Libby releases statement in support of anti-harassment bill

AUGUSTA–Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Nate Libby, of Lewiston, released the following statement in response to the public hearing on LD 1842, “An Act to Require Education & Training Regarding Harassment for Legislators, Legislative Staff and Lobbyists” in the Legislature’s Committee on State and Local Government on Wednesday.

“Recent events across the country have exposed the prevalence of harassment in workplaces of all kinds, including government. We’ve seen stories of how workplaces and public spaces have not only been unsafe but unsupportive. And now, we are learning about the egregious behavior that has occurred in and around the State House. This is unacceptable and we need to take action to ensure that this type of appalling behavior is no longer tolerated.

Today lawmakers had the opportunity to hear from a number of women, who either work or have worked in and around the State House, about their experiences with harassment. Listening to these women was both eye-opening and disturbing. We owe it to anyone who comes to Augusta to ensure that the State House is a safe workplace environment.

In the wake of the #metoo movement, we have also seen the many ways people are working together to address this issue. I want the Maine State House to be one of the places where we come together and enact change. I want the Maine State House to be a safe place for everyone to work.”

Sen. Libby was unable to attend the public hearing due to an illness but submitted written testimony in support of this bill. He is also working on drafting additional provisions for the bill to improve prevention and enhance reporting requirements.

LD 1842 faces further action in Legislature’s Committee on State and Local Government.

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