DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
HIGHEST-PRIORITY ISSUE: RANKED-CHOICE VOTING
MUUSAN strongly supports RANKED-CHOICE VOTING, which was approved by Maine voters in November 2016 by the second-largest margin in Maine referendum history. MUUSAN has opposed all actions by the legislature to undermine or repeal the will of the voters on Ranked-Choice Voting. MUUSAN mobilized Unitarian Universalists and friends for a successful petition-signature-gathering effort which has now prompted a "People's Veto" of those legislative actions. The Secretary of State has validated the petition signatures, and the people will vote AGAIN (YES on ONE) on June 12, 2018. The Senate President asked for a court ruling to try to block Ranked-Choice Voting yet again, but the judge ruled that Ranked-Choice Voting must be used in the June primary election.
FINALLY, VICTORY. On appeal, the entire Maine Supreme Court has ruled that Ranked-Choice Voting is clearly the will of The People and must be used in the June primary election. (See April 17, 2018 Portland Press Herald article below.)
BUT THEN: On May 4, 2018, the Maine Republican Party filed a lawsuit in FEDERAL court to stop implementation of Ranked Choice Voting for the primary election on June 12, 2018.
Notes:
• MUUSAN Co-Chair Julia Fitz-Randolph and Democracy Issue Group Co-Chair Karen Kusiak rallied on almost no notice to
testify on MUUSAN's behalf against RCV repeal. We thank them!
- Julia Fitz-Randolph's testimony against RCV repeal here
- Hon. Karen Kusiak's testimony against RCV repeal here
• Portland Press Herald editorial: "Our View: Ranked-Choice Voters Should Not Be Forgotten," June 8, 2017.
• Portland Press Herald, June 28, 2017: "Voter-Approved Ranked-Choice Voting Stays in Effect as Repeal Bills Fail."
• Portland Press Herald, April 17, 2018: "Ranked-Choice Voting Will Be Used for June Primaries, Maine Supreme Court Rules."
********
Bills followed by Democracy in Action
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1780, An Act to Transfer Funds to the Maine Clean Election Fund To Provide Adequate Funding for Maine Clean Election Fund Candidates.
Sponsored by Rep. Louis Luchini. This bill provides funding to the Maine Clean Election Fund in order to ensure that adequate funds are available to candidates participating in the Maine Clean Election Act.
Notes:
• Testimony of Penelope Hamblin representing the League of Women Voters of Maine here
• LD 1780 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1726, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Elections
Sponsored by Rep. Louis Luchini. This bill would ban signature-gathering at polling places.
Notes:
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1846, An Act to Require the Provision of Photographic Identification by Voters
Governor’s bill, presented by Rep. Brad Farrin.
Notes:
HIGHEST-PRIORITY ISSUE: RANKED-CHOICE VOTING
MUUSAN strongly supports RANKED-CHOICE VOTING, which was approved by Maine voters in November 2016 by the second-largest margin in Maine referendum history. MUUSAN has opposed all actions by the legislature to undermine or repeal the will of the voters on Ranked-Choice Voting. MUUSAN mobilized Unitarian Universalists and friends for a successful petition-signature-gathering effort which has now prompted a "People's Veto" of those legislative actions. The Secretary of State has validated the petition signatures, and the people will vote AGAIN (YES on ONE) on June 12, 2018. The Senate President asked for a court ruling to try to block Ranked-Choice Voting yet again, but the judge ruled that Ranked-Choice Voting must be used in the June primary election.
FINALLY, VICTORY. On appeal, the entire Maine Supreme Court has ruled that Ranked-Choice Voting is clearly the will of The People and must be used in the June primary election. (See April 17, 2018 Portland Press Herald article below.)
BUT THEN: On May 4, 2018, the Maine Republican Party filed a lawsuit in FEDERAL court to stop implementation of Ranked Choice Voting for the primary election on June 12, 2018.
Notes:
• MUUSAN Co-Chair Julia Fitz-Randolph and Democracy Issue Group Co-Chair Karen Kusiak rallied on almost no notice to
testify on MUUSAN's behalf against RCV repeal. We thank them!
