Sens. Chipman and Dion take oath of office for 128th Maine Legislature

Senators begin first terms representing Districts 27 and 28 in the Maine Senate

AUGUSTA — Sens. Ben Chipman and Mark Dion, both Portland Democrats, were inaugurated to the Maine Senate during a swearing-in ceremony held Wednesday at the State House in Augusta.

“I’m excited to get sworn in to the State Senate and get to work for the residents of Portland and the State of Maine,” Sen. Chipman said. “Mainers are facing a lot of serious challenges in their lives and I’m ready to help resolve these issues so our state and its residents can prosper and thrive.”

Sen. Chipman is beginning his first term in the Maine Senate. He previously served in the House of Representatives, from 2010 to 2016, and has served on the Committees on Environment and Natural Resources.

“I’m honored that the Westbrook and Portland voters in Senate District 28 have chosen me to represent them in Augusta,” Sen. Dion said. “We have a lot of work to do for my constituents and for Mainers across the state and I’m looking forward to working with anyone who want to find common ground on these issues.”

Sen. Dion is beginning his first term in the Maine Senate. He previously served in the House of Representatives, from 2010 to 2016, and has served as the Chair of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee and as Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee.

The 128th Legislature will convene for its first day of regular business on Wednesday, January 4. Members of the Legislature have until Friday, December 30, to submit bills for consideration in 2017. Constituents interested in speaking to Sen. Chipman or Sen. Dion about bill ideas are encouraged to call their State House office at 287-1515.

Sen. Chipman and Sen. Dion would also like their constituents to know that they is always available to assist with any state government-related issues, questions or concerns. Constituent services can include help navigating government agencies or finding the correct information or services. Their office can also set up State House tours and connect local students with the Honorary Page program. For more information, visit mainesenate.org.

Sen. Chipman represents Senate District 27, which includes part of the city of Portland and Peaks, Cliff and Great Diamond Islands.

Sen. Dion represents Senate District 28, which includes part of the cities of Portland and Westbrook.