Lawmakers in Augusta are assigned to committees based on their interests, experience and professional background. Joint standing committees are composed of three senators and ten representatives.
Representing Maine Senate District 30, which includes Gorham and most of Scarborough, Sen. Stacy Brenner, serving her third term in the Maine Senate, has been appointed to the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources for the 132nd Maine State Legislature. She previously served as Senate chair of the same committee in the 130th and 131st Maine State Legislatures.
“I’m honored to have been appointed by President Daughtry to serve on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee,” said Sen. Brenner. “Maine’s environment is a crucial aspect of our identity, our economy, and our way of life. I will continue to support the good work we’ve done in preserving our state’s natural resources and addressing the challenges of climate change and pollution for a more equitable and sustainable future.”
The Committee covers a wide range of issues including air and water quality, natural resource protection, shoreland zoning, mining, and oversight of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Rep. Parnell Terry, D-Gorham, serving his first term in the Maine House and representing part of Gorham, was appointed to the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee (VLA) and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee (IFW). Terry was appointed by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau.
“Having grown up with my father serving in the U.S. Army, I understand how important it is to support our Maine veterans,” said Terry. “I am committed to working to secure ongoing funding for our veterans’ homes and sustainably growing Maine’s heritage fish and wildlife industries. It’s an honor to be named to two committees that play a crucial role in making sure that state government delivers for all Mainers.”
The VLA Committee is responsible for legislation regarding liquor laws, lottery, off-track betting, election laws, governmental ethics, and the Maine National Guard. The IFW Committee oversees the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, hunting, fishing, trapping, hunter safety, fish hatcheries, game wardens, guides, taxidermist licensing, ATVs, snowmobiles, watercraft registration and boater safety, and whitewater rafting.
Rep. Eleanor Sato, D-Gorham, serving her first term in the Maine House and representing part of Gorham, was appointed to the Judiciary Committee. Sato was appointed by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau.
“It’s an honor to be named to the Judiciary Committee. This session, I’m looking forward to working hard alongside my colleagues to protect the rights of all Maine residents, addressing the challenges facing our state’s justice system, and fighting for a more equitable future for Maine,” said Sato. “We also plan to tackle tough issues like data privacy head-on, which will create a safer and more secure state for generations to come.”
The Judiciary Committee oversees Maine’s Judicial Branch and court system. The committee is also responsible for laws relating to firearms, reproductive health care, the Wabanaki Nations and a broad range of civil and human rights matters.