LAWMAKER COLUMNS

__________________

REP. MARC MALON | Working toward fair school funding

MARCH 27, 2026 | When we think about the pressures facing our school district and the accompanying pressure on local property taxpayers, an important factor is something called the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula, better known as the school-funding formula.

The EPS formula is quite complex, but it impacts every family in our community, whether or not they have kids who attend our public schools. The current formula is flawed, and Biddeford has been disadvantaged by it for years as a result. | READ MORE

_________________

SEN. HENRY INGWERSEN | Taking care of the people who feed us

MARCH 27, 2026 | “Mental health challenges in these industries don’t always look like crises. More often, they show up as exhaustion, irritability, isolation and a sense that there’s no room to slow down.”

That’s why I am glad that my bill, LD 2144, “Resolve, to Establish the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries,” was just signed into law by the Governor. This resolve will create a working group to meet and produce policy recommendations to address the mental health needs of Maine’s farmers, fishermen and loggers. | READ MORE

_________________

REP. MARC MALON | Affordability is an issue for all of us

FEB 27, 2026 | Affordability isn’t just some buzzword, nor the latest political fad or a hoax. It is a core concern of Biddeford residents and Mainers throughout our state, and it has been for years. We’ve all witnessed how even folks with solid middle-class jobs and good incomes have struggled with the high cost of housing, health care, childcare, electricity, heating oil and more. Making it easier for hard-working people to get ahead and afford to live life with dignity is at the core of my legislative work | READ MORE

__________________

REP. RYAN FECTEAU | ICE enforcement activity does not mirror Maine values

FEB. 12, 2026 | A new legislative session is now underway, and there are many pressing matters in front of us that impact Biddeford residents and Mainers from all over. Whether addressing Maine’s housing crisis to overcoming federal funding cuts to important programs like SNAP and healthcare, we have a lot of work to do to make sure Maine families can get ahead and stay ahead | READ MORE

______________________

SEN. HENRY INGWERSEN | Helping parents afford childcare

JAN 29, 2026 | On the first day of the legislative session, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate at a press conference to outline our sweeping “Lower Costs, Stronger Communities” bill package. From health care and energy to childcare and housing, we are going to work hard to lower everyday costs for Maine families. | READ MORE

______________________