Jan 15, 2014 •
On Wednesday, the Health and Human Services Committee held a public hearing on two bills to expand access to healthcare. The Legislature has voted three times to accept the federal government’s deal to expand healthcare to 70,000 Mainers, and I have proudly voted in the affirmative each time. Two weeks ago, 25,000 people statewide lost...
Jan 15, 2014 •
Last Friday, January 10, Governor LePage vetoed five bills passed by the legislature last July. One of them was my student hunger bill, aimed at helping feed students during the summer who qualify for free or reduced lunch. There is lots of data showing how important nutrition is for children and education. Maine currently has...
Nov 20, 2013 •
Last week, I had the honor of being chosen as a Margaret Chase Smith Distinguished Maine Policy Fellow. Housed at the University of Maine at Orono, the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center was founded in 1990 and serves to improve and promote the quality of public discourse in Maine through research and engagement.Former Senator Mary...
Oct 1, 2013 •
There are plenty of good things to report from Augusta, but it’s hard not to focus on the federal government shutdown. It is difficult to witness one small group from one political party shutting down the country. The effects will touch all of us in some way: thousands will lose their paycheck, home loans will...
Sep 13, 2013 •
It’s that time of year again. Students are settling in to a new school year, the Sox and Patriots are playing, and the season is starting to change. Yet, the work in the Legislature is heating up. Many of the State’s task forces and commissions are starting to meet this month. These commissions lay the...
Sep 6, 2013 •
Last week, the Legislature was called into a special session to consider bonds and address the issues at the Riverview Psychiatric Facility. Our Newest State Senator Last week, voters in Sagadahoc County and Dresden held a special election to replace former Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall. In a close election with high turnout, voters elected...
