SENATOR PATRICK TO CHAIR LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Will also serve on Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee
AUGUSTA—Senator John Patrick (D-Rumford) has been appointed Senate Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development for the 126th Legislative session. The Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals pertaining to the Department of Labor, the Maine State Housing Authority, the Maine Labor Relations Board, and the Workers’ Compensation Board. Previous bills have addressed wage and hour laws, working conditions, collective bargaining, business regulation, and tourism.
“I am really honored to have been given this opportunity by Senate President Alfond,” said Senator Patrick. “I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead, both for working men and women and for the business community. I believe that if we all roll up our sleeves and get ready to listen with an open mind, we can make great strides for the state of Maine.”
Senator Patrick represents District 14, which is made up of Oxford County and the town of Jay in Franklin County. The first day of the Legislative session will be Tuesday, January 8. Senator Patrick previously served on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, and will also serve on that committee this session.
“I’m pleased to appoint Senator Patrick to Chair the Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee,” said Senate President Justin Alfond. “Senator Patrick will be a strong advocate for the workers of Maine.”
A journeyman mechanic for the NewPage Paper Mill in Rumford for the past 29 years, Senator Patrick is a former President of the United Paperworkers Union Local 900. A 1972 graduate of Mexico High School and lifelong resident of the River Valley, Senator Patrick has been married to Claire M. Coulombe of Rumford for 32 years and has three adult children.
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