Senate Assistant Majority Leader Duson applauds support for sexual assault service providers in budget passed by Maine Legislature, signed by Gov. Mills

Posted: June 26, 2025 | Appropriations and Financial Affairs, Health and Human Services, Senator Duson

AUGUSTA — Today, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson, D-Portland, applauded the inclusion of her bill to support sexual assault service providers, LD 117, in the biennial budget proposal passed by the Maine Legislature last week and signed by Gov. Janet Mills.

Sen. Duson in her chair on the floor of the Maine Senate Chamber.
Sen. Jill C. Duson

“Passage of this bill sends a strong message to survivors and advocates that we see you, we hear you and we will continue to support you at every step of the way,” said Sen. Duson. “We heard from countless survivors, medical providers and law enforcement professionals who said that these services are not only critical, but are often life-changing when the most unthinkable acts of sexual violence occur. As legislators, it’s our duty to care and advocate for our constituents and I remain committed to honoring the trust placed in me to be a voice on these issues in the Maine Senate.”

The budget provides crucial funding to support and expand services for survivors of sexual assault across Maine. This investment strengthens the statewide network of crisis and advocacy organizations, including the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault and its member centers, ensuring survivors have access to 24/7 crisis response, counseling, legal advocacy and prevention education. With this funding, frontline organizations can retain trained staff, expand outreach in underserved communities and respond to increasing demand for services. It reaffirms the Legislature’s commitment to survivor-centered support and the prevention of sexual violence in every Maine community.

Sen. Duson, the primary sponsor of LD 117, was joined by a slate of bipartisan cosponsors, including her colleagues Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop.

This investment was included as part of a balanced, fiscally responsible two-year budget that lowers costs, protects Maine’s future and defends the rights and freedoms of Maine people. The first part of the budget, which funded baseline government services and avoided a government shutdown, was passed in March of this year. The Legislature passed the second part of the biennial budget — which funds initiatives that meet the needs of Maine people — on June 18, and the Governor signed it into law on June 20.

Part II of the biennial budget will take effect on September 24, 2025.