I love being in Augusta.
The drive to and from Portland gives me time to think about all the important work we have developing in the coming weeks. When I arrive, I see faces that are becoming more familiar: legislators, members of leadership and fellow lobbyists. In committee rooms, I start to sense the priorities of the folks who have been elected to represent their communities in our state capitol.
Monday, our team spent time with the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, introducing the ACLU and our priorities for the session to the members. Most of our legislation on privacy will come before this committee.
Today, I'm at the Health and Human Services Committee, monitoring a couple of bills involving mental health services and a review of the Maine HIV Advisory Committee. The public hearings give anyone an opportunity to speak in favor or against a bill. This hearing is full of passionate and personal stories about Mainers who are living with mental illness and their families who are struggling to care for them. While sometimes challenging, this part of our legislative process is essential to allowing the people to have a voice, even when that voice is shaking with sadness or heightened in anger.
Next week, we'll be focused on voting rights with the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. Stay tuned for more information about public hearings and press conferences and opportunities for you to have your voice heard.
