Good afternoon from Augusta,
I hope all is well, and you are taking advantage of this dry fall weather we are experiencing. It is no secret that there was an election held on November 5th, and we wanted to provide an update on where things stand in Maine after the election with state and federal results.
It is likely that Maine’s Congressional delegation will remain unchanged. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and US Senator Angus King easily won re-election and both will serve another term. The results of Maine’s Congressional District 2 will be finalized in another few weeks as a result of a recount, but Congressman Jared Golden holds about a 2,700-vote lead at this point in time.
At the State House, the 132nd Legislature is set to begin their session, with “Swearing-in Day” on Wednesday, December 4th. This will kick-off the session and is a ceremonial day when all 186 members of the Legislature are sworn in. Official legislative business will begin on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. There were various changes to the make-up of the legislative bodies, which will make for an interesting session.
In the State Senate, the Democrats maintained their majority by a 5-seat margin with 20 Democrats to 15 Republicans. The Republicans had a net gain of two seats this election cycle. With Senate President Troy Jackson reaching the end of his 4th term, there is brand new leadership for the Democrats in the Senate. Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland) will serve as the new Senate President, Senator Theresa Pierce (D-Cumberland) will be Majority Leader, and Senator Jill Duson (D-Cumberland) will be the Assistant Majority Leader. On the other side of the aisle, the Republicans re-elected Senator Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) as their leader and chose to elect Senator Matthew Harrington (R-York) as the Assistant Minority Leader.
Over in the House of Representatives, the Democrats maintained their majority by a much closer margin. As a result of recent recounts, the make-up of the House is 76 Democrats, 73 Republicans, with 2 Independents, giving the Republicans a net gain of 6 seats. Speaker of the House, Rachel Talbot-Ross and Majority Leader, Maureen Terry, were both termed out, leaving the door open for new leadership. Former Speaker of the House, Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) was chosen by the House Democratic Caucus for Speaker, Representative Matt Moonen (D-Portland) was picked for Majority Leader, and Representative Lori Gramlich (D-Old Orchard Beach) will take over as Assistant Majority Leader. On the Republican side, Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) was re-elected as Minority Leader and Representative Katrina Smith (R-Palermo) will serve as the new Assistant Minority Leader.
As we enter the next legislature here in Maine, please be thinking about getting involved. Periodically, we will be sending out opportunities to have your voice be heard on important issues that we are working on. It is crucial for elected officials that represent you to be aware of issues facing the logging industry. They represent you and your business and should not make it more difficult for you to operate.
Starting in January, we will continue to keep you updated on the latest from the State House each week. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you in any way that we can.
Please mark your calendars for the PLC’s 2025 Legislative Breakfast. This event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 7:30-9 a.m., at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta, ME. Invitations to this event will be sent out early next year.
I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Ben Grant Deputy Executive Director of Legislative and Public Affairs ben@plcloggers.org