Dear John,

One week ago, I walked out of the State House for the last time as Director of Government Affairs for Maine Conservation Voters. As I approach my retirement in June, I’m reflecting on my final session as a lobbyist. I’m excited to share a few highlights from the session with you – and introduce you to my successor, Cathy Breen!

I had the pleasure of working with Cathy when she was a State Senator. In her role as a legislator, she was a climate champion, chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, and sponsored the historic Land for Maine’s Future Bond. I’m confident that she will continue to be a fierce advocate for the environment and our democracy as MCV’s new Director of Government Affairs.

A few highlights from this session include:

Continuing to work shoulder to shoulder with the Wabanaki Alliance on their fight for recognition of tribal sovereignty. This session, the bill to strengthen tribal courts (LD 2007) was signed into law. Though a small step forward, this bill reflects collaborative efforts involving leaders of the Wabanaki Nations, state officials, and bipartisan cosponsors and addresses crucial needs within Wabanaki communities.
The bill to invest in Maine trails (LD 1156) received funding. A bipartisan effort passed and the Governor signed a $30 million Maine Trails Bond to invest in the design, development, and maintenance of trails statewide. The Trails Bond will now go to the voters in November.
To build community resilience to climate disasters, the annual budget included $60 million in storm disaster relief funds for coastal and inland communities, $10 million of which is set aside for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by storms.
In a win for our democracy, the bill to support a National Popular Vote (LD 1578) became law in Maine! Learn more by watching our Lunch & Learn here.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful community of supporters, allies, and partners and for raising your voices to keep fighting for environmental protections and for solutions to meet the climate crisis at the scale that science and justice demand.

It’s been my absolute pleasure to partner with you in this work.