Pres. Jackson introduces bill to support health care consumer assistance program
The consumer assistance program ensures that Mainers have someone in their corner helping them get the coverage and care they deserve, and receive the benefits they are owed. It’s vital that this program continues.
Pres. Jackson introduces legislation to bolster public safety departments
Public safety hinges on local law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical service departments. However, the challenges plaguing public safety departments from updating buildings and equipment to hiring and retaining staff are mounting and have now reached crisis levels. This bill would provide an ongoing funding stream to ensure that municipalities from Fort Kent to Kittery can meet the health and safety needs of Maine families and older residents. It would ensure our brave first responders get the resources they need to answer the call.
Legislature enacts commonsense current services budget
Our job as elected officials is to represent the people who have placed their faith and trust and fight for their best interests. That is not something I take lightly. For me, this responsible baseline budget is about keeping our promise to Maine people — a promise to fund rural hospitals, a promise to fully fund our schools, a promise to make sure no child has to learn on an empty stomach and a promise to provide meaningful property tax relief. These are initiatives are foundational to the health, well-being, and success of Maine’s people and economy. Tonight, the Legislature followed through on that promise.
Pres. Jackson, Lieutenant Governors from 22 States Form Coalition to Protect Reproductive Freedom
The right to decide if and when to start a family is fundamental to who we are as Americans and our freedom. It’s a deeply personal decision — one that should not be made by politicians or justices with political agendas. Efforts to undermine reproductive freedom, and abortion rights, are anti-family, anti-Maine and anti-American. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues from across the country as a part of the Coalition to Protect Reproductive Freedom.
Pres. Jackson stresses need to invest in child care on White House call
Maine’s child care system isn’t working for anyone – parents, providers or small businesses. There simply isn’t enough quality, affordable child care in the state. The child care providers that are open can’t afford to do this work and are struggling to hire workers for the same reason. We must do better.
Pres. Jackson testifies in favor of legislation looking to connect I-95 to the St. John Valley
The state made a promise to connect the state from Kittery to Fort Kent, uniting the northern and southern parts of the state with the Maine highway system. Decades later, that promise remains unfulfilled today with I-95 stopping in Houlton, about 100 miles or two hours short of its planned destination,” said President Jackson. “After all these years, the people, businesses and communities in northern and central Aroostook County are the ones who continue to pay the price for this unfinished project.
Pres. Jackson introduces bill to permit the use of courthouse facility dogs
“This legislation is intended to offer some comfort and solace to individuals, especially children, dealing with the criminal justice system in the aftermath of a traumatic event,” said President Jackson. “Thank you to DA Collins for bringing this idea forward and looking for innovative ways to make our criminal justice system more accessible.”
Presiding Officers thank Wabanaki Chiefs following moving State of the Tribes Address
I want to thank Chief Sabattis, Chief Newell, Chief Francis, Chief Peter Paul and Chief Nicholas for graciously accepting the invitation to address a Joint Convention of the Maine Legislature and for sharing their powerful words with us today. The way we forge a stronger, more resilient relationship between our governments starts with listening, and that is something the state has certainly not done enough of throughout our 200-year history.
Pres. Jackson lauds appointment of Hon. Mike Carpenter to Logging Dispute Resolution Board
Mike Carpenter has dedicated his entire life to making sure folks get a fair shake – whether serving as Maine’s Attorney General, the Chair of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, or as a Guardian ad Litem. With his appointment to the Maine Logging Dispute Resolution Board, Maine logging contractors can be confident that their grievances will be taken seriously by someone who is trustworthy, experienced and familiar with the industry.
Pres. Jackson announces operations of new cell phone towers in Allagash and St. Francis
Reliable cell phone service has become an essential part of everyday life. It’s how we connect with loved ones, call for help in emergencies and do business on daily basis. Yet for far too long, the hardworking families in the Valley have been left behind when it comes to this essential service. That changes for most folks in Allagash and St. Francis today, and Eagle Lake in the coming week.