Pres. Jackson’s universal school meal bill earns bipartisan support in committee
AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee approved a bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to reduce student hunger in a vote of 11-2 last week. LD 1679, An Act To Address Student Hunger through Expanding Access to Free School Meals would make School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs available to […]
President Jackson introduces the Kids First Plan
All children deserve a chance to live a healthy, happy and productive life. Where a kid lives or how much their parents make shouldn’t ever prevent them from getting ahead. Yet, too many children go to school hungry regularly. How can we expect them to learn on an empty stomach? If parents don’t have a safe place to drop their kids off to learn while they go to work, how can we expect parents to make ends meet for their families? And if child care workers aren’t supported, how can we expect them to stay open? Things were difficult before the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is no question that this crisis has had an outsized influence on our kids. The Kids First plan makes Maine kids a priority as we work to normalcy. We must ask ourselves what does it mean to truly put our kids first — and then, follow through.
Legislation to increase nursing home funding earns unanimous committee support
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Maine’s nursing and long-term care facilities have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to their residents and our loved ones. In the most difficult and unrelenting conditions, they continued to provide quality, compassionate and personal care to their residents, finding creative ways to connect residents with their family members. Now, Maine lawmakers must show the same commitment to our nursing homes and the hardworking professionals who work there.
Pres. Jackson, Sen. Daughtry introduce the HOMED Act
It’s no secret that Maine is an aging state. It’s why lawmakers talk a lot about how we can attract and retain young families to keep our communities and economy thriving for future generations. However, between the high cost of student debt and the tough housing market all across the state, it’s getting harder for young people who grew up in Maine to come home to work, live and raise their families. LD 1709 aims to bring young Mainers home by getting them HOMED. This could be a game-changer for the next generation of Maine homeowners, giving young people a leg up as they try to compete with out-of-state buyers.
Buy American, Build Maine clears committee
Buy American Build Maine is a win for the entire state. It puts taxpayer dollars back into the community, keeps our economy humming, and grows our Made-in-Maine brand. It does all of this by supporting the workers and businesses here in this state.
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 […]