- Julia Fitz-Randolph's testimony against RCV repeal here
- Hon. Karen Kusiak's testimony against RCV repeal here
• Portland Press Herald editorial: "Our View: Ranked-Choice Voters Should Not Be Forgotten," June 8, 2017.
• Portland Press Herald, June 28, 2017: "Voter-Approved Ranked-Choice Voting Stays in Effect as Repeal Bills Fail."
• Portland Press Herald, April 17, 2018: "Ranked-Choice Voting Will Be Used for June Primaries, Maine Supreme Court Rules."
********
Bills followed by Democracy in Action
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1780, An Act to Transfer Funds to the Maine Clean Election Fund To Provide Adequate Funding for Maine Clean Election Fund Candidates.
Sponsored by Rep. Louis Luchini. This bill provides funding to the Maine Clean Election Fund in order to ensure that adequate funds are available to candidates participating in the Maine Clean Election Act.
Notes:
• Testimony of Penelope Hamblin representing the League of Women Voters of Maine here
• LD 1780 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1726, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Elections
Sponsored by Rep. Louis Luchini. This bill would ban signature-gathering at polling places.
Notes:
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1846, An Act to Require the Provision of Photographic Identification by Voters
Governor’s bill, presented by Rep. Brad Farrin.
Notes:
HEALTH CARE
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - MEDICAID EXPANSION AS APPROVED BY MAINE VOTERS IN REFERENDUM. LD 837 was drafted to partially fund the first year of expansion but was left in limbo April 18 when the legislature suddenly adjourned earlier than expected.
Last November, Maine became the first state in the country to expand Medicaid by voter referendum. Medicaid expansion becomes the law of the land July 2, expanding critical health care to 70,000 Mainers, including 3,000 veterans, and is predicted to bring $500 milllion new federal health care dollars to Maine and create 6,00 new jobs.
But Gov. LePage has refused to allow DHHS to begin work on its expansion proposal and has otherwise done what he can to block implementation. LD 837, passed 9-4 by the Taxation Committee, would provide partial funding for the state’s share of Medicaid expansion costs in the first year.
The Legislature was scheduled to vote April 18, 2018, on this bill to partially fund the first year of expansion. At least in part to block this vote, House Republicans at the last minute refused to approve a customary five-day extension of the legislative session in order to conclude work on over 100 outstanding bills, and the legislative session was suddenly, unexpectedly adjourned.
As of May 6, the administrative costs to implement Medicaid expansion have not been approved.
Notes:
MUUSAN's Legislative Specialist Dale McCormick authored an eloquent op-ed: "Maine Compass: The Moral Case for MaineCare," published by the Kennebec Journal May 17, 2017.
Portland Press Herald editorial, May 6, 2018, "By stalling Medicaid expansion, Gov. LePage is breaking Maine law."
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 912, An Act to Clarify the Scope of Practice of Certain Licensed Professionals Regarding Conversion Therapy
Presented by Representative Fecteau of Biddeford. Cosponsored by Senator Brakey of Androscoggin and Senators Katz of Kennebec, Maker of Washington, Saviello of Franklin, Representative Chace of Durham, Representatives Ginzler of Bridgton, Moonen of Portland, Stewart of Presque Isle, Ward of Dedham.
LD 912 authorizes the State to ban, among licensed professionals, so-called "conversion therapy" to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
Notes:
• Rev. Carie Johnsen's MUUSAN testimony supporting LD 912 here
• Rev. Jane Field's Maine Council of Churches testimony supporting LD 912 here
• Portland Press Herald, March 8, 2018, "Bill to ban conversion therapy in Maine moves forward"
• LD 912 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1711, RESOLVE, To Save Lives By Establishing a Homeless Opioid Users Service Engagement Pilot Project within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sponsored by Rep. Drew Gattine. H.O.U.S.E. bill for pilot project to treat homeless addicted to opioids. Establishes within DHHS a pilot project to provide rapid access to low-barrier treatment for substance use disorders and stable housing to support recovery and create stability for 50 opioid users who are among the most vulnerable and unstable in the State.
