Jackson testifies in support of Chenette campaign ethics bill
AUGUSTA — Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, has introduced two bills to reform campaign finance laws and limit lobbyists’ influence on state politics. LD 54, An Act to Limit the Influence of Lobbyists by Expanding the Prohibition on Accepting Political Contributions,” and LD 76, “An Act to Strengthen the Integrity of the Legislature by Expanding the Waiting Period before Legislators May Engage in Any Amount of Compensated Lobbying,” received public hearings before the Legislature’s Veterans
President Jackson, Senate Democrats sign letter supporting Title IX protections
AUGUSTA — In response to proposed detrimental changes to Title IX federal protections, eight Democratic senators from Maine were among 145 state legislators from across the country who signed an open letter to the Department of Education. Title IX, enacted in 1972, bans discrimination on the basis of sex in publicly funded education programs and activities – this includes legal protection from sexual harassment and abuse. Changes in Title IX
Mills, Jackson, Gideon announce support of patient protection bill
Augusta, MAINE — At a public hearing on Tuesday, a representative of Governor Mills, President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash and Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, testified in support of LD 1, “An Act to Protect Health Care Coverage for Maine Families.” The bill, sponsored by President Jackson and Speaker Gideon, would require insurance companies to include basic patient protections in health care plans offered in Maine. “If recent weeks have taught us anything, it is
Pres. Jackson meets with Maine Credit Union, Bankers about supporting federal employees
AUGUSTA—On Wednesday, Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash met with representatives from the Maine Credit Union League and Maine Bankers Association to discuss his legislation and existing efforts to support federal workers living in Maine, who are affected by the shutdown in Washington. Jackson’s proposal — modeled after legislation recently passed in Connecticut — would provide a state guarantee on private loans from banks and credit unions to federal government
President Jackson releases statement on opioid czar
AUGUSTA—On Thursday, Gov. Janet T. Mills announced that Gordon Smith will serve as the administration’s director of opioid response. This newly created position will focus on combating the opioid epidemic in Maine. President Troy Jackson released the following statement: “Gordon Smith is a longtime health care advocate, who fully understands that we have an opioid epidemic in this state and in this country. This crisis affects people of all ages,
President Jackson files emergency legislation to support federal workers affected by the government shutdown
AUGUSTA—On Tuesday, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, filed after-deadline legislation to provide temporary relief to federal workers affected by the federal government shutdown. The bill would provide a state guarantee on loans from banks and credit unions to federal government employees living in Maine, who have been furloughed without pay or who have been required to work without pay during the longest shutdown in this country’s history. “Despite the manufactured
President Jackson lauds release of seniors housing bonds
AUGUSTA—On Tuesday, Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash joined Gov. Janet T. Mills for the release of $15 million in senior housing bonds. The bonds, which were approved by nearly 70 percent of Maine voters in 2015, will increase the quality, safety and availability of affordable senior housing in Maine. “As the oldest state in the nation, Maine seniors make up a critical part of our communities and economy. These bonds
President Jackson releases statement on Medicaid expansion executive order
AUGUSTA—On Thursday, Gov. Janet T. Mills signed an executive order directing the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to begin the implementation of Medicaid expansion. Senate President Troy Jackson released the following statement: “Today marks a huge win for the health and well-being of our state. Medicaid expansion is essential to keeping the doors on our rural hospitals open, providing individuals with the tools to combat addiction, and stabilizing
Jackson, Mills and Gideon announce first bill will protect health care coverage
Augusta– On Monday, Governor-elect Janet Mills, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport announced the first bill of the 129th Legislature: LD 1, “An Act to Protect Health Care Coverage for Maine families.” The bill, introduced by President Jackson, seeks to require insurance companies to include basic patient protections in health care plans offered in Maine. “I refuse to stand idly by as forces in Washington and
Radio Address: When health care is under attack, we must stand up and fight back
Health care is a basic human right. It’s about the freedom of people to lead healthy, happy and productive lives. It’s about the right of people to have control over their own lives and futures. So when the health of Americans is under attack, we must stand up, come together and fight back. Hello, this is Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash. Thanks for tuning in. Over
President Jackson announces committee assignments
AUGUSTA — On Friday, Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash announced the committee assignments for the 129th Maine Legislature. There are 17 joint-standing committees and the Government Oversight Committee. “All 35 members of the Maine Senate bring a specific set of skills and experience to their work in the Legislature,” said President Jackson. “We are here to make Maine a better place to work, live and raise a family. These
President Jackson’s health care laws take effect
AUGUSTA — Two new laws from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, aimed at increasing access to health care professionals and lowering prescription drug costs went into effect Thursday, Dec. 13. Both laws were passed during the 2nd Special Session of the 128th Legislature and became law without the governor’s signature earlier this year. “Mainers aren’t asking for too much when it comes to health care. They shouldn’t be forced into
President Jackson releases statement on ACA ruling
AUGUSTA—Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash released the following statement in response to the latest ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act out of Texas: “Health care is a basic human right. And the latest ruling out of Texas is just another attack – in a long string of attacks – on the health and well-being of Americans from people who have never known what it’s like to
President Jackson releases statement on nominee to lead DHHS
AUGUSTA—On Friday, Governor-Elect Janet Mills announced the nomination of Jeanne Lambrew to serve as Commissioner for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. In response, Senate President Troy Jackson released the following statement: “Jeanne Lambrew is a strong choice to lead the Maine Department of Health and Human Services as we look to promote the health, safety and well-being of all Mainers in this new era. Her extensive background
President Jackson, Senate Democratic Leaders congratulate newly elected constitutional officers
AUGUSTA—Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash, Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby of Lewiston and Senate Majority Whip Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic released the following statement regarding the election of constitutional officers on Wednesday: “We want to offer our sincere congratulations to all three recently elected and re-elected constitutional officers. Secretary of State Matt Dunlap has served the state tremendously throughout his tenure in office, working to implement ranked-choice voting, safeguard
