On the floor and behind the scenes, these legislators went above and beyond in service of their constituents, and championed all Mainers – regardless of who they are, where they’re from and how much money they have in the bank – on the issues about which they feel most passionate. Thank you!
Housing Heroes: Reps. Cheryl Golek, (D-Harpswell), Chris Kessler (D-South Portland) and Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor) worked to protect everyone’s human right to housing and change the way we make sure everyone has a place to call home.
Most Tireless Visionary: Speaker Rachel Talbot-Ross (D-Portland) for championing inclusion in MaineCare for everyone who is income eligible regardless of immigration status, tribal sovereignty, farmworker rights, and “Housing First” wraparound services for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Most Likely to Stand Strong in the Face of Powerful Opposition: Sen. Matthea Daughtry (D-Cumberland) and Rep. Kristen Cloutier (D-Lewiston) for their work championing paid family and medical leave. Labor Leaders: Labor and Housing Committee Chairs Sen. Mike Tipping (D-Orono) and Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor) for shepherding major priorities in the Labor Committee, including: paid family and medical leave, overtime protections, increasing the minimum wage, and strengthening farmworker rights.
Fighter for Fairness: Rep. Laurie Osher (D-Orono) for leading on trans rights, income tax fairness, and the bipartisan effort to raise salaries for legislators, making public service more accessible for all Mainers.
Budget Bosses: Appropriations and Financial Affairs Chairs Rep. Melanie Sachs (D-Freeport) and Sen. Peggy Rotundo (D-Lewiston) for shepherding a historic budget that established our state’s paid family and medical leave program, expanded our child tax credit to include low-income families, and expanded access to child care for Maine families.