Bill to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry Clears Appropriations Committee
And so many other briefs and press releases from the community
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Shops.
A QUICK NOTE FROM US:
Each week, we compile briefs and press releases and event images and share them all in one (sometimes very long) story.
Our briefs article is mostly just press releases that we don’t write, or claim to write, but just share from the agencies, businesses, people, and organizations that send them in.
If things are not a press release, they are labelled “BRIEF” in their headlines. The press releases will not have that label.
Bill to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry Clears Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced significant funding and key language to support Maine’s lobster industry in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“This funding would support Maine’s lobster industry by improving the incomplete and imprecise science and research upon which the federal government relies. The flawed data being used to inform regulations has created unnecessary, burdensome requirements for Maine lobstermen and women,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Funding and legislative language advanced by Senator Collins:
North Atlantic Right Whale: $30 million for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for Right Whale related research and monitoring.
Language is also included directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with Canada to develop risk reduction measures that are comparable in effectiveness to U.S. measures.
National Sea Grant Program: $80 million for the National Sea Grant Program. Earlier this year, the Department of Commerce announced that Maine Sea Grant was being defunded. At the urging of Senator Collins, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick directed NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts, and sustainable fisheries.
American Lobster Research: $2 million for Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank American lobster research through Maine Sea Grant.
$300,000 to support a cooperative research program to collect biological, fishery, and environmental data for American lobster and Jonah crab using modern technology on commercial fishing vessels.
Language is also included that directs this research to be carried out through a partnership of state agencies, academia, and industry with a focus on “stock resilience in the face of environmental changes” and “topics necessary to respond to newly implemented or future modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.”
Gray Zone: Report language directing NOAA to work with Canadian and state fisheries officials to develop a cooperative fisheries management plan in the Gray Zone.
In addition, Senator Collins advanced more than $73 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine through the CJS Appropriations bill. Of these projects, $1 million is included to expand the American Lobster Settlement Index collector survey at the University of Maine.
This funding and language advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.
REORGANIZATION VOTE POSTPONEMENT LETTER
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION—School Superintendent Mike Zboray sent a letter to the school community this week explaining that any vote on a proposal to reorganize the schools will not occur this November.
Dear MDIRSS Community
The RPC (Reorganization and Planning Committee) has begun meeting with each community to discuss their proposal to reorganize its current structure from a collection of individual schools into a coherent and more equitable model to better serve our students and educators. The goal is to provide the best education for all of our students with our collective resources. The current organization creates separate and unequal budgets that lead to disparities in educational programming and opportunities and is redundant and costly to taxpayers. The community forums are designed to provide information about the proposal and to gather feedback to inform the final stages of this work.
We have just completed the Bar Harbor meeting and will be doing Swan’s Island on July 31st. Responding to recent feedback, the RPC has decided not to put the proposal to a vote this November, allowing for more conversation and clarification about the plan. After the Swan’s Island meeting, the RPC will take a pause and schedule meetings in the towns that have not yet had them, as well as conduct follow-ups in September and October.
This is too important an issue to have community members feeling rushed and uncertain. To follow along, please visit the AOS reorganization page - https://www.mdirss.org/page/aos-reorganization - Information regarding future meetings will be sent via Bright Arrow and can also be found in the Islander, Bar Harbor Story and Reorganization Website.
For those who have attended our forums, thank you for your valuable insights. We look forward to more conversations in all our communities.
Respectfully,
Mike Zboray
Superintendent of Schools
Babson Bridge Replacement- Temporary Detour
MOUNT DESERT—The temporary bridge on Route 3/198 will be put into service the morning of Monday July 21 and will remain in service until the demolition and reconstruction of the Babson Bridge is completed.
Richard Russo Featured for 130th Anniversary Celebrations
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Pulitzer Prize winner, author Richard Russo, will be the featured speaker for the Southwest Harbor Public Library’s 130th Anniversary Celebration Week taking place from July 21 through July 27. Russo’s talk on Thursday, July 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. will take place on the lawn of St. John Church across from the library, rain or shine. Russo’s books Empire Falls and his recent memoir Life and Art are available to purchase at the library. View details and registration information as well as other anniversary events at https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.
Richard Russo has written two memoirs and ten novels, most set in fictional small towns in New England. They include Straight Man, Bridge of Sighs, and three books set in upstate New York and referred to as the North Bath series: Nobody’s Fool, Everybody’s Fool and Somebody’s Fool. His 2001 Empire Falls, set on the Maine coast, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and Russo later adapted it into a television mini-series. In 2017 he received France’s Grand Prix de Littérature Américaine. He lives in Portland, ME.
Registration and details at https://tinyurl.com/3d2n54ah, email programs@swhplibrary.org, or call 207-244-7065.
Renowned Legal Scholar Gives McCue Lecture on the Power of the Supreme Court
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Yale law professor Lincoln Caplan will give the McCue Lecture “Does the Supreme Court have too much power—or not enough?” on Tuesday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. This program is a part of the Southwest Harbor Public Library Week (July 21-27) commemorating its 130th anniversary. Details at https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.
Lincoln Caplan is the author of six books about legal affairs, including American Justice 2016: The Political Supreme Court and The Tenth Justice: The Solicitor General and the Rule of Law. He has taught at Yale since 1998, as a senior research scholar at Yale Law School and as a lecturer in English. His reporting and writing have earned a range of awards. They include a Guggenheim Fellowship for creative ability in the arts; a Pope Foundation Award for outstanding accomplishments in investigative journalism; and a Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association for outstanding public service.
He is a contributing editor of The American Scholar and of Harvard Magazine. He was a staff writer of The New Yorker, a member of the editorial board of The New York Times for which he wrote about the Supreme Court, and the editor and president of Legal Affairs magazine. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and served as a White House Fellow.
The Allen and Gertrude McCue Lecture Series is made possible by a grant from the McCue Family to bring high quality speakers to Southwest Harbor continuing a tradition that started many years ago at the Claremont Hotel.
Registration and details at https://tinyurl.com/p4nu8jhf, email programs@swhplibrary.org, or call 207-244-7065.
JULY 22 - MDI Author Announces New Novel At Book Launch Event
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Tuesday, July 22, at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host a public book launch event for Martha Tod Dudman’s latest novel, curio.
Join the author to celebrate this recent publication with a live reading and discussion, followed by light refreshments. Books will be available for sale and signing. Dudman is the author of Dawn, Expecting to Fly, Black Olives, Sunrise & the Real World, and Augusta, Gone, which was adapted into an award-winning film. Dudman lives in Northeast Harbor and serves on the select board of the Town of Mount Desert. She is also a Director of the Maine Humanities Council.
Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.
curio
A Modern Fairy Tale by Martha Tod Dudman
“…but there was something else in the way he regarded me that I didn’t think about until later.”
A girl in a foreign country. A dangerous man. A journey across a stark and alien landscape. Three beautiful sisters with red hair from Dreamwood, Ohio. A magical rose-colored villa, where the girl discovers that everything she once believed was a mirage.
Martha Tod Dudman lives in Northeast Harbor and is the author of six books of memoir and fiction, including Sunrise & the Real World and Augusta, Gone, which was adapted as an award-winning film.
Her new novel, curio, which she describes as a “modern fairy tale” will be launched at a book party Tuesday, July 22 at 5:30 pm at the Northeast Harbor Library
JULY 23 - Conservation Expert Shares 25-Year Retrospective At Public Talk
NORTHEAST HARBOR– On Wednesday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host a free talk with author Karin Tilberg about her new book Loving the North Woods: 25 Years of Historic Conservation in Maine.
Tilberg, the past-president/CEO of the Forest Society of Maine, will discuss the seismic changes to conservation in the last three decades and will share untold stories of conserving Maine’s North Woods. She will explore how people’s love of a place brought about action leading to these historic achievements in American conservation and how these stories could guide us now and far into the future. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.
JULY 28 - Return of “Topics in Modern Health” Series Brings Free Innovative, Informative Series to Northeast Harbor
NORTHEAST HARBOR—From regenerative medicine to cancer breakthroughs, Mount Desert Island Hospital’s popular Topics in Modern Health speaker series returns this summer with two thought-provoking events designed to inform, inspire, and empower the community.
The series kicks off Monday, July 28 from 4–5 p.m. at the Northeast Harbor Library with MDI Hospital’s own, Dr. Mark Kandutsch, who will explore the power of the human body to heal itself. In“Regenerative Medicine: Using Your Body to Treat Chronic Illness,” Dr. Kandutsch, who sees patients at Cadillac Family Practice in Bar Harbor, delves into how fat transfer and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be used to treat chronic pain, arthritis, scars, and more, without medication or surgery. These cutting-edge, in-office therapies activate your body’s own natural stem cells and growth factors, offering a low-tech, high-impact path to recovery and wellness.
Then on Monday, August 11 from 4–5 p.m. also at the Northeast Harbor Library, the series continues with an opportunity to hear from President and CEO Emeritus of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, world renowned clinical hematologist, and National Institute of Health funded investigator, Dr. Edward J. Benz Jr. In his talk, “New Approaches to Cancer Prevention & Treatment,” Dr. Benz will discuss the latest research and innovations shaping the future of cancer care, from precision medicine to early detection, and how they may change outcomes for patients and families around the world.
Both events are free and open to the public. Please register using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/ZNRxajKjRb and there will be a Zoom option if you’d prefer to join online.
Don’t miss this chance to engage with leading medical minds, ask questions, and gain insight into some of the most exciting advances in modern health, all right here on Mount Desert Island.
Contact robyn.clark@mdihospital.org or mariah.cormier@mdihospital.org with any questions.
RUG SHOW BY JUDITH BLANK!
BAR HARBOR—Local rug weaver Judith Blank is having a rug show at her home gallery at 189 Norway Drive, Bar Harbor on Saturday and Sunday July 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SARA JONES AT CHARLOTTE’S LEGENDARY LOBSTER POUND
New Farnsworth Museum Exhibitions To Be Announced
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Wednesday, July 30, at 5:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host curator Francesca Soriano for a presentation on a new series of special collection exhibitions at the Farnsworth Art Museum titled In Focus.
In Focus re-examines narratives in American art across time and media. As the cornerstone of FAM, the permanent collection continues to grow and now totals nearly 16,000 objects. With new juxtapositions, this series presents an opportunity to engage with evolving conversations and important topics in the field today.
Opening July 19, In Focus: Early American Art invites visitors to delve into the Museum's exceptional holdings of American art from the 18th to early 20th century. Featuring both iconic artworks and recent acquisitions, the show offers a fresh perspective on American art history. Through portraits, landscapes, and Wabanaki baskets, the exhibition broadens our understanding of the country's cultural heritage and artistic legacy, and Maine's role within it.
Opening August 2, In Focus: The Figure Today presents a dynamic exploration of the figure in contemporary practice. Anchored by major recent acquisitions by painters Bo Bartlett (born 1955), Jamie Wyeth (born 1946), and Ruby Sky Stiller (born 1979), the presentation also features works by Alex Katz (born 1927), Reggie Burrows Hodges (born 1965), and others. Together these works reflect the enduring power of the figure in American art and the innovative ways artists continue to engage with the human form today.
Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.
FRIENDS OF ACADIA MEETS ACADIA WEEK E-CHALLENGE GOAL
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—Thanks to you, we met our goal for the 2025 Acadia Week E-Challenge! With $33,294 in donations and $25,000 in matching gifts, we’ve raised a total of $58,294 for Acadia!
Thanks to all who showed up for Acadia and to our very generous lead donors, Julie Banzhaf-Stone and Steve Stone, Winifred Hentschel and Philip Trackman, Mary Ann and Michael Siklosi, and Yardly and Scott Jenkins.
HUDSON TO HARBOR AT THE BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S LA ROCHELLE
LUCIUS HEADING TO CRITERION
Thursday, July 24, 2025
7:00 p.m.
BAR HARBOR—Known for their engaging live performances, Lucius has been featured on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” PBS' "Austin City Limits” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show" and has toured across the world. Throughout their acclaimed career, Lucius’ Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe have also become some of the most sought-after collaborators in popular music due to their “otherworldly” vocals (Los Angeles Times).
The duo has recorded and performed with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, John Legend, The Killers and Harry Styles, including appearances on the Grammy stage and NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Listen to Lucius’ latest album here and get ready for a super fun night out at The Criterion!
Full 2025 Show Schedule
7/24 Lucius
8/1-2 Acadia Dance Festival
8/3 Thurston Howell (A Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular!)