Notes:
• LD 1711 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1475, An Act To Reduce Child Poverty by Leveraging Investments in Families Today (the "LIFT" bill)
LD 1475, sponsored by Speaker of the House Sarah Gideon (D-Freeport), would reduce child poverty in Maine by tackling several of the underlying factors that prevent low income families with children from achieving sustainable economic independence. The bill helps families with low income better meet their basic needs, such as housing and heating and it increases access to higher education that will help parents obtain jobs with living wages. The bill also breaks down barriers to work, by making it easier to obtain child care and transportation, and by addressing the "welfare cliff." Lastly, the bill requires the state to establish benchmarks to ensure that public programs truly achieve their goals of reducing poverty, and it does all of this and more using existing federal dollars through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Submitted by Maine Equal Justice Partners. Read more here: http://bit.ly/2pcloGn
Notes:
•. LD 1475 HEARING: Monday, May 8, 1:00 PM, Health and Human Services Committee, Cross Office Building Rm. 209
• Maine Equal Justice Partners Overview of LD 1475 (3 pages)
• LD 1475 Documents and Disposition
• Portland Press Herald, April 17, 2018, "Bill to Help Low-Income Families with Education Costs Becomes Law Without LePage's Signature."
VICTORY April 17, 2018: LD 1475 has passed into law without the Governor's signature.
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1884, An Act to Create a Community Protection Order to Allow Courts To Prevent High-Risk Individuals from Possessing Firearms ("Red Flag" Bill).
Sponsored by Sen. Mark Dion. This bill would allow a process for police or others to petition courts to remove firearms from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.
Like the Parkland shooter, many of those who commit suicide or homicide with a gun exhibit signs of their intentions, or “red flags.” LD 1884, a “red flag” bill, would help reduce gun-related suicides and domestic violence and other homicides by temporarily suspending access to firearms for people who are a danger to themselves or others. A similar bill in Connecticut is credited with averting 72 or more suicides last year.
Notes:
• Portland Press Herald, April 13, 2018, "Legislative Panel Divided on 'Red Flag' Gun Bill."
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1761, An Act Regarding the Prohibition on the Possession of a Firearm on School Property.
Sponsored by Rep. John Martin.
This bill would have allowed people to have firearms in their cars on school grounds when they are dropping off or picking up a student, as long as they remain in their vehicle and the gun is unloaded and in a locked container or gun rack. A public hearing was held Jan. 24, with the majority of testimony opposed to the bill. The Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs voted 10-1 that the bill OUGHT NOT TO PASS. Because it received one vote, it will move to the House for a vote.
Notes:
• Portland Press Herald, March 20, 2018, "Bill to allow guns in cars on schools grounds is unanimously rejected by Maine House."
THE BILL IS DEAD: LD 1761 was defeated March 20 by a unanimous vote in the House.
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - MEDICAID EXPANSION AS APPROVED BY MAINE VOTERS IN REFERENDUM. LD 837 was drafted to partially fund the first year of expansion but was left in limbo April 18 when the legislature suddenly adjourned earlier than expected.
Last November, Maine became the first state in the country to expand Medicaid by voter referendum. Medicaid expansion becomes the law of the land July 2, expanding critical health care to 70,000 Mainers, including 3,000 veterans, and is predicted to bring $500 milllion new federal health care dollars to Maine and create 6,00 new jobs.
But Gov. LePage has refused to allow DHHS to begin work on its expansion proposal and has otherwise done what he can to block implementation. LD 837, passed 9-4 by the Taxation Committee, would provide partial funding for the state’s share of Medicaid expansion costs in the first year.
The Legislature was scheduled to vote April 18, 2018, on this bill to partially fund the first year of expansion. At least in part to block this vote, House Republicans at the last minute refused to approve a customary five-day extension of the legislative session in order to conclude work on over 100 outstanding bills, and the legislative session was suddenly, unexpectedly adjourned.
As of May 6, the administrative costs to implement Medicaid expansion have not been approved.
Notes:
MUUSAN's Legislative Specialist Dale McCormick authored an eloquent op-ed: "Maine Compass: The Moral Case for MaineCare," published by the Kennebec Journal May 17, 2017.
