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.
Bill to bolster drought relief program for farmers clears committee
“Farming is a critical part of Maine’s heritage, character and economy. As extreme weather conditions persist, the state must partner with individual farmers and industry leaders and take proactive steps to protect this key economic sector and important part of who we are,” said President Jackson.
Pres. Jackson announces Senate Committee Assignments
AUGUSTA — Today, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, announced Senate committee assignments for the 131st Maine Legislature. There are 17 joint-standing committees, a new Joint Select Committee on Housing, the Government Oversight Committee, and several Senate standing committees. Lawmakers are assigned to legislative committees by the presiding officers based on their interest, experience, professional background or […]
Governor Mills signs Jackson bill to support farmers amid extreme weather conditions
Maine farmers have always led the way on innovation and adapting to change — it’s part of why our agricultural sector has long been a sustaining part of Maine’s culture and economy. This grant program will help them continue to innovate and thrive, even in the face of extreme weather conditions like drough. Maine’s farms can get the support they need to improve access to water and irrigation and bounce back from hard years caused by drought. This is a win for all of Maine’s agricultural communities and will help future generations looking to carry on the legacy of our state’s farms.
Legislature approves Jackson bill to establish dispute board for logging contractors and landowners
AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, the Maine Senate enacted legislation from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to ensure that contracts between Maine logging contractors and landowners are fairly enforced in the forest products industry. The vote was 17-14 in the Senate and 77-54 in the House. “There is a long and ugly history in the logging […]
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.
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.