Action Under the Dome For Monday, Jan. 1

BACK
Monday, January 1, 2024
Jen Lancaster
 

It's Monday, January 1.

New year, new bills. January is starting off with a bang — the Legislature goes back into session on January 3. There's a Gun Safety Rally in Augusta this Wednesday, and the public hearing for National Popular Vote is next Monday, January 8. Things are about to get intense, and we'll need your help. Be sure to take action with us (more details below). 

Here are your weekly updates 👇
 
 

The second half of the 131st Legislature begins on Wednesday, January 3. It'll be shorter than the first half and should move quickly. It's expected to conclude mid-April. Here's our quick guide to help orientate yourself. 

Key Issues for 2024:

  • We'll follow many bills, but the key ones are National Popular Vote, campaign finance reform, tribal sovereignty, and gun safety.

Public Hearings:

  • Every bill in Maine receives a public hearing. Many have been scheduled for January, while other new and carried-over bills should receive their hearing soon. A public hearing is the perfect time for constituents to submit testimony and share their opinions on legislation. Legislators prefer hearing from their voters over lobbyists, so always remember that your voice matters!

Important Dates:

Wednesday, January 3

  • Legislature restarts. The House and Senate will meet, as well as several legislative committees. View the calendar here. 
  • Gun Safety Day of Action. We'll rally and demand that our legislators pass strong gun safety legislation this year. RSVP here.

Monday, January 8

  • National Popular Vote (NPV), LD 1578, has its public hearing in the Veterans and Legal Affairs (VLA) Committee. We need folks to submit written testimony! Also consider delivering your testimony either in-person or over Zoom. See our testimony guide here. 

Other Important links:

 
 
Gun Safety Day of Action
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Maine State House

Register Here
On January 3, Mainers from across the state will descend on the State House in Augusta to demand that our legislators pass strong gun safety legislation this year. The League is partnering with the Maine Gun Safety Coalition to organize this day. 
 
National Popular Vote

The time has come, and National Popular Vote (NPV), LD 1578, will have its public hearing in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Monday, January 8. Submit written testimony! Also consider delivering your testimony either in-person or over Zoom. See our testimony guide here. 

Want to take further action? Sign up for one or both of our phonebanks on January 11 and January 18.
 
 
After Colorado, Maine has become the second state to make a decision declaring former President Trump ineligible to appear on their state’s the primary ballot for actions related to an insurrection. 
As the highest election official in a state, the secretary of state’s duty to administer our elections safely, fairly, and securely is instrumental to our democracy. The League supports election officials in their role as nonpartisan administrators of our democratic elections, and in Maine, this role includes weighing in on the question of ballot eligibility. The Maine secretary of state’s decision is not the final word on this matter, and voters need clarity from the courts. Read the full statement here.