8/5 Darlingside
8/9 Stepping Into The Unknown: Films from the Bob Dylan Center
8/12 The Mountain Goats support by Craig Finn
8/15 Dave Gutter and The Illuminati & Rigometrics
8/16 Chris Thile
8/20 Outlaws
8/22 Pink Talking Fish - A Fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads & Phish
8/27 Asleep At The Wheel
8/28 Barrington Levy
8/29 Mamma Mania! - NYC's Premier ABBA Tribute
8/30 Chris Janson
8/31 Tall Heights
9/13 Livingston Taylor
10/11 Steve Earle Solo
10/24 TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
12/6 Eli Young Band
DOWNEAST SUNRISE TRAIL ROLLER COASTER GRAVEL RIDE
Author Talk with Mac Smith: The Great Fire of 1947 and the End of Bar Harbor's Golden Era
Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 6:30pm
BAR HARBOR—On Thursday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m., historical writer Mac Smith returns to the Jesup Memorial Library with his latest book, The Great Fire of 1947 and the End of Bar Harbor’s Golden Era, which tells the riveting story of the desperate evacuation of residents through the heart of an uncontrolled forest fire burning all across Mount Desert Island. After an extremely dry summer, all areas of Maine spent the month of October fighting fires, with the island seeing the worst of the damage. Soon after the first flames were spotted, in a last, desperate and deadly escape from the quickly approaching and ever-growing flames, many Bar Harbor residents found themselves fleeing to the water, while others fled in a caravan for the causeway behind a bulldozer that cleared the way, all the while watching the loss of many of the mighty cottage-mansions and historic hotels that once symbolized the island’s heritage as a summer playground for the world’s richest people. Through extensive and meticulous research, Maine author and historian Mac Smith brings this important part of the state’s history to life.
A Navy veteran of the first Gulf War and former reporter for The Bar Harbor Times, Mac Smith lives in the village of Sandy Point. He is the author of several books of Maine history, including Mainers on the Titanic, Peyton Place Comes Home to Maine, Siege at the Statehouse, Disaster at the Bar Harbor Ferry, and Plain Madeleine.
Author Talk with Dave Albee: The Last One Out Of Town Turn Out The Lights
Thursday, July 31st, 6:30 - 7:30pm
BAR HARBOR - On Thursday, July 31st at 6:30pm, author Dave Albee will appear at the Jesup Memorial Library for a book reading and signing. His book, The Last One Out Of Town Turn Out The Lights is a nostalgic, inspiring, and untold story of how a soul-crushing school district consolidation changes the fate and fortunes of two rural Maine high schools. The school merger connects a tall, humble, whimsically-talented player to a young, driven, witty coach 20 miles away to ultimately build an unlikely undefeated state championship basketball team in 1975 that “is like this meteor in Dover-Foxcroft that comes through this one season.”
The extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime team captivates a hopeful community, whose spirit is symbolized in one amusing, unforgettable plywood sign on the outskirts of town.
Through a turbulent time in America, this book examines the impact of a high school basketball team on the two rival schools — Monson Academy and Foxcroft Academy — and their townspeople by following the lives of Kevin Nelson and Skip Hanson after Monson Academy closes its doors. That one, controversial decision allows Foxcroft Academy to finally establish a winning basketball tradition and claim its first and only Gold Ball, emblematic of the Maine High School Basketball Championship. Bitter feelings and personal struggles are revealed as are stories of admiration and light-hearted moments such as a player slipping and sliding under a fire truck, a band director being hired from a strip tease club, and a title team showering in lounge chairs.
In a period void of cellphones, laptop computers, social media, and Jake from State Farm, the book weaves unpopular decisions to cut popular players from the team, fights with hated rivals, and a phantom foul that for God’s sake should never have been called that lead to the kind of championship season that all small towns, coaches, players, and fans across the country covet, embrace, and treasure for a lifetime.
For Monson, it’s about what if.
For Dover-Foxcroft, it’s about time.
For Kevin Nelson and Skip Hanson, it’s about life and legacy.
Dave Albee, a 1972 graduate of Foxcroft Academy voted “Most School Spirited” as a senior in the school yearbook, was an award-winning sportswriter and sports columnist for 35 years at five newspapers in four states from Maine to California.
His big break came while he was an attentive clerk at an A&P grocery store in the small town of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine trying to pay off his college debt. One day in 1973 while working at the A&P, Dave was bagging groceries for the sports editor of the local weekly newspaper, the Piscataquis Observer, when he asked her if she was planning to cover Foxcroft Academy’s big season-opening basketball game at Orono High School that coming Saturday night. When she said “no” and admitted she knew little about basketball, Dave on a whim and on the spot volunteered to cover the game for her. Dave drove to the game, wrote a game story longhand on Sunday, submitted it to the Observer on Monday and on Tuesday received a phone call from its Editor/Publisher offering him a full-time job.
That launched Dave’s long newspaper career which included freelance assignments with USA Today/Gannett News Service and The Sporting News and covering multiple Super Bowls, World Series, NBA and NHL playoff games, World Cup soccer, NCAA football bowl games, and NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament games. Dave is an honorary member of the Baseball Writers Association of America, who has voted on player induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame and on selection for college football’s Heisman Trophy.
Despite covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events, teams, and players during the past five decades, it is Foxcroft’s first and only state basketball championship season that Dave covered for his hometown Observer in 1974-75 that served as the inspiration for his first book — “The Last One Out Of Town Turn Out The Lights.” That one season is deeply personal to Dave compared to all the college and professional sports seasons he has experienced. Dave was born and raised in Dover-Foxcroft and competed in football, basketball, and baseball at Foxcroft Academy. The bit of serendipity at the local grocery store provided him the opportunity to witness and now write about the 1975 state championship season.
Debut Authors on Writing Immigrant Daughters and the Path Towards Authenticity
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On Tuesday, July 29th, join us at the Southwest Harbor Public Library from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for an engaging conversation between two friends, Hyeseung Song and Rosa Kwon Easton, on writing the immigrant daughter story and what it’s like to be later-in-life debut authors with national publishers Simon & Schuster and Lake Union Publishing. Song and Easton will discuss their debuts about women navigating family and cultural expectations and becoming their authentic selves.
Docile, by the painter Hyeseung Song, is an extraordinary memoir about growing up as a first-generation immigrant in Texas and chasing academic achievement in order to earn visibility in her culture, developing mental illness and ultimately finding redemption in art.
“I read it breathlessly in a single sitting.” –Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk
White Mulberry, Rosa Kwon Easton’s historical novel inspired by her grandmother, is a deeply moving portrait of a Korean woman in 1930s Japan who is torn between two worlds passing as Japanese and must reclaim her true identity to provide a future for her family.
