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Legislative Update from Senator Ned Claxton
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It seems that the weather has played some tricks on us regarding the start of spring. I hope you have enjoyed the sunny warm weekend we recently had or found time to snowshoe in the fresh powder as I did!
Please read on to hear more about office hours, healthcare legislation and recent visitors to the State House.
As always, you can contact me with any concerns you have by emailing me or calling my office at (207) 287-1515.
Sincerely,
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Office hours in Minot April 26
I appreciate the conversations I have with residents as I hold office hours around the district. My next office hours will be in Minot.
Talking with a local resident during Auburn office hours on Friday.
Please feel free to drop in with any questions, comments, concerns or just to say hello. All are welcome.
Additional dates and locations for public office hours throughout Senate District 20 will follow. Senate District 20 includes Auburn, Mechanic Falls, Minot, New Gloucester and Poland.
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I'm dedicated to protecting your access to affordable health care and prescription drugs
On March 19, Governor Janet Mills signed into law
LD 1, "An Act to Protect Health Care Coverage for Maine Families." This law, sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, makes sure insurance companies can't discriminate against you based on your age or a pre-existing condition. It also makes sure young adults can still be covered by their parents' plans until age 26, so they can still receive affordable medical care while they start their careers. To read the press release on the roll-out of the healthcare package, click
here.
My colleagues and I are also working to lower the cost of prescription drugs. I have introduced a bill to re-purpose unused medicines to get them to those who can least afford them. Several states have already implemented such programs and discussions continue on how to best do this in Maine.
Wherever I go, I hear from so many Mainers who are having trouble affording the medication they need to stay healthy and alive.
No matter what the federal government does, we're working to protect you and your family.
Gov. Mills signs LD 1 into law, helping Mainers receive important healthcare benefits.
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Improving the rate of lead testing helps Maine kids
There are a lot of old homes in Maine. With old homes come old paint and pipes, and that can mean lead. Too many of our children are at risk of lead poisoning, which can lead to serious, lifelong developmental problems. Making the problem worse is that Maine lags behind in testing our children for the effects of lead poisoning.
As a doctor, I've seen the devastating impact that lead exposure and lead poisoning can have on a growing child. If caught early, we can work treatment, and prevent further damage. If a child is being exposed to lead and it isn't caught by early testing, the damage to their growing brains and bodies will continue.
Early detection helps families and doctors address the problem and help mitigate related health complications.
A bill submitted by Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, addresses this problem. Senator Libby's bill,
LD 1116 "An Act To Strengthen the Lead Poisoning Control Act," would ensure that young children are tested for lead.
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Visitors at the State House
As I spend most of my days in Augusta, it is a great joy that people from our district come to visit and that I'm able to greet them here. Whether you are coming for a tour, to learn more about and observe the legislative process, to serve as an Honorary Page, or to have your voice heard by your local representation, I am glad to welcome you to the State House.
Third and fourth graders from New Gloucester Dunn School visit the State House.
The Bartlett family visiting the Senate Chamber. Kierriah, second from right, served as an Honorary Page.
Some of our youngest residents visit the State House to make their legislative priorities known.
or call the Museum Scheduler at (207) 287-6634.
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Taking on predatory student loan companies
The student loan crisis is
one of the greatest challenges facing our economy today. One in five Mainers has some form of student debt. Compounding this problem are the predatory practices of student loan servicers. A bill submitted by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, would make sure these companies face government oversight -- just as mortgage lenders and payday lenders already do -- and hold accountable servicers that defraud, mistreat or intentionally mislead borrowers.
More than that, I want to hear from you. If you've had a bad experience with a student loan servicer, you can share your story by clicking here.
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Wanted: Mainers to sing the National Anthem for the Legislature
Are you a singer? Do you know a singer? We're looking for more Mainers to sing the National Anthem for legislative sessions. If you or someone you know is interest, call the Office of the Secretary of the Senate at (207) 287-1540, and let them know you're calling at my invitation.
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Grants available for Maine Bicentennial-related marketing
The Maine Office of Tourism is offering grants to help businesses with market promotions and events related Maine's Bicentennial celebration, starting this summer and running through 2020. The grants provide matching funds for tourism-specific bicentennial projects that will help drive overnight visits to Maine. Grant applications will be accepted for review in spring and fall of this year. Spring applications are due on May 10, for grants available July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020. For more information, click here.
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Have you filed your taxes yet?
Tax day is April 17! As a reminder, if you haven't filed yet, you may qualify for free help; learn more about that by
clicking here. To see if you qualify to file your state taxes for free,
click here.
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