The start of a new year is often seen as a time of new beginnings, with many of us resolving to make positive changes and explore opportunities for a fresh start. Our work in the first session of the 131st Legislature is no different.
As your state representative, it is my duty to ensure that Old Orchard Beach is well represented in Augusta. We work year-round to solve problems for folks in our community, listening to concerns and answering questions regarding issues folks may need help with and advocating for them as they navigate sometimes cumbersome systems. In Augusta, I also introduce legislation with the intent of having a positive impact on our community. Our work at the State House also includes serving on policy committees.
For the past four years, I have been thrilled to serve on the Legislature’s Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources. In fact, the very first piece of legislation I submitted four years ago was “An Act to Protect our Beaches and Shoreline,” which was heard in this committee. It was as clear to me then as it is now that if we do not protect our beach, it will inevitably have adverse implications on our economy. This session, I was honored to have been appointed to continue my service on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee as House chair.
The work we do on this important committee includes oversight of the Department of Environmental Protection and addressing state policy related to air and water quality, natural resource protection, development laws, shoreland zoning, sustainable growth and the management and disposal of hazardous wastes.
This legislative session, I will continue working to assure that we all have safe, clean, accessible drinking water that is free of toxic chemicals such as PFAS and arsenic. Maine has led the way nationally on the issue of PFAS contamination. During the last legislative session in Augusta, I introduced legislation to ban non-essential uses of PFAS in products. I am pleased to report that this legislation, which was signed into law last year, was the first such law globally that addresses these toxins in manufactured goods. We also passed groundbreaking legislation to address PFAS in groundwater and soil. We anticipate building on these successes during this legislative session, all with the aim of keeping Mainers safe from toxic chemicals.
In addition to my work to protect our environment and beautiful coastline, I will also continue my work to assure that Mainers are able to heat their homes. I am pleased that the first piece of legislation I was able to vote on this session was to provide relief and assistance for home energy costs. Most Mainers will soon be getting some assistance to offset the costs of heating their homes in the form of $450 checks. Additionally, our local Community Action Program is an excellent resource for folks in need of assistance for home heating and fuel assistance. Visit https://yccac.org/heat-energy-fuel/ for more information.
I also remain committed to my advocacy on behalf of children’s mental and oral health. Far too many in our state are unable to access the critically important mental health care they need and deserve. And providing prevention-based oral health care for our kids not only teaches good oral hygiene habits at an early age, but also has potential to prevent larger dental problems into adulthood. I will also maintain my priorities to support our veterans and assure that older folks in our community are able to remain in their homes.
As we continue to ramp up our work in the coming weeks, we will hear input from the public on proposed legislation and have work sessions on the many bills before us this session. I’m looking forward to this exciting work, which you can follow at https://legislature.maine.gov.
I am forever reminded of what an honor it is to again represent our community and be your voice in Augusta.
If you would like to reach out with a comment, question or concern, please contact me any time by emailing me at Lori.gramlich@legislature.maine.gov or calling my office at (207) 287-1430. If you want to stay even more up to date on what we’re working on in Augusta, sign up for my email newsletter at bit.ly/repgramlich.
Rep. Lori K. Gramlich is serving her third term in the Maine House.
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