"A beautiful and deeply researched novel...If you loved Pachinko, you'll love White Mulberry." --Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women
Hyeseung Song is a first-generation Korean American writer and painter. Raised in Texas, Song studied philosophy at Princeton and Harvard Universities, and painting at the Grand Central Atelier in New York City. A two-time Greenshields award winner, TedX speaker, and resident artist of the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico, the Vermont Studio Center and the Alfred and Trafford Klots International Program, Song has also taught at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Song lives in Brooklyn and upstate New York. HyeseungSong.com
Rosa Kwon Easton was born in Seoul, Korea, and grew up with her extended family in Los Angeles. Easton holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College, a master’s in international and public affairs from Columbia University, and a JD from Boston College Law School. She is a lawyer and an elected trustee of the Palos Verdes Library District. She has two adult children and lives with her husband and Maltipoo in sunny Southern California.
Registration and details at https://tinyurl.com/mr5euy3n, email programs@swhplibrary.org, or call 207-244-7065.
DINE AROUND DAY!
Maine Community Foundation launches two new grant programs
ELLSWORTH & PORTLAND – The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) has launched two new grant programs: Land for Communities and the Maine Women’s Fund.
Land for Communities
The Land for Communities (L4C) grant program supports community land projects that increase relationships to land for underserved geographies and populations in Maine. L4C offers support for land acquisition and land-based projects and will accept grant proposals twice per year. Grant application deadlines are March 16 and Sept. 15.
There will be an informational webinar on Wednesday, July 23, from noon-1 p.m. Visit mainecf.org/l4c for criteria, requirements and to register for the webinar. The webinar recording will be available shortly after.
Maine Women’s Fund
The Maine Women’s Fund (MWF) grant program makes bold investments that transform the lives of women and girls. MWF offers two-year general support grants. Multi-year grants of $15,000 will be awarded in 2025 and again in 2027. The grant application deadline is Sept. 15.
There will be an informational webinar on Tuesday, July 22, from noon-1 p.m. Visit mainecf.org/mwf for criteria, requirements and to register for the webinar. The webinar recording will be available shortly after.
The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
Twenty-Fourth Annual Luminaria Event Scheduled for August 9
BAR HARBOR—YWCA MDI will present the 24th annual Carol Dyer Memorial Luminaria Evening on Saturday, August 9 to benefit Sarah’s House of Maine.
The luminaria evening has been a local tradition since 2001, when the first event was held to celebrate the life of Carol Dyer, a children’s librarian and friend of YWCA MDI. One night every August, hundreds of luminaria line the sidewalks of the Bar Harbor Village Green to honor friends and family fighting or lost to cancer.
This year, luminaria will be on display on the Bar Harbor Village Green from 7:00 to 9:30 PM on August 9th, with a rain date of August 16. Chris Popper of WDEA will serve as master of ceremonies. April Cough McGuire will provide music.
Luminaria are available for pre-order here. We encourage pre-orders, but luminaria will also be for sale on the evening of the event. The suggested donation is $10 for each luminaria.
Proceeds will benefit Sarah’s House, a local non-profit that provides free and comfortable lodging to community members who must travel for cancer treatment.
YWCA Mount Desert Island has served the MDI community since 1904. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, supporting families, and strengthening communities. Visit https://www.ywcamdi.org to learn more about the YWCA’s work on MDI and beyond.
Sarah’s House provides free temporary lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers who have traveled 30 miles or more to receive lifesaving treatment in the Bangor/Brewer area. This home away from home provides not just a comfortable place to stay, but a supportive and caring environment centered around hope and healing. Since opening in October 2014, Sarah’s House has served more than 745 cancer patients from 15 of Maine’s 16 counties, saving those patients and their caregivers more than 1.5 million miles of travel.
LOCAL LEGISLATOR EMAIL
Dear Neighbors,
Last Sunday in Town Hill I delivered the following remarks to the local citizen action group SweetFern MDI, addressing the reconciliation bill passed by Republicans in Congress earlier this month. Not only does it gut funding for Medicaid and SNAP, but it adds trillions of dollars to the federal deficit to pay for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. Read on below.
REMARKS
The brutal budget bill Republicans just passed through Congress is a disaster for our planet, our health and an assault on our communities.
The "Big Beautiful Bill” threatens Maine’s health coverage through $4.5 billion in Medicaid cuts and work requirements – for the program we call MaineCare. Many of those who will lose coverage are children.
This will force hospitals to see higher costs for uncompensated care – an estimated ¼ of hospital Medicaid funding would be lost, resulting in curtailments of services or closures of hospitals in rural Maine.
Cuts to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) will cause hundreds in Hancock County to lose health insurance – it will no longer be affordable.
Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will cost the State $70 million per year. Thousands of Hancock County residents depend on this program and could go hungry if the State can’t raise this money.
Cuts to clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits and funding will increase household and business energy expenses dramatically and slow new energy project development and grid improvements. Electricity rates could go up by 20%.
In this moment, states are best positioned to deliver change for their people. States oversee the allocation of more than $3 trillion in public funds annually and have shown they can move more boldly—in both advancing progress and resisting harmful policies—than Congress.
The average annual tax cut for the richest 1% of Americans under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is $65,000.
That’s more than the entire annual income of a typical worker in the US.
That’s enough to cover four years of in-state tuition at a public college.
That’s more than the earnings of a minimum wage worker after two years on the job.
I serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation where we worked hard on passing three progressive tax bills that are in limbo pending the Governor’s approval.
1. Rep. Matlack’s LD 229 establishes new income tax brackets that reduce taxes for individuals making less than $65,000 and married couples making less than $130,000/year and raise taxes on single filers making more than $150,000 and married couples making more than $300,000. This would raise another $50 million/year for the State.
2. Rep. Golek’s LD 1089 levies a millionaire's tax on annual income of more than $1 Million to raise an additional $70 million/year earmarked for education.
3. Rep. Pleucker’s LD 1879 would levy an additional 1% tax on corporations making more than $3.5 million, raising $35 million/year for agricultural programs and the general fund.
Together these three bills would go a long way toward filling the gap left by Republicans – by taking back a fraction of the tax breaks they gave to the wealthiest Americans.
Republicans just appropriated $170 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a bigger budget than most of the world's militaries. This administration will be able to multiply its violent raids and detain over 750,000 children, parents, and longtime residents in remote detention camps where, even now, people are dying.
At the same time, the act makes it harder for immigrants to obtain authorization to remain in the US and for permission to work. There will be several large hikes in application fees for those seeking asylum, humanitarian parole and employment authorization.
