Leader Pierce to serve on Education, Transportation Committees for the 132nd Maine Legislature 

AUGUSTA — Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, has been appointed by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, to serve on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee as well as the Transportation Committee for the 132nd Maine State Legislature.

The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs oversees the state’s education policy and works closely with the Maine Department of education. The Committee considers legislation related to special education, adult education, school financing, local school construction and transportation, student privacy, charter schools and teacher certification.  

“As the proud daughter of public-school teachers, I’m excited to return to the Education Committee where I’ve helped advance meaningful legislation on behalf of Maine students, teachers and families,” said Leader Pierce. “In my time on the committee, we’ve raised wages for ed techs and support staff, provided every student with a healthy locally sourced meal and worked to grow the teacher workforce through my bill to continue funding the Maine Teacher Residency Program at the University of Southern Maine. I will continue advocating for raising the salaries for Maine’s teachers and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver for our communities.” 

The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation oversees the state’s transportation policy and works closely with the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The committee also considers legislation related to bridges, vehicle inspections, roadway safety, marine transportation, operators licenses, railroads, school buses and license plates. 

“I look forward to joining the Transportation Committee this session,” said Leader Pierce. “In my time as a town councilor and council chair, I worked closely with state and regional leaders to advance key transportation projects for my community, and have a deep understanding of how strong transportation infrastructure drives the economy and builds strong communities.” 

Pierce will also serve as Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Senate Rules and Senatorial Vote. The Senate Rules Committee has oversight of the Senate Rules adopted at the start of each Legislature. The Senatorial Vote Committee, limited in scope and largely procedural, covers the election and qualifications of Maine State Senators. Leader Pierce will also serve on the Legislature’s Joint Rules Committee, assisting in carrying out the responsibilities of the Maine Legislature.  

Lawmakers are assigned to committees by the presiding officers based on their interests, experience and professional background. Joint standing committees are composed of three senators and ten representatives.  

Sen. Pierce has been a tireless advocate for the people of her community for the past 16 years. A 21-year resident of Falmouth, Sen. Pierce served for six years as a Falmouth Town Councilor, including two as Town Council chair. She served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives, including as House Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. Sen. Pierce served as Senate Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Housing in her first term in the Maine Senate.   

Sen. Pierce represents Maine Senate District 25 which includes the communities of Falmouth, Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Yarmouth (majority), Gray and Long Island.  

The Legislature is set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2025.