Legislative Update from Senator Ned Claxton
Dear friend,

On Saturday, Feb. 1, I'll be holding public office hours in the Auburn Public Library Study Room, from 10-11:30 a.m. These times when I get to sit down with and hear from folks around the community are so important to me. I've always said that my priority is to be available to my constituents. Not only do I want you to have a voice in Augusta, but the more I communicate with people like you, the better I can serve here at the State House. I hope to see you on Saturday!

Read on to learn more about what's going on in Augusta as the second session continues ramping up!

As always, you can get in touch by emailing me at [email protected], or by calling my office at (207) 287-1515.

Sincerely,

Gray-New Gloucester Band visits the State House!
It was a pleasure hosting the Gray-New Gloucester band at the State House Tuesday morning! The band performed the National Anthem in the House, but warmed up on the fourth floor in the morning. I was glad to get a moment to chat with them and snap a picture with my colleague Sen. Cathy Breen!

It's always a treat hosting folks from back home here in Augusta!
Tips for ice fishing season
Ice fishing season is well underway! The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shared the following tips about ice fishing. If you want to learn more about ice fishing rules in Maine, you can click here. Stay safe out there, and good luck!
  • Don't be afraid to fish close to shore where you may have better luck and can get out of the wind. For brook trout, jig with a Swedish Pimple and worm.
  • Find a fresh spot on a lake or pond. Anglers who explore and fish new shores that have not been fished yet usually have good consistent fishing and may find larger fish.
  • Pay attention to bait size. If specifically targeting lake trout and other large predators, use large bait as that does work best. However, for all other species, try small to medium sized baitfish.
  • Learn to jig!
  • If you are fishing for brook trout, fish shallow (in one to five feet of water), use small bait, and fish over gravelly or rocky bottom.
  • If you are fishing for lake trout (togue), try fishing around points of land that extend into deeper water. Focus on water depths of 15-40 feet off these landmarks and use large smelt for bait.
  • The most important component of a good early season ice fishing trip is safe ice.
State of the State Address
Last week, I was honored to take part in some of the traditions before Gov. Mills gave her annual State of the State address. In my role for the evening, I was sent to lead a committee of legislators in order to formally invite the Governor's family to attend the Joint Convention in the House! It was fun taking part in this tradition. 

Here I am formally inviting Gov. Mills' family to attend the joint convention!

Rebate doubled for heat pumps
If you've been thinking about installing an energy-efficient heat pump in your home or office, now is a great time to do so. Governor Mills recently announced that the rebate for certain heat pumps is doubling, from $500 to $1,000 for the first unit installed, and from $250 to $500 for the second unit. The move is part of a larger goal, prompted by a bill from my colleague Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, to install 100,000 heat pumps across the state over the next five years. This is a great initiative to help Mainers save on their heating bills and help support local business. To learn more, click here. Also, make sure to visit the Efficiency Maine website to read up on other energy-saving initiatives that we have in Maine. 
Senator Ned Claxton | (207) 287-1515 | ned.claxton @legislature.maine.gov  |  www.mainesenate.org