On Tuesday April 9, third graders from Windham Primary School came to Augusta as guests of the Windham legislators Senator Gary Plummer, Rep Tom Tyler and me. Accompanied on the guitar by their teacher Nancy Cash Cobb they helped begin the House Legislative session for the day by singing the National Anthem. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited they received a standing ovation by the House.
I was very impressed by the quality of their performance and very proud. It confirms for me that the Windham Schools (RSU14) continue with the strong music program I experienced when my children were in school. After singing they went to tour the Maine State Museum where they had some hands on learning and hopefully ended their field trip having learned both about their state government and their state history.
The legislative schedule is very busy now with many bills coming out of the various Joint Standing Committees where they have had their public hearings and bi-partisan work sessions. The bills come out of committee with either unanimous "ought to pass" or a split vote and will come to the senate and the house chambers for a vote by the full legislature.
I have sponsored or been lead co-sponsor of several bills relating to healthcare. They include a bill to ensure that we cover all Maine people under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act so we can begin to realize the savings that come from covering everyone with health insurance.
I am also sponsoring a bill to provide coverage for reproductive health and family planning for women making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The third bill is aimed at allowing nurse care managers to communicate with other providers to help care for patients with mental illness.
I would be glad to speak with anyone about any of these bills or other bills coming before the legislature. I am grateful for those of you who have taken time to send me an email or call me about legislation that you support or that concerns you as it helps me better understand the issues and how I can represent you in the legislature.
District 111, Windham
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