Jackson bill to improve coverage of prescription contraceptives heads to governor’s desk
AUGUSTA – On Monday, the Maine Senate unanimously enacted legislation from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to improve access and coverage of prescription contraceptives. “When it comes to birth control, Maine patients should not be at the mercy of their insurance company. They should be able to access and afford the prescription contraceptive that works […]
Mills, Jackson announce Maine Veterans’ Home Board of Trustees’ votes to keep open homes in Caribou and Machias
For weeks, the veterans, their family members and the staff at the Maine Veteran’s Homes in Caribou and Machias have had to grapple with enormous uncertainty and mixed messages as the Legislature worked to pass legislation to save the two facilities. Today, folks can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that Governor Mills has signed LD 2001 into law and that the Board has reconsidered its closure vote. As we look to the future, we must continue working to ensure that the Maine Veterans’ Homes can continue serving veterans and their families in rural Maine.
Mills signs Jackson bill to keep Maine Veterans’ Homes in Caribou, Machias open
In Augusta, politicians talk an awful lot about standing up for rural Maine, fighting for rural Maine and making sure rural Maine doesn’t get left behind. We often use the same lofty rhetoric to talk about our veterans. Today, with the help of Governor Mills, the Maine Legislature matched those words with action by passing LD 2001 and keeping our promise to Maine veterans. I’m so grateful to all of the veterans, family members and staff at the Maine Veterans’ Homes in Caribou and Machias who reached out and shared their stories. The fact that we were able to put a stop to this injustice is a testament to our community.
Jackson small businesses electric rate relief bill clears Taxation Committee
Mainers all across the state are still reeling from sky-high electric rates caused in part by the increase in natural gas. While we work on long-term strategies to lower costs, I’m hopeful that the checks in the supplemental budget will help working families offset increased prices. But we also need to do something for small businesses across the state that have been hit the hardest. This credit is an attempt to help small businesses with high-energy usage, like convenience and grocery stores, afford to stay open and serve our rural communities. I’m grateful to the Taxation Committee for partnering with me on this effort.
Bill to save Veterans’ Homes in Caribou, Machias gets initial legislative approval
When the Maine Legislature established the Maine Veterans’ Homes, we made a commitment to the men and women serving in our nation’s armed forces to repay their service by making sure they could get the care they need in their later years. For 35 years, the state has kept this promise. To close these facilities now and move veterans out of their homes and away from their families for no good reason is simply unacceptable.
I’m so grateful that my colleagues in the Senate and House joined me in unanimously supporting LD 2001 on an initial vote. It’s only fitting that we would reaffirm our commitment to Maine veterans by taking this up on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Now it’s time to get this bill across the finish line and stop the closure dead in its tracks.
Jackson bill to expand internet access in Caribou heads to governor’s desk
High-speed reliable internet has become a fundamental part of how we learn, how we connect with one another and how we do business. It is really unacceptable that folks living and working in one of the largest cities in Aroostook County struggle to get online because large telecommunications companies don’t think connecting these Mainers is worth the investment. Well, I know rural Maine is worth investing in. It’s why I’m proud to partner with Hugh and the Caribou Utilities District to make sure families and small businesses in Caribou don’t get left behind.
Jackson celebrates anniversary of ACA
As we celebrate the ACA, state and federal lawmakers must double-down on efforts to ensure that working families and older Mainers can get the quality, affordable health care they deserve. That means standing up to ‘Big Pharma’ on prescription drug prices, reining in health care costs and fighting back against efforts to erode health care coverage through the sale of sham insurance plans and discrimination against preexisting conditions. After 12 years of the ACA, we can’t afford to go backward. Mainers and Americans deserve better.
Senate unanimously approves Jackson bill to expand internet access in Caribou
Improving access to reliable, high-speed internet is about making sure that the families, small businesses and communities in rural Maine don’t get left behind. But all too often, internet service providers charge exorbitant fees to connect those living and working in what’s known as the ‘last mile’ because it doesn’t benefit their own bottom line. I believe the people and small businesses in rural Maine are worth the investment. It’s why I am proud to partner with the community leaders in Caribou to get folks connected so students can participate in online learning, patients can get telehealth care and businesses can compete in the modern economy.
Senate approves Jackson bill to improve access to lawyers in rural Maine
The right to legal counsel shouldn’t depend on your zip code. Unfortunately, the shortage of practicing attorneys in Aroostook County has made it difficult for folks in rural Maine to exercise their constitutional right, let alone consult a lawyer on other business matters and family matters. By establishing a rural legal aid clinic at Fort Kent, we can protect the rights of rural Mainers while creating opportunities for young people to pursue a legal education and set up a practice in the rural, underserved parts of our state.
Senate approves bill to improve homeownership through student debt relief
Policies that make it easier for working families to make a good life here in Maine are good for all of us. For parents and grandparents, it is about keeping our loved ones close. For communities and businesses, it’s about making sure we have a new generation of workers and community leaders. With one of the oldest populations in the union, there is a whole generation of Mainers getting ready to retire, and we need young people to fill these roles and carry on this legacy. LD 1978 is about making it possible for young people to stay in Maine and make a life for themselves whether they were born here or have chosen to make this state their home.