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Good jobs, secure families, strong communities
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Dear Friend,
 As we welcomed the New Year, we also reconvened for the second legislative session here in Augusta. My colleagues and I are already hard at work tackling the tough issues facing Maine - access to quality healthcare, economic security and improving broadband coverage, to just name a few.
Our first day, January 8th, was personally special to me for another reason. It was my 'last first day.' For the past 7 years, I have had the honor of serving the residents of District 48, and for the past 3 years as Speaker of the House. Maine's term limits require members to step down after four consecutive terms and this session will be my last. It has be the ultimate honor to serve in these roles and I'm so grateful for your support.
From my first day in 2013 to last week, it has been my persistent belief that every day we have the opportunity to make people’s lives better. It's the core of my public service and I see it happening in all different sectors across the state.
I'm highlighting a few of the ways you'll see this belief turned into action below. I hope you stay informed on all these issues and more through my website and via social media.
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Direct Property Tax Relief
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Ti me and time again, Mainers have told me about their struggle to make ends meet while their property tax bill keeps on increasing. It is exactly why I sponsored a new law creating the “Property Tax Relief Fund for Maine Residents." It required that property tax relief payments of at least $100 go directly to residents of Maine who have a primary home in Maine and who claim the Homestead Exemption.
Good news! Checks have started arriving in mailboxes across the state! Working in partnership with State Treasurer Henry Beck, payments are being issued to more than 300,000 households. For more infomation and FAQs, visit the State Treasurer's website. There is still more work to be done to ease the burden of high property taxes, but I'm proud that there will be a little more money in your pocket this winter.
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Capping the Cost of Insulin in Maine
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 The skyrocketing costs of insulin are simply unaffordable for too many Maine families. Many diabetics are rationing their medicine, putting themselves in a potentially lethal position, just to save money. When I learned that the average cost of insulin for treating type 1 diabetes in the United States nearly doubled over a five-year period, I knew something needed to be done.
That's why I introduced legislation to cap the cost of insulin to an affordable rate in our State. Approximately 142,000 Mainers are living with diabetes today, and diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death. Despite a widespread recognition of this crisis, there has been no meaningful federal action to crack down on the runaway costs. They'll be more information to come and the oppotunity to share your experiences at an upcoming public hearing. I look forward to working with you to end insulin price gouging in Maine.
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Made for Maine Health Care
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 Last year, Governor Mills, Senator President Troy Jackson and I worked together on our first piece of legislation, LD 1, An Act To Protect Health Care Coverage for Maine Families. With ongoing federal uncertainty, this law required insurance Maine companies to include basic patient protections outlined in the Affordable Care Act. Among other things, it means that no Mainer will be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condidtion.
This year we continued that partnership and the committment to healthcare affordability with LD 2007, An Act To Enact the Made for Maine Health Coverage Act. This legislation will help control out-of-pocket costs, bring stability to the volatile small business marketplace, and make shopping for health insurance simpler and easier. It was the clear next step to improve health insurance for Maine people and our small businesses. Learn the details of our plan here.
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Meet the Maine House Democrats
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I work with many talented individuals who work so hard on behalf of their districts. We've been sharing their stories with brief videos on the Maine House Democrats Facebook page. Check out the videos and get to know some of the wonderful people I get the privilege of serving with in the Maine House.
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Thanks for all of your support and being an engaged and active participant in our democracy. As always, it is an honor to represent you in Augusta.
Best,
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