This two-pronged attack on immigration will not only tear apart families and communities, it will depress our economic growth as Maine loses workers in key sectors.
LD 1971, An Act to Protect Workers in the State by Clarifying the Relationship of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies with Federal Immigration Authorities, is sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac of South Portland. It passed in the House 74-73 on June 18 and prevailed in the Senate 20-14 but has not been signed by the Governor.
Please let the Governor know how important this bill is to the people of Maine!
Governor Janet Mills
1 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-287-3531
https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact/share-your-opinion
To contact Rep. Friedmann:
Rep. Gary Friedmann
Serving House District 14
(207) 460-7362
Connect with me on Facebook
STATE PRESS RELEASES
The Employment Situation in Maine – June 2025
Unemployment was little changed at 3.3 percent. The spring seasonal increase in hospitality jobs was more modest than usual.
These estimates are derived from two monthly surveys. The Current Population Survey collects information from households on labor force status, including labor force participation, employment, and unemployment. The Current Employment Statistics survey collects information from nonfarm employers by industry on the number of wage and salary jobs, hours worked, and wages paid to individuals on their payrolls. Both surveys are administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preliminary estimates from the two surveys sometimes diverge in direction or magnitude of change. Over extended periods they tend to be more aligned.
Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Labor Force Estimates
At 3.3 percent, the unemployment rate for June was slightly lower than in recent months. It has been below four percent for 43 months – the second longest such period – and below the U.S. average for all but three months for more than 17 years. Unemployment continued to be below the long-term average of 5.4 percent for the state since January 1976, when the current methodology was adopted.
Unemployment averaged 4.2 percent for New England and 4.1 percent for the U.S. in the month.
Note on Preliminary Unemployment Estimates: They should be considered in the context of whether they are below, near, or above historical or U.S. averages, rather than if they are up or down a few tenths of a point from some other month. The household survey sample they are derived from is large enough for direct estimates for the nation. For states it is much smaller and statistical modeling is used to prevent large single-month changes that may overstate the magnitude or the direction of changes in labor market conditions.
One result of this is that preliminary unemployment rates for Maine tend to follow an undulating pattern, moving in one direction for several months and then the other through the course of a year. Revisions, published annually in March, have consistently smoothed these patterns. Upward or downward changes in preliminary unemployment or labor force participation rates often are not as indicative of improvement or deterioration in conditions as may appear. Though rates for many months will change when revised, unemployment rates for the early and latter parts of 2024 certainly will remain well below the long-term average.
Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Nonfarm Jobs Estimates
Nonfarm wage and salary jobs dipped 700 on a seasonally adjusted basis in June. Like in May, this was not because the number of jobs decreased – rather it was from lower-than-usual gains among hospitality businesses. Leisure and hospitality jobs increased in both May and June, but somewhat less than is typical in the lead-up to summer highs. (Smaller than normal increases in a month are decreases when seasonally adjusted.) Rain curtailed demand in May; it is less clear what factors may have been in play in June. Despite lagging usual gains this spring, leisure and hospitality’s 10.5 percent share of nonfarm jobs in June is not markedly different from the 10.7 percent average over the last two years. Change in other sectors was more modest, including in healthcare and social assistance, which reached a new high in the month.
Note on Preliminary Nonfarm Jobs Estimates: Preliminary estimates of nonfarm jobs from the payroll survey of employers tend to provide a better indication of the magnitude and direction of change than labor force and unemployment estimates from the household survey. The payroll survey is much larger and revisions to jobs estimates tend to be smaller.
Not Seasonally Adjusted County and Metro Area Labor Force Estimates
On a not seasonally adjusted basis the statewide unemployment rate was 2.6 percent. Rates were at least 0.3 percentage points higher than that in eight counties, at least 0.3 points lower than that in four, and close to the average in four. Rates were lowest in southern and mid-coast counties and highest along the northern rim of the state.
Among the three metro areas, unemployment was below the statewide average in Portland-S. Portland, close to the average in Lewiston-Auburn, and slightly above the average in Bangor.
(Labor force estimates for substate areas, including unemployment rates, are not seasonally adjusted. Because of this, estimates for a certain month should be compared to the same month in other years and should not be compared to other months in the same or other years.)
Not Seasonally Adjusted Statewide and Metro Area Hours and Earnings Estimates
The private sector workweek averaged 33.1 hours and earnings averaged $32.43 per hour in June. Average hours decreased slightly, and hourly earnings increased 2.5 percent from a year ago. The workweek was longest in construction and shortest in leisure and hospitality. Earnings were highest in professional and business services and lowest in leisure and hospitality.
Hourly earnings were above the statewide average in Portland-S. Portland and below in the Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn metros.
July workforce estimates will be published Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. The data release schedule is here
Nonfarm jobs data is available here
Unemployment and labor force data is available here
NOTES:
Preliminary seasonally adjusted labor force estimates, including rates (labor force participation, employment, and unemployment rates), and levels (labor force, employed, and unemployed), as well as nonfarm wage and salary job estimates are inexact. Annual revisions (published in March each year) add accuracy. A comparison of 2023 and 2024 previously published to revised estimates is available in this blog.
The 90 percent confidence interval for the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was between 2.6 and 4.0 percent.
Nonfarm wage and salary jobs from the payroll survey provide a better indication of changes in employment than resident employment from the household survey. The payroll survey is larger and has smaller margins of error.
Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be variable from month to month because the representativeness of reporting employers can differ. Seasonal adjustment is imperfect because weather, the beginning and ending of school semesters, and other events do not always occur with the same timing relative to the pay period that includes the 12th day of the month, which is the survey reference period. This sometimes exacerbates monthly changes in jobs estimates. Users should look to the trend over multiple months rather than the change from one specific month to another. Jobs estimates for the period from April 2024 to September 2025 will be replaced with payroll data in March 2026. Those benchmark revisions usually show less monthly variability than previously published estimates.
Would You Like to Participate in the 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show?
If you have not already submitted your form, but would like to participate, August 1 is the next early bird due date for priority consideration.
Use the interest form to submit your contact information and preferences
Estimated Rate(s) – Preview estimated fees for show participants
Interest form responses accepted through fall 2025
Early bird applicants are reviewed first - don't delay!
Note: Please check your inbox, spam/junk for a confirmation email after you submit your form. Save your confirmation email. The email subject line is: 2026 Maine Agricultural Trades Show Reservation Request.
