Midcoast legislators earn perfect attendance records in 2018 legislative session

AUGUSTA — Sen. Brownie Carson, D-Harpswell, and Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, earned perfect attendance and voting records during the recently concluded legislative session.

During the 2nd Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature, Carson and Vitelli cast 100 percent of the votes recorded, excluding absences excused by the President of the Senate for illness or other extenuating circumstances.

“As a first term legislator, I am proud of my record representing the people of Brunswick, Freeport, Harpswell, North Yarmouth and Pownal,” said Sen. Carson “It is essential that public officials show up to the do their work and are accountable to their constituents.”

Carson recently was recently given the President’s Award from the Maine Public Health Association for his efforts in the 2017 legislative session to restore Maine’s public health nursing services following six years of devastating cuts and mismanagement by the LePage Administration.

This year, lawmakers cast votes to protect the minimum wage, increase access to the life-saving, anti-overdose drug naloxone and improve transparency in pricing of prescription medicine — a bill sponsored by Sen. Vitelli that went into law last month.

“Whether working to lower prescription drug prices or protect student loan borrowers from fraud, it is an honor to represent my constituents in Augusta,” said Sen. Vitelli. “The people of Maine are expected to show up to work every day, and it should be no different for their elected officials.”

Vitelli and Carson also had 100 percent attendance records last year. The 128th Legislature adjourned May 2, leaving several pieces of legislation unresolved. The Legislature will only reconvene should there be a special session.

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