Laws championed by Sen. Baldacci take effect
AUGUSTA — A series of non-emergency laws sponsored and championed by Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, that support Maine children, seniors, families and small businesses went into effect on Monday, Oct. 18. Highlights include new laws to provide access to lifesaving insulin, provide property tax relief, expand access to quality child care and ban corporate contributions to political candidates.
“When I was sworn into the Legislature almost a full year ago, there were many challenges before us,” said Sen. Baldacci. “Maine lawmakers met those challenges head-on. It is my belief that our state is better positioned as a result, and I am honored to have played a role. I look forward to the positive changes this next session will bring.”
As chair of the Legislature’s Committee on State and Local Government, Sen. Baldacci spent much of this session working to pass new laws that involve state employees, state organizations and agencies. A bill sponsored by Sen. Baldacci that protects taxpayers when state agencies privatize services also became law on Oct. 18.
Other laws championed by Sen. Baldacci this year included proposals to study the feasibility of passenger rail service to Bangor, to ease the process for students experiencing relocation in military families, and to reduce harmful chemicals in rental homes.
As the former mayor of Bangor, Sen. Baldacci saw firsthand how cuts to revenue sharing and public education forced municipalities to either make devastating cuts or shifts costs onto taxpayers. That’s why this year, lawmakers also made good on longstanding commitments to Maine people and municipalities. Lawmakers funded K-12 education at 55 percent for the first time since Maine voters mandated at the ballot box in 2004 and signed off on a plan to fully restore revenue sharing by 2023. Maine lawmakers also voted to send $300 as a “hazard bonus” to eligible Maine workers who worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
All non-emergency laws take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die unless otherwise specified.