Visit the applicant and participant webpage for the latest announcements about selections, and webinar calls with show organizers, and FAQs.
Rodent Academy Registration Open
August 28, 2025 and August 29, 2025 in Portland, ME
Join us for a focused, practical training on Rodent Integrated Pest Management (IPM), led by nationally recognized rodent expert Dr. Bobby Corrigan. This event is hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and is designed for professionals in structural pest control, public health, housing, and facilities management. This will be held in Portland, Maine with more details on the venue to come.
This two-day training offers pesticide credits for both Maine and New Hampshire applicators. Dr. Corrigan brings decades of real-world experience and has been featured in PBS’s Human Footprint, Morgan Spurlock’s Rats documentary, and widely respected podcasts like Ologies and Daily Detroit. He is frequently consulted by outlets including NPR, The New York Times, and The Atlantic for his expertise in rodent behavior and control. Space is limited and tends to fill quickly. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
2-day in-person (11 ME & NH credits): $200
1-day virtual (6 ME & NH credits): $50
Registration is only open until July 28th, 2025. Please see link below for details.
Unemployment Insurance Guidance and Resources for Laid Off Federal Employees
MAINE—The Maine Department of Labor is re-sharing unemployment insurance guidance and resources for any possible federal employees affected by layoffs.
Topline information includes:
Prepare—Get as much information as you can
Print your paystubs – last one paid before 03/31/2025 and last one paid before 06/30/2025
Print your 2024 W-2
Before filing your claim, read through the unemployment FAQ for federal workers
File Immediately, even without all documents
Call 1-800-593-7660 to file your claim in Maine as soon as you separate from your employer. Documents will be collected for verification once your claim is started.
You must start your first unemployment insurance claim by phone. After your first claim is done, you can file weekly claims online.
File even if appealing the termination
Don’t panic about a $0 determination— Federal wages aren’t reported in state systems, so your initial claim may show $0. As wages are verified your Monetary Determination will be updated.
Request a wage affidavit if delayed— If your agency doesn’t respond within 12 days, you can complete an ES-935 affidavit to speed up your claim.
Once your initial claim is in system, you will find this form in your account under Correspondences.
Check messages regularly—State agencies may request additional information, so frequently check your portal, email, and mail.
Certify and job search weekly— You must certify unemployment and actively search for work each week to continue receiving benefits.
The Maine Department of Labor’s Rapid Response team holds a weekly session via Zoom at 10 a.m. every Wednesday to go over top line information for laid off workers, such as unemployment insurance, health insurance options, training and job search resources.
On Thursdays from 10-11 a.m., there are also weekly virtual office hours on applying to state jobs. Topics include the application process in state government, career paths and opportunities, and tips for improving your job search.
The full guidance and Rapid Response information for affected employees can be found here: www.maine.gov/labor/federalworkers/
FEDERAL RELEASES
Senators Collins, Smith, King Introduce Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases
The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would renew funding to address tick-borne diseases
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, their landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases, which became law in 2019. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joins them as an original co-sponsor. The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Confirmed cases of Lyme disease reached a record number in Maine – 3,035 – last year. Senators Collins and Smith named their bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.
“Last year, Maine reported over 3,000 cases of Lyme disease—a record in our state. The reauthorization of our Tick Act is urgently needed to continue to support those who struggle with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses and keep improving research, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention for these terrible diseases,” said Senator Collins. “Resources from the Tick Act have led to exciting developments such as the first-ever clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine for people, which is underway right now at the MaineHealth Institute for Research.”
“My home state of Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we’re always especially eager to get outside after a long winter,” said Senator Smith. “Unfortunately, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state—and states across the country—is on the rise. This bill would empower regional centers to lead the response against these diseases and expanded the federal government’s role in researching, testing and treating these diseases. For the sake of Americans’ health and well-being, we need to keep moving this bill forward.”
“Our state has been battling diseases like Lyme for decades, so it is critical we continue to invest in our research and understanding of these vector-borne diseases to better protect Maine residents and visitors,” said Senator King. “The Kay Hagan Tick Act will further the prevention efforts that keep us safe by funding research, testing and diagnostics along with resources for improved data collection. I am proud to work on this critical bipartisan legislation that will help mitigate this long-term public health threat for the future safety and health of all Maine people.”
"Reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act will continue the nation's coordinated framework for tick-borne disease surveillance, diagnostics, and prevention”, said Griffin Dill, Director of the University of Maine Tick Lab. Continued support means earlier detection, targeted interventions, and fewer families facing the physical and financial burden of Lyme disease and other emerging infections. Through this investment, Congress can ensure a proactive approach to safeguarding our communities from increasing threats related to ticks."
“With an estimated 500,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, it is critical that the United States is equipped to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to this growing public health threat,” said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. “We applaud the foundation laid by the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which established the National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans and we are committed to working with Congress and federal agencies to ensure this strategy is fully implemented and strengthened. We commend Senator Collins, Senator King, and Senator Smith for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the reauthorization of this vital legislation to protect the health and safety of Americans nationwide.”
Using a three-pronged approach, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:
1. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue implementing and updating, as appropriate, its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People. This strategy has been integral in expanding research into tick-borne diseases, improving testing and diagnostics, and coordinating efforts across the federal government.
2. Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires this year. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S. There are four centers located at universities in California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin.
3. Reauthorize CDC Grants to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness. These awards would help states continue to build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.
In May, Senator Collins delivered the opening remarks at the Center for Lyme Action Congressional Series and spoke to the need for continued federal funding for tick-borne disease research. Click here to watch and here to download her remarks. Senator Collins has also urged leading health officials to continue to support the development of treatment for these illnesses, including the clinical trials currently ongoing in Maine for the first Lyme disease vaccine for people.
Senator King is a longtime advocate for the elimination of vector-borne diseases. His SMASH Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize critical public health tools that support states and localities in their mosquito surveillance and control efforts, especially those linked to mosquitos that carry the Zika virus, and improve the nation’s preparedness for Zika and other mosquito-borne threats like West Nile virus, chikungunya, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (“triple-e”) virus was signed into law in 2019. A re-authorization of SMASH was introduced in 2023 and included in the Pandemic All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization.
Senator Collins’ Statement on Rescissions Package
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on her vote against discharging the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) rescissions package.
“The rescissions package has a big problem – nobody really knows what program reductions are in it. That isn’t because we haven’t had time to review the bill. Instead, the problem is that OMB has never provided the details that would normally be part of this process.
