Pres. Jackson releases statement on new COVID-19 guidelines
From day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, our number one goal has been to protect the health and safety of Maine people, and save lives. The plan was always to return to the State House when it was safe for everyone — the public, members of the press, legislative staff, and lawmakers. With today’s announcement, we are looking forward to working with our colleagues to review the new guidelines and finalize plans to eventually reopen the State House.
Pres. Jackson releases statement on change package; lauds historic education funding
Maine people have faced a year of unprecedented pain and extraordinary hardship. The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, but especially our kids. It’s why I’m thrilled that after years of fighting to fund public education and honor the will of Maine voters, the state is finally on track to meet the 55 percent threshold for K-12 public education funding. For me, this about doing right by our kids and their incredible teachers. This historic investment has been 17 years in the making and been approved twice at the ballot box. I’m so proud of my colleagues for never backing down, fighting for our kids and making good on that commitment.
Jackson, Luchini corporate contribution ban earns committee support
Large corporations have been able to buy state governments for far too long, and regular people don’t have the money to buy it back — it’s hard to compete when your voice is drowned out by outsized campaign donations. By limiting the flow of corporate profits into our politics and our government, Maine people can have confidence that elected officials are working for them, not corporate donors and shareholders. By adopting this proposal, Maine lawmakers can send a clear message to the people we represent: Our government and our democracy are not for sale.
Maine workers, businesses and lawmakers support Buy American, Build Maine
AUGUSTA – Today, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, introduced Buy American, Build Maine legislation alongside Maine-based businesses at a public hearing before the Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee. LD 1411, “An Act To Establish the Maine Buy American and Build Maine Act” would give preference to Maine-based businesses, workers and American manufacturing when the […]
Pres. Jackson introduces Buy American, Build Maine legislation
AUGUSTA — Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, introduced Buy American, Build Maine legislation at a press conference, followed by a public hearing before the Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee on Wednesday. LD 1411, “An Act To Establish the Maine Buy American and Build Maine Act” would give preference to Maine-based businesses, workers and American manufacturing […]
Pres. Jackson introduces bill to support Maine tasting rooms and restaurants inspired by Aroostook County constituents
Over the past few months, the Maine Legislature has passed several bills to provide some much-needed relief to Maine restaurants and brewpubs. This bill simply continues our work to cut red tape and help small businesses and workers weather the pandemic and rebound from this crisis.
Pres. Jackson, Maine Legislature clear path for municipalities to receive federal funds
Maine towns and cities have been hit hard by the pandemic. I’ve heard from local officials all across northern Aroostook County about the never-ending challenges of this past year. With hope on the horizon as more Mainers get vaccinated and cases stabilize, these funds will support our municipalities as they work to rebuild local communities and economies. The Maine Legislature will not stand in the way of local economic recovery. I’m glad we could pass this bill and am hopeful that Maine municipalities will get the funds they need in no time.
Pres. Jackson, Senate Dems reject bill to bring back junk insurance plans
Mainers expect their health insurance plans to cover their basic needs and be there when they are sick or injured. It’s why my colleagues and I championed legislation to put strict limits on short-term health insurance plans, otherwise known as junk insurance plans, last session. Health insurance companies shouldn’t be able to trick Mainers into purchasing these cheap, faulty plans. They shouldn’t be able to sell Mainers a bill of goods only to pull the rug out from underneath them in a health crisis. Today, we once again made it clear that Senate Democrats will always choose Maine people over large insurance companies.
Jackson, Legislative Dems unveil corporate contribution ban
AUGUSTA — Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot-Ross, D-Portland, and Sen. Louie Luchini, D-Ellsworth, unveiled legislation to ban corporate campaign contributions alongside Maine voters and business owners at a press conference today. LD 1417, “An Act Regarding Campaign Finance Reform” would prevent corporations from contributing to legislative candidates or legislator-controlled […]
Pres. Jackson’s veterans’ property tax relief bill clears committee
Increasing property tax relief for our brave servicemen and women is just one way we can repay our gratitude for their service to this country. It will help our younger veterans better transition back into our communities and civilian life while making it easier for our aging veterans to afford to remain in their homes. I’m grateful to the members of the Taxation Committee for coming together in a bipartisan manner to endorse this proposal. I hope the entire Maine Legislature can do the same.