New laws championed by Sen. Pierce to increase teacher salaries, strengthen public safety and support conservation efforts take effect

AUGUSTA — Today, July 29, new laws championed by Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, will go into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year.

LD 2003, sponsored by Sen. Pierce, will upgrade the state’s public emergency broadcast infrastructure and strengthen Mainers’ ability to respond to future emergencies. The new law provides one-time funds to acquire broadcast infrastructure equipment that will enable the localization of public safety information and emergency alert messaging on the statewide radio network operated by the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation, in partnership with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

Sen. Pierce is also applauding the 2026 supplemental budget taking effect, which includes funding to gradually increase Maine’s minimum teacher salary by $10,000 per year to $50,000, an effort led by Sen. Pierce for more than four years.

The budget also establishes a stable funding mechanism for the Land for Maine’s Future program. The new law directs 25% of the investment income accrued from the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund to be transferred to the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) Trust Fund at the end of each month.

These two initiatives included are based off bipartisan legislation, LD 34 and 1312, sponsored by Sen. Pierce in the 132nd Legislature.

“These new laws deliver on long-standing priorities for our district and state: economic advancement, treasuring our Maine way of life and supporting safe and strong communities,” said Sen. Pierce. “Maine’s teachers have the most direct impact on our students, so we’re giving them a much-deserved raise. Emergencies and extreme weather happen, so we’re ensuring residents are clearly and accurately informed — protecting lives and property. And conserving the lands we love will have a meaningful impact on our future, so we’re making sure these efforts are well-funded.”

In addition, Sen. Pierce helped craft legislation to invest in the construction of affordable housing statewide and cut unnecessary red tape that stands in the way. She also voted in support of new laws to expand property tax relief and increase access to affordable childcare for Maine families.

“I’m proud to lead our caucus as we work to make meaningful progress on issues affecting Maine people,” Pierce continued. “This year, we focused on the issues that matter most by making targeted investments that lower everyday costs and build a future that we can all count on.”

As non-emergency legislation, LD 2003 and the Supplemental Budget – signed by Governor Janet T. Mills – take effect today, 90 days after the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned.

Sen. Pierce is currently serving her second term in the Maine Senate and represents District 25, which includes Falmouth, Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Yarmouth (majority), Gray, and Long Island. She serves as Senate Majority Leader and as a member of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs and Transportation Committees.

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