Sen. Baldacci to chair both the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and State and Local Government Committee for the 132nd Maine State Legislature
AUGUSTA — Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, has been appointed by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, to serve as Senate chair of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committees on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and State and Local Government for the 132nd Maine State Legislature.
The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee is responsible for overseeing legislation related to inland fisheries, wildlife research and management, hunting, fishing, trapping, hunter safety, fish hatcheries, game wardens and guides, ATVs and snowmobiles, watercraft registration and boater safety.
“I’m excited to be chairing the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife,” said Sen. Baldacci. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with my colleagues and advocates to promote hunting and many other outdoor pursuits that all Mainers enjoy on land and water.”
Sen. Baldacci has also been appointed to serve as the Senate chair of the Joint standing Committee on State and Local Government, a committee that is responsible for overseeing legislation related to state contracts and fiscal procedures, state government organization, oversight of state officials, state employees and property, administrative procedures, boards and commissions, public notaries, capital area planning, county and regional government, county budget process, municipal and local government and public service.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my work on the State and Local Government Committee,” said Sen. Baldacci. “My colleagues and I were able to do some great work in the 131st Legislature, and I know we will continue to push legislation forward that helps state and municipal government work better for all Mainers.”
Sen. Baldacci will also serve on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee, a committee that works on bills, laws, and policies related to banks and credit unions, consumer credit, health insurance, mortgages, motor vehicle insurance, occupational and professional licensing, the Office of Employee Health and Benefits, and the price of prescription drugs.
“I believe my background serving as Senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee will set me up for success while serving on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee,” said Sen. Baldacci. “I care deeply about Mainers’ health and well-being. They need people in Augusta who understand how important getting the right coverage is and who are committed to assisting those who fall through the cracks in eligibility. I am looking forward to joining this committee and getting right to work.”
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. Baldacci has previously served on the State and Local Government Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee.
Sen. Baldacci has been practicing law for 33 years. A lifelong resident of Bangor, he has represented Maine families and small businesses in his small private practice in downtown Bangor. For 12 years, Sen. Baldacci served on the Bangor City Council — including twice as Mayor and Council Chair — in which he promoted and supported several important economic redevelopment projects throughout the city. Sen. Baldacci successfully worked to keep the Bangor City Nursing Home open when it was threatened with closure. He also helped the Fire Department establish its ambulance and paramedic unit, which now brings in millions in revenue to the City and provides people with life-saving services. In 2004, Sen. Baldacci was appointed by the Council to successfully negotiate an agreement with the City of Halifax concerning their airport.
Sen. Baldacci represents Maine Senate District 9, which includes the communities of Bangor and Hermon. The Legislature is set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2025.