Portland Press Herald editorial, May 6, 2018, "By stalling Medicaid expansion, Gov. LePage is breaking Maine law."
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 912, An Act to Clarify the Scope of Practice of Certain Licensed Professionals Regarding Conversion Therapy
Presented by Representative Fecteau of Biddeford. Cosponsored by Senator Brakey of Androscoggin and Senators Katz of Kennebec, Maker of Washington, Saviello of Franklin, Representative Chace of Durham, Representatives Ginzler of Bridgton, Moonen of Portland, Stewart of Presque Isle, Ward of Dedham.
LD 912 authorizes the State to ban, among licensed professionals, so-called "conversion therapy" to change sexual orientation or gender identity.
Notes:
• Rev. Carie Johnsen's MUUSAN testimony supporting LD 912 here
• Rev. Jane Field's Maine Council of Churches testimony supporting LD 912 here
• Portland Press Herald, March 8, 2018, "Bill to ban conversion therapy in Maine moves forward"
• LD 912 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1711, RESOLVE, To Save Lives By Establishing a Homeless Opioid Users Service Engagement Pilot Project within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sponsored by Rep. Drew Gattine. H.O.U.S.E. bill for pilot project to treat homeless addicted to opioids. Establishes within DHHS a pilot project to provide rapid access to low-barrier treatment for substance use disorders and stable housing to support recovery and create stability for 50 opioid users who are among the most vulnerable and unstable in the State.
Notes:
• LD 1711 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1475, An Act To Reduce Child Poverty by Leveraging Investments in Families Today (the "LIFT" bill)
LD 1475, sponsored by Speaker of the House Sarah Gideon (D-Freeport), would reduce child poverty in Maine by tackling several of the underlying factors that prevent low income families with children from achieving sustainable economic independence. The bill helps families with low income better meet their basic needs, such as housing and heating and it increases access to higher education that will help parents obtain jobs with living wages. The bill also breaks down barriers to work, by making it easier to obtain child care and transportation, and by addressing the "welfare cliff." Lastly, the bill requires the state to establish benchmarks to ensure that public programs truly achieve their goals of reducing poverty, and it does all of this and more using existing federal dollars through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Submitted by Maine Equal Justice Partners. Read more here: http://bit.ly/2pcloGn
Notes:
•. LD 1475 HEARING: Monday, May 8, 1:00 PM, Health and Human Services Committee, Cross Office Building Rm. 209
• Maine Equal Justice Partners Overview of LD 1475 (3 pages)
• LD 1475 Documents and Disposition
• Portland Press Herald, April 17, 2018, "Bill to Help Low-Income Families with Education Costs Becomes Law Without LePage's Signature."
VICTORY April 17, 2018: LD 1475 has passed into law without the Governor's signature.
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1884, An Act to Create a Community Protection Order to Allow Courts To Prevent High-Risk Individuals from Possessing Firearms ("Red Flag" Bill).
Sponsored by Sen. Mark Dion. This bill would allow a process for police or others to petition courts to remove firearms from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.
Like the Parkland shooter, many of those who commit suicide or homicide with a gun exhibit signs of their intentions, or “red flags.” LD 1884, a “red flag” bill, would help reduce gun-related suicides and domestic violence and other homicides by temporarily suspending access to firearms for people who are a danger to themselves or others. A similar bill in Connecticut is credited with averting 72 or more suicides last year.
Notes:
• Portland Press Herald, April 13, 2018, "Legislative Panel Divided on 'Red Flag' Gun Bill."
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1761, An Act Regarding the Prohibition on the Possession of a Firearm on School Property.
Sponsored by Rep. John Martin.
This bill would have allowed people to have firearms in their cars on school grounds when they are dropping off or picking up a student, as long as they remain in their vehicle and the gun is unloaded and in a locked container or gun rack. A public hearing was held Jan. 24, with the majority of testimony opposed to the bill. The Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs voted 10-1 that the bill OUGHT NOT TO PASS. Because it received one vote, it will move to the House for a vote.
Notes:
• Portland Press Herald, March 20, 2018, "Bill to allow guns in cars on schools grounds is unanimously rejected by Maine House."
