|Legislative 2005|Legislative|FAQs| Action Team|List-servs |LTEs|

Frequently Asked Questions about the Legislature 2005

(A good place to start for Beginners!)

What is the Legislative Session?

It is when the Senate and House consider legislative business (basically a voting meeting) concerning bills, resolutions, and related actions.  The Legislative session occurs on both Federal and State levels. 

When does the legislative session occur?

Right now, it is the 122th Legislature. The First Regular Session of the 122nd Maine Legislature convened on December 1, 2004, and will adjourn on June 15, 2005.
 

Why is the Legislative session important to me?

The legislative session is a time when many bills and legislation get passed, or do not get passed.  This includes national level issues such and the Energy Bill and local level items such as the Land Bond.

How can I contact my US (Federal) Legislator?

Your Federal legislators are Senator Susan Collins, Senator Olympia Snowe, Representative Thomas Allen, and Representative Michael Michaud.  Try the Maine Chapter Contact Officials page or go to the state web for more information.

How can I find my local (State) Legislator?

Finding out who your State Legislator is and how to contact them is more complicated because there are many.  However, if you have an issue specific to your area, it makes sense to contact the legislator for your region, since you are a constituent, and you have impact!  

To help find your legislators, try the following website: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/

Statewide Issues:

If you have a statewide issue, you can contact the Republican and Democrat Maine offices.

For Both parties:

Hearing Impaired: 207-287-1583

To leave a message: 1-800-423-6900

What is a good way to know the issues?

To get informed of environmental issues affecting you on the state and national level, sign up for CONSERVATION ALERTS using the Sierra Club Alert list serve.  By signing up, the  Sierra Club Maine Chapter saves you research and time by sending the issue directly to you via email.  Included in the email is background information, helpful suggestions and a “what you can do” section that includes who you should contact to let your voice be heard. 

If you want to research a certain bill or issue on your own, go to: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/search.asp