“Congress approves rescissions regularly. When we do it as part of the annual appropriations process, we do so with an understanding of what we are cutting. This was also the case in 1992, the last time Congress approved rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act. That just isn’t the case here. The sparse text that was sent to Congress included very little detail and does not give an accounting of the specific program cuts that would total $9.4 billion. For example, there are $2.5 billion in cuts to the Development Assistance account, which covers everything from basic education, to water and sanitation, to food security – but we don’t know how those programs will be affected.
“OMB has cited some examples of wasteful grants. For instance, I agree that it is not a good use of taxpayer dollars to promote vegan food in Zambia, which was a Biden Administration grant. I am confident that such wasteful spending will not occur under the Trump Administration.
“I am pleased that the Administration has abandoned its original request to impose a $400 million cut to PEPFAR, the successful global AIDS prevention program that has saved 26 million lives and allowed nearly 8 million babies to be born HIV-free to mothers living with HIV.
“Moreover, the excessive cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would harm local programming and the accessibility to popular programs like ‘Antiques Road Show’ and ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’. I share the frustration with the biased reporting by NPR, and I would support defunding it. Nevertheless, local TV and radio stations continue to provide important coverage. In Maine, this funding supports the emergency alert network, coverage of high school basketball championships, a locally produced high school quiz show, and classical music stations.
“I recognize the need to reduce excessive spending and I have supported rescissions in our appropriations bills many times, including the 70 rescissions that were included in the year-long funding bill that we are currently operating under. But to carry out our Constitutional responsibility, we should know exactly what programs are affected and the consequences of rescissions.”
Senator Collins, Colleagues Write to OMB Urging Release of Critical Education Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and eight of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating for the release of paused education formula funding, which states had anticipated receiving on July 1. The pause could result in a loss of nearly $28,000,000 for Maine’s public schools.
Specifically, the letter requests that the Administration faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year. This legislation contains critical funding that states and local school districts rely on to help students, families, and local economies.
“The Continuing Resolution contained funding for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 21st Century Community Learning Centers; Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants; English Language Acquisition; Migrant Education; Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants). Withholding these funds will harm students, families, and local economies,” the senators wrote.
“The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump's goal of returning K-12 education to the states. This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families,” they continued.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with you and Secretary McMahon to ensure that all federal education funding goes towards programs that help states and school districts provide students an excellent education. We want to see students in our states and across the country thrive, whether they are adult learners, students who speak English as a second language, or students who need after-school care so that their parents can work. We believe you share the same goal. We encourage you to reverse your decision and release this Congressionally-approved funding to states,” the senators concluded.
In addition to Senators Collins and Capito, the letter was signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
The complete text of the letter can be read here.
$2.5 Million for Maine Air National Guard Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $2.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the planning and design of a new aircraft maintenance and ground equipment facility for the Maine Air National Guard. This funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today and now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“From assisting our communities when disaster strikes to supporting our national defense, the brave men and women of the Maine National Guard are always ready to serve,”said Senator Collins. “This proposed funding would enhance the Maine Guard’s readiness while ensuring modern and safe working environments and reducing maintenance costs. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
“Maine National Guard is grateful for Senator Collins continued support and efforts to pursue proposed funding for a new maintenance and equipment facility at the Bangor Air National Guard Base,” said Brigadier General Diane Dunn, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard. “The project will benefit the Maine National Guard, the state, and the nation. A modernized facility will help ensure that our Maineiacs are equipped and ready to conduct refueling operations for years to come. Our tankers are critical to our country’s defense strategy. We are excited that is one step closer to approval.”
Currently, flightline maintenance and ground equipment maintenance operate out of two separate and undersized facilities. This project would combine operations under one right-sized facility for the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, helping to reduce response times.
In May, Senator Collins secured $50 million for the Maine Air National Guard to construct a new hangar in Bangor. This funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 full-year continuing resolution.
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
Senate Committee Approves FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, providing support for law enforcement, economic development, scientific research, and other national priorities.
The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 19-10, provides $79.7 billion in discretionary funding, including $6.6 billion in defense funding and $73.1 billion in nondefense funding.
"This legislation includes funding to ensure the brave men and women who make up law enforcement departments across the country have the resources and personnel needed to combat the fentanyl crisis, apprehending violent fugitives, and prosecuting criminals,” said Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “The bill also funds research in critical scientific and technological fields that are necessary to ensure the United States remains competitive with China.”
“This legislation strengthens the programs that are important to Kansas – support for local law enforcement to combat violent crime and disrupt fentanyl trafficking, investments to bolster economic growth, and resources to provide critical 24/7 weather coverage – while also taking steps to make targeted reductions in spending. I appreciate the support from my colleagues to fund critical programs that strengthen our nation’s federal law enforcement, invest in NASA’s Artemis program, support scientific research, and improve our economic competitiveness,” said Senator Jerry Moran, Chair of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee.
Bill Highlights:
Trade Promotion and Negotiation:
Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration: $605 million to assist efforts to promote exports from small- and medium-sized businesses and to protect U.S. businesses from unfair competition in the United States.
Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security: $211 million to enforce export controls and protect sensitive technologies.
Office of the United States Trade Representative: $65 million to ensure adequate staffing in trade negotiations.
Bureau of the Census: $1.5 billion for the Bureau of the Census. The funding supports the Bureau’s efforts to begin preparations for the 2030 Decennial Census, a constitutional obligation.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): $1.6 billion for NIST to help maintain U.S. leadership in cutting-edge fields such as quantum information science and artificial intelligence. This includes $175 million for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): $6.1 billion for NOAA.
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction: $1.6 billion to maintain the cadence of recapitalizing our nation’s end-of-life weather satellites.
Operations, Research, and Facilities: $4.5 billion, including full operational funding for the National Weather Service.
Federal Law Enforcement:
U.S. Marshals Services: $1.7 billion to support efforts to apprehend and detain violent fugitives and criminal aliens.
Drug Enforcement Administration: $2.6 billion support efforts to disrupt and dismantle the Mexican cartels that are flooding the U.S. with fentanyl.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices: $2.6 billion to support efforts to bring, indict, convict, and incarcerate violent criminals and drug trafficking organizations.
State and Local Law Enforcement:
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): $720 million VAWA programs, including increased support for transitional housing, the rural program, civil legal assistance, the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP), and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program.
Office of Justice Programs: $2.6 billion for programs that support police and sheriff departments such as Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act programs, and DNA and forensics-related activities.