THE BILL IS DEAD: LD 1761 was defeated March 20 by a unanimous vote in the House.
CLIMATE CHANGE
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1444, An Act to Prohibit Gross Metering (formerly An Act Regarding Large-Scale Community Solar Procurement)
No New Tax on Solar Power. This bill prevents Central Maine Power from imposing a new tax on solar energy made by Mainers for use in their own homes–electricity that never touches the electrical grid. The bill also increases solar power accessibility by allowing up to 50 people to participate in a community solar project instead of the current arbitrary limitation of 9 people. The Maine Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill on March 1, passing it 28-5. See how your senator and representative voted.
Notes:
• Natural Resources Council of Maine Press Release, April 5, 2018, "Maine Legislature Fails to Override LePage Solar Veto."
THE BILL IS DEAD: Gov. LePage vetoed the bill. While the Senate voted to override, the House did not. See how your senator and representative voted on the veto override. .
MUUSAN OPPOSES - A federal proposal for offshore drilling for oil and gas. Our Chair Melanie Lanctot testified vigorously against this in a public hearing held in Augusta by the Department of the Interior. Portland Press Herald article here.
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1444, An Act to Prohibit Gross Metering (formerly An Act Regarding Large-Scale Community Solar Procurement)
No New Tax on Solar Power. This bill prevents Central Maine Power from imposing a new tax on solar energy made by Mainers for use in their own homes–electricity that never touches the electrical grid. The bill also increases solar power accessibility by allowing up to 50 people to participate in a community solar project instead of the current arbitrary limitation of 9 people. The Maine Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill on March 1, passing it 28-5. See how your senator and representative voted.
Notes:
• Natural Resources Council of Maine Press Release, April 5, 2018, "Maine Legislature Fails to Override LePage Solar Veto."
THE BILL IS DEAD: Gov. LePage vetoed the bill. While the Senate voted to override, the House did not. See how your senator and representative voted on the veto override. .
MUUSAN OPPOSES - A federal proposal for offshore drilling for oil and gas. Our Chair Melanie Lanctot testified vigorously against this in a public hearing held in Augusta by the Department of the Interior. Portland Press Herald article here.
RACIAL JUSTICE
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1414, An Act to Ensure the Availability of In-Person Visitation in County Jails.
Sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot-Ross
This bill requires the sheriff of a county jail to provide for in-person visitation between a prisoner and a visitor of the prisoner, subject to any conditions and limitations required for the safety and security of the jail as determined on a case-by-case basis by the sheriff. The amendment authorizes a sheriff to restrict a particular prisoner to video-only visitation depending on jail safety.
Notes:
• Governor LePage vetoed this bill Apr 9, 2018.
• Veto was sustained April 10, 2018.
• LD 1414 Documents and Disposition
THE BILL IS DEAD.
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1492, An Act to Attract, Educate and Retain New Mainers To Strengthen the Workforce
Sponsored by Sen. Roger Katz (R-Kennebec), LD 1492 creates various programs to attract, educate and retain in the State's workforce immigrant populations in the following ways:
1. It creates the Office of New Mainers and the Office of New Mainers Advisory Committee to coordinate among various departments by developing a comprehensive plan to educate and train immigrant populations to fill needed positions of employers throughout the State;
2. It establishes the Welcome Center Initiative to operate welcome centers in adult education programs to attract, educate and retain in employment foreign-trained workers in municipalities or regions of the State that have immigrant populations or that have industries that are experiencing a shortage of trained workers, patterned after the New Mainers Welcome Center operated by the City of Portland adult education program through a pilot program created by the 126th Legislature;
3. It establishes 3 grant programs to:
A. Contract with service providers to provide English-language instruction, vocational training and placement of immigrants in
the State with employers of the State;
B. Assist counties, municipalities and school administrative units in managing new immigrant populations that have settled
within the counties, municipalities and school administrative units or in attracting immigrant populations to address
depopulation or workforce shortages within the counties, municipalities and school administrative units; and
C. Award grants to adult education programs to increase English-language acquisition instruction in communities experiencing
an increase in immigrant populations; and
4. It expands the Welcome Center Initiative to the City of Lewiston's adult education program to attract, educate and retain in employment foreign-trained workers residing in Androscoggin County, patterned after the New Mainers Welcome Center in Portland.
