By Senator Lawrence Bliss

District 7

    The colder weather is upon us, and while the snow hasn’t quite started to pile up yet, winter is here. With the start of winter in Maine comes the start of a new legislative session. The 124^th Maine Legislature was gaveled to order on Wednesday, Dec. 3. I have begun my first term in the Maine State Senate after serving eight years in the House of Representatives and, as you might suspect, this one will be my most challenging yet. We have much on our agenda with little time or resources available.

    I am pleased that my first action as a State Senator was to sign on as a co-sponsor of Sen. Bill Diamond’s resolution condemning hate and violence. The resolution, which passed unanimously, says “we … take this opportunity with a unified and determined effort to reject all acts and suggested acts of hate and violence against any person of any race, whether that person is in a public or private position.”

   The legislative “year” is actually made up of two years –the first regular session that lasts from January to mid-June, and the second regular session, which runs from January the following year to mid-April, early-May.  The first session is typically devoted to passing the state’s operating budget for the two-year period as well as all other various legislation that emerges. The second, shorter session is designed to deal with emergency legislation, as well as any emergency budgetary issues.  This week, we were sworn-in to the 124^th Legislative session, and in January, we will begin the day to day operations of the first regular session.

   In the first regular session, there are typically more than 2,000 pieces of legislation proposed. If an issue matters to you, take the time to keep abreast of its progress. Every bill has a public hearing, which is advertised in all the state-wide newspapers. Information is also available on the Legislature’s Web site, www.legislature.maine.gov. Should you wish to testify, or submit written testimony, I am happy to help facilitate that — feel free to contact me.

   This session is historic and ground-breaking for women in leadership. Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell was sworn-in as Senate president, having previously served as the first female speaker of the house. She is the first female in the nation to have held both titles.  Rep. Hannah Pingree was selected at the speaker of the house, the second female to serve in that capacity. Rep. Janet Mills was selected to serve as attorney general, the first female to have earned the position.  These are three great women, and three very excellent role models, not only for my daughters, but for all young women in our state.

   In closing, if I can ever be of any assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached   in Augusta at 287-1515, or toll free, 1-800-423-6900.If you’d like to get on my email updates list, send a note to me at lawrence.bliss@gmail.com, and I’ll add you immediately. I look forward to hearing from you.