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office: $500 million for programs such as the COPS Hiring Program, Regional Information Sharing Services, and Anti-Methamphetamine and Anti-Heroin Task Forces.
Crime Victims Fund: $1.9 billion to provide victim restitution and victim services. Of the total amount, 5 percent is for Tribal communities.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): $24.9 billion for NASA. This funding supports the Artemis Program of Record (Space Launch System, Orion, Gateway, and others), the International Space Station, and the commercial low earth orbit (LEO) destinations program.
National Science Foundation (NSF): $9 billion for the NSF to maintain U.S. leadership in scientific research and discovery. Within the funding, the bill continues support for key research in quantum information science and artificial intelligence; support for Regional Innovation Engines; and support for critical research facilities.Senate Committee Approves FY 2026 MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill
Bill passes Committee by a vote of 26-3
Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act, providing support for critical housing, infrastructure, and facilities for U.S. military forces and their families, as well as increased funding for veterans health care and benefits.
The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 26-3, provides $153.5 billion in discretionary funding, including $19.8 billion in defense funding and $133.6 billion in nondefense funding.
"The investments this legislation makes in critical Department of Defense infrastructure will help to strengthen our national security, improve our military’s readiness and safety, and reduce maintenance costs. The bill also supports much-needed funding to improve medical care and housing for our nation’s veterans,” said Senator Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
“This bipartisan bill delivers critical investments to strengthen America’s defense infrastructure and capabilities, and ensures that The Natural State has the tools, resources and funding needed to aid personnel and remain a vital contributor to our nation’s mission readiness,” said Senator John Boozman, Chair of the MilCon-VA Appropriations Subcommittee. “Further, it is a strong reflection of our commitment to uphold the promises made to those who have worn our nation’s uniform by improving access to mental health care and suicide prevention services and funding the modernization of VA hospital systems. I welcome the passage of this measure to support those who have and currently serve.”
Bill Highlights:
Military Construction: $19.8 billion for the Department of Defense military construction program. This amount funds more than 280 projects at military bases and installations around the world to enhance resiliency and support warfighter readiness. Within this amount, the bill provides $1.9 billion to improve and maintain housing for servicemembers and their families.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): $133.3 billion for the VA.
VA Medical Care: $113.8 billion in discretionary funding for VA medical care. Combined with $49.8 billion from the Toxic Exposures Fund, VA will have $163.6 billion to care for veterans. This funding includes: $18.9 billion for mental health; $6.4 billion for telehealth services; $3.5 billion for veterans homelessness programs; $3.5 billion for the Caregivers Program; $943 million for medical and prosthetic research; $1.4 billion for health care specifically for women veterans; and $342 million for rural health initiatives.
VA IT System: $5.9 billion for information technology systems to support the development, operations, and maintenance of systems.
VA Electronic Health Records: $3.5 billion for the veterans electronic health record, reflecting VA’s announcement that it will resume new site deployments at 13 locations in calendar year 2026, growing to 26 locations in calendar year 2027.
VA Mandatory Funding: $253.6 billion for mandatory veterans benefits, including veteran disability compensation programs, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation and employment training.
Advanced Appropriations: $122.3 billion in FY 2027 advance discretionary funding for veterans health care.
Guantanamo Bay: Retains provisions preventing the realignment or closure of the Naval Station and preventing construction of a new facility in the U.S. to house Guantanamo detainees.
Chinese IT Ban: Includes a new provision prohibiting the VA from purchasing technology equipment manufactured by any Chinese companies included on lists maintained by the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Commerce, or Homeland Security.
Department of Education Announces Project SERV Grant to Support Texas Communities Impacted by Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today announced that it is making $250,000 in Project SERV funding available to support students and community members as they recover from devastating flood damage.
The pre-approval will provide Texas the opportunity to secure critical supports to students, families, and schools impacted by the flooding in Kerr County. The Texas Education Agency will be able to distribute these funds to eligible school districts, based on need, so that students have access to mental health supports as they respond to this disaster and to help ensure that school starts on time in August.
“My heart is with the people of Kerr County, Texas, as they recover from the devastating flooding and loss of many precious lives,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “The U.S. Department of Education has pre-approved the Texas Education Agency for a $250,000 Project SERV grant, and stands ready to support administrators, teachers, and students as they recover from this tragedy and prepare to return to school in the coming months.”
“President Donald Trump's swift action to deploy resources to our state has been critical to Texas' ongoing response and recovery operations following the devastating flooding,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “The Project SERV funding will ensure students across the state receive crucial support as their communities are recovering. I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to help Texas families and communities impacted by the recent catastrophic floods recover and rebuild.”
“TEA is grateful for the department’s support through the deployment of these critical resources,” said Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. “Our hearts and prayers remain with the Hill Country and affected communities and families as they work to recover from this tragedy.”
Background
The School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) program funds short-term education-related services for local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to help them recover from a violent or traumatic event in which the learning environment has been disrupted. SERV grants have been made available to school districts impacted by severe weather events, including Hurricane Harvey.
Senator Collins and Colleagues Successfully Secure the Release of Crucial Education Funding for Schools and Afterschool Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education announced it will officially release critical Fiscal Year 2025 funding to support 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide afterschool and summer learning opportunities for students. This announcement comes in response to a letter sent this week by Senator Collins and some of her Republican colleagues to Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocating for the release of anticipated education formula funding. Senator Collins also personally spoke to Education Secretary Linda McMahon to advocate for the release of this frozen funding yesterday.
“21st Century Community Learning Centers support low-income families and rural communities with after-school programs and summer education that enable students to thrive and parents to continue working. This funding was appropriated by Congress and is relied on by many in our state. I am so glad my colleagues and I were able to work together to effectively urge the Administration to get these funds released. There is more funding that still needs to be disbursed, and I will continue to work to ensure it is delivered swiftly so educators can prepare for the upcoming academic year with certainty and Maine students and families have the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Collins.
Specifically, the letter, led by Senator Capito (R-WV) and Senator Collins, requests that the Administration faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which Congress passed and President Trump signed into law earlier this year. The letter was also signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Mike Rounds (R-SD). The complete text of the letter can be read here.
As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a founding member of the Senate Afterschool Caucus, Senator Collins has been a strong supporter of 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
Last week, Senator Collins also announced that the Department of Education awarded a total of $4,981,867 in TRIO Student Support Services grants to 11 Maine colleges and universities after her questioning of Secretary McMahon on the proposed elimination of TRIO programs during an Appropriations hearing.
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