State Rep. Stephan Bunker, D-Farmington, spoke to the Select Board to outline his legislative priorities and encourage residents to engage with him on state issues.
Maine Legislature
Maine Republicans take aim at public advocate nominee
GOP lawmakers say they will use Heather Sanborn’s confirmation hearing to promote their agenda to limit offshore wind and incentives for solar developers.
Gun safety advocates credit Maine for post-Lewiston reforms
The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence upgraded its assessment of Maine’s gun laws from a D-minus to a C-plus based on laws passed this year, while also calling for more action.
Rape kit backlog shows how much Maine still lags on investigations
A 3-year, $2.5M grant will allow Cumberland County to inventory as many as 500 untested kits and then investigate and prosecute eligible cases. It remains a statewide problem.
Republicans look to defund Maine’s new paid leave program
An emergency bill from Rep. Joshua Morris, R-Turner, to eliminate a new payroll tax faces an uphill battle in the Legislature, where Democrats hold majorities in both chambers.
Despite progress, Maine women still earn less and are more likely to live in poverty
A report released Thursday calls for more equity in the labor market to close the gender pay gap and improve women’s access to higher paying jobs.
CEO killing renews call to ban ghost guns in Maine
Similar bills restricting untraceable firearms have failed in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, but the political ground has shifted since last year’s mass shooting in Lewiston.
Maine reproductive health providers seek $6 million ahead of Trump term
Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning will ask the state for funding to support non-abortion services such as primary care, screenings and birth control.
Maine finalizes rules for new paid family leave program
The state will begin collecting a 1% payroll tax in January, and benefits will be paid out starting in 2026.
Newly elected Maine Legislature takes oath, elects officers
Attorney General Aaron Frey and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows won reelection to their posts Wednesday after Democrats, who have majorities in both the House and Senate, met Tuesday to cast a preliminary vote on nominations.