Notes:
• The bill was voted “ought to pass” in the Education Committee on Monday, May 15 with a couple of amendments. The proposed Office of New Mainers and an Advisory board for the office were eliminated. The amended version also provides an opportunity in Section 6 for communities to apply on a competitive basis to set up Welcome Centers. This bill was carried over for Appropriations.
• LD 1492 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1566, An Act to Enact the Maine Fair Chance Employment Act (also called "Ban the Box")
Sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot-Ross. (Carried over from First Session.)
Notes:
• LD 1566 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1740, An Act Regarding Criminal Forced Labor, Aggravated Criminal Forced Labor, Sex Trafficking and Human Trafficking
Sponsored by Sen. Amy Volk, cosponsored by Speaker Sara Gideon and Rep. Erin Herbig.
This bill creates the crimes of criminal forced labor, a Class C crime, and aggravated criminal forced labor, a Class B crime, under the Maine Criminal Code. It provides that a person is guilty of criminal forced labor if the person, without the legal right to do so, intentionally or knowingly compels another person to provide labor or services having economic value through certain coercive acts. A person is guilty of aggravated criminal forced labor if the person compelled to provide labor or services has not in fact attained 18 years of age.
Notes:
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1833, an Anti-Sanctuary City bill: An Act To Facilitate Compliance with Federal Immigration Law by State and Local Government Entities.
A Governor's bill presented by Rep. Larry Lockman, this anti-immigrant bill would expand ICE. The bill requires local law enforcement to disclose immigration status of residents, even when sanctuary policies are in place, and direct all government entities in the state to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Many law enforcement officials have found that when residents fear local police, crimes go unreported, and communities become less safe.
LD 1833 is similar to legislation blocked last year and is once again sponsored by Rep. Larry Lockman. A public hearing was held March 15, with the majority of testimony opposing the bill, and the committee voted 7-3 that the bill Ought Not to Pass.
Notes:
• ACLU of Maine, April 17, 2018, "Legislature Rejects Anti-Immigrant Bill."
THE BILL IS DEAD: The House and Senate accepted the majority port that the bill Ought Not to Pass, which killed the bill. See how your legislators voted.
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1873, An Act To Align State-Funded Benefits with Federal Eligibility Standards
A Governor's bill presented by Rep. Deborah Sanderson.
Notes:
• LD 1873 Documents and Disposition
Indefinitely postponed in the House, April 18, 2018.
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1893, An Act To Ensure Fair Employment Opportunity for Maine Citizens and Legal Residents by Requiring the Use of a Federal Immigration Verification System
A Governor's bill presented by Rep. Larry Lockman.
This bill requires every public employer and public contractor to register with and use a federal immigration verification system, currently known as E-Verify, to determine the work eligibility status of new employees physically performing services within the State.
Notes:
• LD 1893 Documents and Disposition
Indefinitely postponed in the House, April 18, 2018.
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1414, An Act to Ensure the Availability of In-Person Visitation in County Jails.
Sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot-Ross
This bill requires the sheriff of a county jail to provide for in-person visitation between a prisoner and a visitor of the prisoner, subject to any conditions and limitations required for the safety and security of the jail as determined on a case-by-case basis by the sheriff. The amendment authorizes a sheriff to restrict a particular prisoner to video-only visitation depending on jail safety.
Notes:
• Governor LePage vetoed this bill Apr 9, 2018.
• Veto was sustained April 10, 2018.
• LD 1414 Documents and Disposition
THE BILL IS DEAD.
