Category: Featured

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.

Pres. Jackson introduces bill to provide electric rate relief for working families, small businesses

Too many Mainers have been buried not only by snow this winter but by soaring energy costs. The sky-high price of natural gas driving up electric rates is forcing Maine businesses owners to decide between keeping their lights on or keeping their doors open. It’s forcing working families and older residents to decide whether to confront sub-zero temperatures and risk an outrageous bill or pay for other essentials from food to medication. Although this proposal is a concept draft, I firmly believe we can work together to come up with some short-term relief to help Maine people get by while we work to rein in costs in the long run. Solving this issue won’t be easy, but together we deliver meaningful relief.

Jackson bill to save Caribou, Machias Veterans’ Homes clears committee

There is no question that the Maine Veterans’ Homes provide first-rate care to the residents who call these facilities home. It’s a testament to the extraordinary staff dedicated to serving our servicemen and women in need of long-term care. However, there seems to be a debate about whether it’s worth it to provide this care in rural Maine. Let me be clear — when the Maine Legislature established the Maine Veterans’ Homes, we made a commitment to veterans across this state — a commitment that I intend to keep. We cannot and will not turn our backs on the brave men and women who have served our country and now find themselves in need of quality, compassionate long-term care. This legislation will ensure that the closure of these homes remains the option of last resort.

Jackson, Legislative Democrats unveil plan to help Mainers heat their homes, keep the lights on

Maine people expect solutions from their elected officials, not excuses or finger-pointing. That’s why Legislative Democrats have come together to provide relief now and lower prices in the long term. With this plan, we can ensure that Mainers can afford to not just stay in their homes but heat their homes and keep the lights on while also providing for their families. We can also make sure small business owners can afford to pay their energy bills, keep their doors open and contribute to our economy.

Jackson bill to save Caribou Veterans’ Home scheduled for public hearing

To me, this is about making good on our commitment to the brave men and women who served our country and their spouses. Our veterans in need of long-term care should be able to get the high-quality care they deserve near their loved ones and community. I hope people will join me in testifying to keep the Maine Veterans’ Homes open in Caribou and Machias. Our veterans and their families were there for our state and country when we needed them. Now it’s our turn to repay this debt.

Jackson introduces bill to expand internet access in Caribou

For years, homeowners and businesses living in what’s known as the ‘last mile’ have struggled to access reliable, high-speed internet at a reasonable rate. It’s why I’m proud to sponsor LD 1949 and partner with community leaders to help close the internet gap in Caribou.

Jackson, Claxton unveils bills to lower Rx prices, improve coverage of contraceptives

AUGUSTA – Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and Senator Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, unveiled legislation to improve coverage of prescription contraceptives and lower prescription drug prices at a virtual press conference on Monday alongside Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, AARP Maine, and Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care. The bills build on previous efforts put […]

Pres. Jackson introduces bill to improve access legal counsel in rural Maine

AUGUSTA—Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, introduced legislation to expand access to justice and legal representation in rural Maine at a public hearing before the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Wednesday. LD 1924, “An Act To Expand Access to Justice in Rural Maine through Legal Education” would authorize the University of Maine School of […]

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