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On Wednesday, the 132nd Maine Legislature was sworn-in to begin their two-year legislative term. After being sworn-in and electing Maine’s constitutional officers, legislators adjourned until January when their work will begin.
Among the 186 winners of November’s election were 102 League endorsed candidates. Representative Joe Perry (D-Bangor), who received a League endorsement, was chosen to fill the State Treasurer position being vacated by Henry Beck. With his selection, a special election will be held for his now-vacant House seat. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, State Auditor Matthew Dunlap, and Attorney General Aaron Frey were reelected to their respective positions.
The Senate selected Senator Mattie Daughtry to serve as President, and the House voted former Speaker Ryan Fecteau to reprise his previous role. Of the ten legislators who will be serving in leadership positions, eight are League-endorsed candidates. The two who were not endorsed did not seek the League’s endorsement.
“A cornerstone of our advocacy strength is the relationships we build and invest in,” said Robert Caverly, League Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach. “It is great to see so many credit union advocates serving in the Maine Legislature, especially the strong support we have among the legislative leaders.”
There will be no shortage of issues to address in 2025 – one of them being the state budget shortfall. While state revenues continue to grow, the current rate of obligated state spending has exceeded that growth. Governor Mills has been vocal about the budgetary challenges Maine is facing and is encouraging legislators to work with her administration to address the gap. We also expect the Legislature to once again revisit data privacy legislation, which may see a new perspective with the addition of artificial intelligence regulations.
“The League will actively monitor the many issues that could impact credit unions,” said Krista Simonis, League Director of Governmental Affairs. “We look forward to sharing the credit union perspective with lawmakers and encourage our member credit unions to join in the process when they can.”
In the coming weeks, the League will facilitate events and opportunities for credit unions to engage with their legislators. Programs like Legislative Job Shadows and Credit Union Day at the State House are important opportunities for credit unions to promote the credit union difference with lawmakers. The League’s Governmental Affairs team will keep credit unions apprised on our website about the many ways credit unions can get involved in our advocacy.