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1492, An Act to Attract, Educate and Retain New Mainers To Strengthen the Workforce
Sponsored by Sen. Roger Katz (R-Kennebec), LD 1492 creates various programs to attract, educate and retain in the State's workforce immigrant populations in the following ways:
1. It creates the Office of New Mainers and the Office of New Mainers Advisory Committee to coordinate among various departments by developing a comprehensive plan to educate and train immigrant populations to fill needed positions of employers throughout the State;
2. It establishes the Welcome Center Initiative to operate welcome centers in adult education programs to attract, educate and retain in employment foreign-trained workers in municipalities or regions of the State that have immigrant populations or that have industries that are experiencing a shortage of trained workers, patterned after the New Mainers Welcome Center operated by the City of Portland adult education program through a pilot program created by the 126th Legislature;
3. It establishes 3 grant programs to:
A. Contract with service providers to provide English-language instruction, vocational training and placement of immigrants in
the State with employers of the State;
B. Assist counties, municipalities and school administrative units in managing new immigrant populations that have settled
within the counties, municipalities and school administrative units or in attracting immigrant populations to address
depopulation or workforce shortages within the counties, municipalities and school administrative units; and
C. Award grants to adult education programs to increase English-language acquisition instruction in communities experiencing
an increase in immigrant populations; and
4. It expands the Welcome Center Initiative to the City of Lewiston's adult education program to attract, educate and retain in employment foreign-trained workers residing in Androscoggin County, patterned after the New Mainers Welcome Center in Portland.
Notes:
• The bill was voted “ought to pass” in the Education Committee on Monday, May 15 with a couple of amendments. The proposed Office of New Mainers and an Advisory board for the office were eliminated. The amended version also provides an opportunity in Section 6 for communities to apply on a competitive basis to set up Welcome Centers. This bill was carried over for Appropriations.
• LD 1492 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1566, An Act to Enact the Maine Fair Chance Employment Act (also called "Ban the Box")
Sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot-Ross. (Carried over from First Session.)
Notes:
• LD 1566 Documents and Disposition
___________________
MUUSAN SUPPORTS - LD 1740, An Act Regarding Criminal Forced Labor, Aggravated Criminal Forced Labor, Sex Trafficking and Human Trafficking
Sponsored by Sen. Amy Volk, cosponsored by Speaker Sara Gideon and Rep. Erin Herbig.
This bill creates the crimes of criminal forced labor, a Class C crime, and aggravated criminal forced labor, a Class B crime, under the Maine Criminal Code. It provides that a person is guilty of criminal forced labor if the person, without the legal right to do so, intentionally or knowingly compels another person to provide labor or services having economic value through certain coercive acts. A person is guilty of aggravated criminal forced labor if the person compelled to provide labor or services has not in fact attained 18 years of age.
Notes:
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1833, an Anti-Sanctuary City bill: An Act To Facilitate Compliance with Federal Immigration Law by State and Local Government Entities.
A Governor's bill presented by Rep. Larry Lockman, this anti-immigrant bill would expand ICE. The bill requires local law enforcement to disclose immigration status of residents, even when sanctuary policies are in place, and direct all government entities in the state to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Many law enforcement officials have found that when residents fear local police, crimes go unreported, and communities become less safe.
LD 1833 is similar to legislation blocked last year and is once again sponsored by Rep. Larry Lockman. A public hearing was held March 15, with the majority of testimony opposing the bill, and the committee voted 7-3 that the bill Ought Not to Pass.
Notes:
• ACLU of Maine, April 17, 2018, "Legislature Rejects Anti-Immigrant Bill."
THE BILL IS DEAD: The House and Senate accepted the majority port that the bill Ought Not to Pass, which killed the bill. See how your legislators voted.
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1873, An Act To Align State-Funded Benefits with Federal Eligibility Standards
A Governor's bill presented by Rep. Deborah Sanderson.
Notes:
• LD 1873 Documents and Disposition
Indefinitely postponed in the House, April 18, 2018.
___________________
MUUSAN OPPOSES - LD 1893, An Act To Ensure Fair Employment Opportunity for Maine Citizens and Legal Residents by Requiring the Use of a Federal Immigration Verification System
A Governor's bill presented by Rep. Larry Lockman.
This bill requires every public employer and public contractor to register with and use a federal immigration verification system, currently known as E-Verify, to determine the work eligibility status of new employees physically performing services within the State.
Notes:
• LD 1893 Documents and Disposition
Indefinitely postponed in the House, April 18, 2018.