Interesting to see how the average cost of renting versus buying has changed over time by county in Maine (and across the country). Certainly, cost is only one factor, and there are pros/cons for both options. But seeing it laid out like this is very eye-opening.

The Valentine's Day Bandit strikes again!

Thank you to Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill for coming before the legislature today to present on the State of the Judiciary. It is important for lawmakers to hear about the progress of the Judicial branch with hiring, court processes and updating technology.

Thanks to the Health and Human Services Committee for unanimously supporting my bill to help kids and adults with MaineCare get the surgical dental care they need. What the bill will do ⬇️

The high cost of housing, healthcare, and energy are pinching budgets for Mainers. With the second session in full swing, bills to provide meaningful relief are moving forward. 🔗 www.pressherald.com/2026/02/05/5...

Wishing Nathan the best of luck in Italy! A huge accomplishment to be competing in the Olympic Games. We'll be rooting for you from Maine!

Delays to surgical dental care are frustrating and leave kids in pain. My bill, LD 2123, would increase the MaineCare reimbursement rate for general anesthesia, helping kids get care sooner.

"Peter Mason, owner of Po-Go Realty in Gorham, said the Standish home sales jump is likely due to new projects. He said Standish had several new housing developments being worked on in 2024, but they came to fruition in 2025."

Governor Mills has released details of her supplemental budget. It includes proposals to address the challenges that legislative Democrats have put front and center this session, including the rising costs of housing, energy and everyday necessities. My full statement ⬇️

Marcos has been held in ICE custody for 12 days without access to his attorney. He's been shuffled around from one detention facility to the next. I will continue to press for answers about his situation.

Last night, Governor Mills delivered her final State of the State Address. My statement here ⬇️

My latest newsletter is out now. In it, you'll find updates about our return to the State House, bills I'll be championing this session and other resources. mailchi.mp/0e36288faf34...

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day-- a day of somber reflection and recognition. It serves as a necessary reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the millions of lives taken by the Nazis, predominantly Jewish people.

This weekend, temperatures are expected to drop significantly with a blast of arctic air. Temperatures are expected to start falling tonight, and wind chills could range from -40° to -20° on Saturday. If you lose heat or if you need to take shelter, there are warming shelters across the state.

Today, I joined dozens of direct care workers to stand up for better wages and a way to address the care gap through my bill, LD 1932. We have families desperate for help and agencies desperate for staff, yet we lose essential workers due to unlivable wages.

Today, we pause to remember, celebrate and continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His legacy and commitment to ensuring dignity and respect for all still resonate today. This glimpse into how his most famous speech came together is fascinating- a speech that almost wasn't 'I Have a Dream.'

Open enrollment ends tonight at midnight for health insurance options through CoverME.gov. I joined the Governor this morning for a briefing about enrollment trends this year.

This week I was part of a town hall focused on SNAP. Big changes are coming because of HR 1. It won't just hurt kids, adults, seniors and veterans getting these benefits, but all Mainers. We're putting forward bills to ease the impact & keep feeding Maine families despite the callous federal cuts.

Today, members of the Health and Human Services Committee will hear from Maine DHHS regarding MaineCare program integrity and the fraud process. The briefing is scheduled to begin at 1 pm. To watch live, you can go to the Legislature's YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/@MaineStateL...

I was shocked and saddened to learn that two MaineDOT employees were killed, and a third seriously injured, in a horrific crash near Waterville earlier today. My heart goes out to the loved ones, colleagues, and friends of these three individuals, and I will be keeping them all in my prayers.

Lawmakers have returned to Augusta, and Democrats are backing bills to address the problems keeping Mainers up at night.

Mainers are struggling to keep up with rising costs. They're working hard and cutting back, but it just isn't enough. That's why Democrats are proposing a package of bills to lower costs and help Maine people get ahead.

Today, Democrats in the House and Senate are announcing a package of bills to help Maine families get ahead. By bringing down health care, energy, housing, child care and everyday costs, we can make it easier to live, work, and raise a family in Maine.

Maine families are struggling to afford the basics: healthcare, housing, childcare, groceries, and utility bills. We need to make sure we're focused on addressing those challenges, because rising costs are pinching budgets all over the state and the nation.

More and more Maine libraries are adding a 'Library of Things.' You can check out sporting equipment, tools and craft supplies just to name a few.

This op-ed from today's paper reinforces how Maine's housing crisis touches communities across the state, with impacts on the workforce and the economy.

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, an annual celebration focused on African American culture and heritage. Each day is dedicated to a different core principle and involves various traditions that encourage togetherness. To all those who observe, I wish you a very happy Kwanzaa.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas. No matter how you celebrate, I hope you have a great holiday with loved ones, enjoying the traditions you look forward to year after year.

There are teachers all across Maine who don't just teach- they inspire. If you know an educator who goes above and beyond for students, show them your appreciation. You have until Friday, Jan 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. to nominate them for the Maine County Teacher of the Year program.

Really impressive work is happening in Scarborough to help those with mobility disabilities lead independent lives. It's interesting to see how they're using new technology to create affordable, accessible, and supportive housing.

Last year, Deer Isle and Stonington set out to figure out how to boost housing on the island. They found a huge gap between what's available and what the community needs. Their study includes recommendations for action and I look forward to following their progress.

So many things promised on Day 1 and none of them have happened. 330 days into this presidency and costs are up for consumers, businesses are getting rocked by tariffs, and now unemployment has reached a four year high. Trump’s economy is not roaring. It is asleep. www.cnn.com/business/liv...

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. In the wake of the horrific events in Australia, our hearts are with Jewish Mainers and their families.

We need more housing for our seniors, veterans, families and workers. I'm pleased to see homes going up in communities all across Maine with additional projects in the works. www.pressherald.com/2025/12/01/w...

Right now, we have an Administration in Washington that wants us to forget the progress we've made. They want us to feel helpless. Dehumanized. Hearing President Biden at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute conference reminded me that there is another way and we must keep fighting.

A two for none deal. n.pr/48oR7tq

Maine's Democratic House and Senate leaders denounce hateful comments by President Trump targeting members of the Somali community in the United States. We support our Somali friends and neighbors, including our legislative colleagues.

Maine's next legislative session begins in January. We’ll be pushing back against the Trump administration's cruel cuts, including cuts to food assistance. I'm proposing a bill that will ensure families receive the SNAP benefits they need for groceries. We can't let Mainers in need go hungry.

Congrats to Biddeford's new Mayor Liam LaFountain, and to city council and school committee members, on their swearing-in last night. I look forward to seeing how these leaders work together to keep our community moving forward. Their success will be our success.

Much of Maine will get 4-8 inches of snow tomorrow. In some parts of York County, we could be looking at a foot of snow! Now is the time to get prepared. Put a snow brush/scraper, phone charger, warm clothes, or even a small shovel in your car. Be sure to give plows time & space to clear the roads.

Today is the 38th annual observance of World AIDS Day. It serves as an important reminder of the lives lost to this devastating disease, while also marking the advancements made in prevention and treatment.

There are 160,000 small businesses in Maine- employing over half of the state's workforce. As you look for holiday gifts this year, consider shopping local. It supports your neighbors and helps to strengthen our economy.

Whether you're gathering with family at home, serving neighbors in need or taking the day to enjoy the beauty of our great state, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Today, I'm thinking about all that I have to be grateful for and looking forward to seeing what the next year brings.

My November newsletter is out now. There's information about heating resources, changes to Medicare Advantage plans, and holiday happenings around Maine. 🔗 mailchi.mp/93151b896dae...