Here’s what 10 prominent legislators had to say about their time in office and their future plans.
Maine State House
Rep. Hepler advocates for organ donation with nonprofit Donate Life
Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, spoke at an event on April 10 to advocate for organ donation and to share her own story as a donor’s spouse. In 1997, Hepler’s husband died after a workplace fall, but because of his decision to be an organ donor, he saved multiple lives. “Making the decision to go forward […]
Maine lawmakers face Wednesday deadline to finish work
Many key bills, including the supplemental budget, remain on the table. But lawmakers don’t appear poised to call for a special session to give themselves more time.
House censures Republican lawmakers who said Lewiston shooting was God’s response to abortion expansion
House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross requires Reps. Michael Lemelin and Shelley Rudnicki to read a formal apology on the House floor before restoring their right to speak during floor debates.
Lawmakers approve bill that makes it harder to seize land to build power lines
Legislation headed to Gov. Mills grew out of concerns raised by property owners in the path of a transmission line that would have brought renewable power from northern Maine to the New England grid.
In Maine Legislature, momentum builds to rein in use of vague placeholder bills
Lawmakers are vowing to adopt new rules to provide more transparency for bills that are submitted with only a vague title and no explanation of intent.
Midcoast artist fills State House halls with paintings of women leaders
Artist Jerri Whitman noticed that women lacked representation on the walls of the Maine State House in Augusta, so she created a collection of paintings to make sure their history was not lost.
Maine Legislature’s use of vague ‘concept bills’ has risen dramatically
Placeholder bills buy time to finalize details of legislation, but some significant and controversial proposals are only revealed at the last minute.