The second session of the 129th Legislature is now underway. This session is scheduled to adjourn in late April, but by no means is the work load light. During that period, we will consider more than 650 bills, from smaller quick fixes and complex legislation we are still working on from 2019 to measures in response to new issues that have arisen over the last few months. We have a lot to get through and I am looking forward to jumping in head first.
Last year, our Legislature passed bills to expand health care coverage, rein in the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs, address climate change, lift up working Maine families, support our schools, improve broadband access and provide meaningful property tax relief. We will push even harder on those topics and more in the coming months.
When it comes to health care, we are focused on making sure comprehensive care is not limited by age, gender, pre-existing conditions or income. There are bills up for discussion that would address surprise billing, cap out-of-pocket costs for medications like insulin, and improve dental health coverage. Every Mainer deserves access to quality, affordable health care, and we are fighting for just that.
With an extensive roadmap provided by Gov. Mills’ newly released 10-year strategic economic development plan, our Legislature will also be hard at work implementing policies that grow jobs and support local industries. Mainers are willing to work, and we deserve secure, good-paying jobs that support our families, strengthen our communities, and grow our economy.
Many items on our session to-do list will come from the hard work our many task forces and commissions took up during the off-season. We’ll consider recommendations from the Maine Climate Council to help us address the climate crisis and assist Maine communities adapting to the changes we’ve already seen. We’ll consider more sustainable ways to fund transportation projects. We’ll look at how we can support the long-term care workforce in Maine, improve criminal justice systems, mend the Land Claims Settlement Act to increase tribal sovereignty, and much more.
Personally, this session I have taken up new duties serving on the Committee on State and Local Government in addition to my role as a member of the Taxation Committee. I have thoroughly enjoyed gaining a deeper insight into what our town needs and what laws at the state level are most relevant to keeping our community running smoothly.
I am particularly interested in hearing from you this session. With a full workload ahead of us it is paramount that your voice is present as we close out the 129th Legislature. One issue that has recently garnered attention in the State and Local Government Committee is the draft report from the independent Compensation Commission. The report recommends pay increases for the state’s executive, legislative and judicial branches. The authors of the report cite an effort to bring Maine’s legislators, governor, judges and justices closer to the middle of the pack when comparing public officials’ pay across the country. I would love to hear from my neighbors and community members when it comes to this issue. Ensuring that we make it accessible for more than just those who can financially afford it to serve our state and represent our community is extremely important to me.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with comments or questions about this topic or anything else of concern. We have a lot of work to do this session, and I am so excited to get to work.
Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves on the Taxation Committee.
(207) 712- 9735 | (800) 423-2900 | maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov