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Legislative Update from Senator Ned Claxton
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I hope you've been enjoying the great weather we've been having recently! On Monday, August 26, the Maine Legislature was called in for a special session by Gov. Janet Mills, to vote on bonds that would appear on the November ballot. Unfortunately, I left Augusta for the day disappointed in what the Legislature didn't accomplish. Read on to learn more about what happened during our one day back at the State House, and to see what else I've been doing!
Sincerely,
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On Monday, the Maine Legislature convened to consider critical investments in Maine's transportation infrastructure, economy, natural resources and energy efficiency. The Legislature overwhelmingly approved the transportation bond, which will support upgrades to roads and bridges all across the state.
This is great news for everyone across our state, including commuters, municipalities, and road crews. This bond will go to voters on the statewide ballot in November for your consideration and approval. It will invest $105 million in our roadways, bridges and overpasses, and a state wharf, and it will draw down an additional $137 million in other funds. This is a good deal for Maine, and I'm proud to have supported this measure.
I want you to know that I'm going to keep supporting your right to have a voice in how the state invests its money, both in the community and in Augusta.
The bonds that Maine voters will not have a say on this fall would have funded rural high-speed internet access, career and technical education, as well as public lands and working waterfronts.
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| Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, who happens to be from neighboring Lewiston, and me during a break on Monday. |
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Western Maine Labor Council annual Labor Day barbecue
As we come back from enjoying Labor Day to spend time with family and friends at cookouts, it's important to reflect on all that working Mainers contribute to our economy and communities. Before Labor Day was a national holiday, and before the labor movement took root, blue-collar workers across the country faced unbearably long hours in unsafe conditions. Many factories relied on child labor to turn a profit. Now, our laws include protections for workers and I was proud to help expand those protections this session.
I was honored to help on the serving line at the Western Maine Labor Council annual barbecue. It was a great opportunity to appreciate all that unions have done for the labor movement.
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| Serving up some barbecue at the Western Maine Labor Council's Annual event. |
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New Gloucester Community Fair
I had a great time at the New Gloucester Community Fair a couple weekends ago! It was a great time getting to talk with so many folks and hear what's on their minds. I even got a few minutes to talk with my colleague from the House of Representatives, Rep. Amy Arata!
Thank you and congratulations to all who helped organize this great event! See you next year!
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| Rep. Amy Arata and me at the fair! |
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New Gloucester Office Hours
On August 19, I held another office hours event, this time in New Gloucester! I'm grateful to those who came out for part of their evening to share their views on a range of issues with me. Hearing what you think helps me better represent you in Augusta.
I'll be scheduling more events this fall. Make sure to stay up to date with future office hours and what else I'm doing on my Facebook page by clicking
here.
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| Having a great discussion in New Gloucester. |
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