is essential to ensuring that the Maine Legislature remains a governing body of citizens and a governing body that works for its citizens. That starts with the corporate contribution ban. It makes clear that our democracy is not for sale. By limiting the amount of money flowing into our campaigns, working Maine people can have confidence in their government and elected officials. This is a win for Maine.
Senate approves Jackson child care proposal
Too many Maine children and families lack access to quality, affordable child care. At the same time, Maine child care providers continue to operate at a loss to care for our kids. The system isn’t working for anyone and it’s only been made worse by the pandemic.
Senate approves Making Health Care Work for Maine package
The Maine Senate overwhelmingly approved the Making Health Care Work for Maine package put forth by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and the Maine Senate Democrats on Tuesday. The suite of health care and prescription drug reform bills target outrageous health care spending, unsupported and extreme prescription drug price increases, and drug price transparency.
Maine Legislature sends bill to ban the aerial spraying of toxic chemicals to Governor’s desk
The aerial spraying of toxic chemicals, including glyphosate, is a harmful and unnecessary practice that is becoming increasingly more popular among landowners at the expense of the people and wildlife in northern Maine. These chemicals seep into our rivers and streams, they do irreversible damage to the local ecosystem and wildlife and they threaten the health of our workers and families. Banning this practice is long overdue. I’m hopeful that the governor will sign this bill into law and to protect the health and well-being of the people working and living in northern Maine, and safeguard our natural resources for future generations.
Maine Senate Democrats reject efforts to undermine voting rights
There is a reason that Maine regularly leads the nation in voter turnout. It’s because Maine people care deeply about the future of this state and they know that our election system works.
Senate approves Jackson bill to promote good-faith negotiations in public sector employee contracts
Where I’m from, your word means something. However, right now agreements reached through the arbitration process are meaningless for employees and employers because they simply aren’t binding. As a result, neither management nor employees have any incentive to keep their end of the bargain. Our public employees — our teachers, our firefighters, and snowplow drivers — deserve better.
Buy American, Build Maine earns Senate approval
Maine small businesses and the hardworking people who keep them running don’t just drive our economy, they really are a part of our communities. Small business owners sponsor our little league teams, help out with band fundraisers and donate to our community food banks. They are our family members, neighbors and friends. Buy American, Build Maine is about lifting up these workers, businesses and quality-manufactured products in our own backyard. Throughout this pandemic, Maine workers, businesses and manufacturers have stepped up to serve and support our communities in the toughest of circumstances. We owe it to them to have their backs.
Senate approves corporate contribution ban
Getting money out of our politics and our government is essential to ensuring that the Maine Legislature remains a governing body of citizens and a governing body that works for its citizens. That starts with the corporate contribution ban. It makes clear that our democracy is not for sale.
Senate sends HOMED Act to the governor’s desk
Year after year, politicians in Augusta talk about the need to attract and retain young workers as Maine’s current workforce prepares to retire. But between student debt and Maine’s outrageous housing market, too many young people can’t afford to return to the state they love to live, work, raise a family and eventually retire. Now instead of just talking about it, Maine lawmakers are doing something about it by creating a program that will help young people purchase homes through student debt relief.
Jackson bill to lower energy costs, support wood-based energy heads to governor
AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate unanimously enacted a bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to lower energy costs by embracing Maine’s wood energy industry on Wednesday. LD 597, “An Act To Establish the Wood Energy Investment Program” would provide incentives and low- or no-interest loans to businesses that produce energy using biomass. “This bill is about writing […]