Legislature sends strong bipartisan budget to the governor’s desk
Today, the Maine Legislature sent a strong, bipartisan budget to the governor’s desk that makes good on long-standing promises and obligations to the people of the state of Maine. It funds 55 percent of education funding for the first time since voters mandated it more than a decade ago, it prioritizes property tax relief for Maine families and seniors so they can afford to stay in their homes and in our communities, and returns $150 million to more than 500,000 extraordinary workers who showed up time and time again throughout the pandemic. After a year of uncertainty and hardship, this is the type of budget Maine families, communities and small businesses deserve. I’m so grateful to my colleagues on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee for putting aside partisanship and making this happen.
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 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.
Presiding Officers, Budget Chairs release statements as budget is signed into law
Now that the Back-to-Basics Budget has been signed into law, Maine people and businesses don’t have to worry about politics threatening our health and economic recovery. Maine people can take comfort knowing that lawmakers have kept their promises on property taxes and breathe a little easier knowing nursing homes, rural hospitals and health clinics are getting the funds needed to operate. Schools have a clear picture of what they should expect for funding and can make plans to safely reopen for students and teachers – much to the relief of everyone, especially working parents. The businesses that rely on tourism can have confidence that state parks and public beaches will remain open, attracting tourists at unprecedented rates.
Presiding Officers, Budget Chairs announces “Back-to-Basics” Budget Proposal
AUGUSTA – Today, Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford, Senator Cathy Breen of Falmouth, and Representative Teresa Pierce of Falmouth, proposed the “Back-to-Basics” Biennial Budget in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this proposal, the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee would vote out a smart, responsible biennial budget […]
Jackson sworn in as Senate President for 2nd Term
Serving in the Maine Legislature is about serving the people of this state. When you take away the State House with the marble floors and towering ceilings, and you take away the grand chambers, the purpose of the Legislature doesn’t change.
President Jackson releases 2020 legislative update
AUGUSTA – A Legislative update from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, hit mailboxes through Senate District 1 – northern Aroostook County – earlier this week. These annual updates from lawmakers provide constituents with a sense of what happened during the second regular legislative session. This year, President Jackson championed legislation to shake up our health […]
Jackson, Gideon announce a series of committee meetings
Lawmakers will focus on issues around unemployment, small businesses, reopening the economy, COVID-19 testing, and long-term care
Jackson, Breen announce budget committee meeting on Friday
“All across the state, Maine people are reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. I know because I’ve spent every day since the Legislature adjourned talking to constituents, small business owners and local officials. With an economic downturn around the corner, Mainers are scared and rightfully so. Fortunately, in the last year, my colleagues and I put together a bipartisan budget that put money aside for savings, growing our Rainy Day Fund to historic levels. While none of us saw this crisis coming, Maine is in a stronger position to weather the storm. This week, the Legislature’s budget committee will roll up their sleeves and begin laying out a way forward.
Jackson, Senate Democrats celebrate passage of bold affordable housing bill
AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve access to affordable housing in Maine on Thursday. LD 1645, “An Act To Create Affordable Workforce and Senior Housing and Preserve Affordable Rural Housing” from Rep. Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, and co-sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, would double the […]