AUGUSTA — Waldo County state representatives have been named to several of the Legislature’s policy committees for the upcoming session, according to a news release. 

Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, will serve on the Labor and Housing Committee and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

The Labor and Housing Committee oversees policy related to workers’ rights, organized labor, work and safety standards, housing safety and access to affordable housing.

“Throughout the course of the COVID-19 crisis we have seen glaring problems and inequities in our unemployment system and in our ability to reliably and affordably house Mainers across the state. I am eager to get to work with my colleagues on the Labor and Housing Committee to start addressing some of these issues,” said Cuddy. “It's also an honor to have been appointed to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. Many of our communities are already being impacted by climate change. We must make our utilities more energy efficient so that we can meaningfully combat the climate crisis.”

Rep. Janice Dodge, D-Belfast, will serve on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.

The Education and Cultural Affairs Committee oversees the state systems of education, along with the university and community college system, the Maine Arts Commission, Maine State Library, Maine State Museum and Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation.

“I am pleased to be reappointed to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee,” said Dodge. “Advocating for students and educators is important to me as a fourth-generation teacher with thirty-one years’ experience in schools and classrooms. COVID-19 has increased and intensified the needs in the education sector, and I’m excited to continue our work!”

Rep. Stanley Paige Zeigler, D-Montville, will serve on both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

The Environment and Natural Resources Committee oversees state policy relating to air and water quality, natural resource protection, development laws, shoreland zoning, sustainable growth, the management and disposal of hazardous wastes, hydropower and dams, mining, the Department of Environmental Protection and returnable containers.

The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee oversees policy relating to energy resources, efficiency and conservation, natural gas, telecommunications, emergency services and water and sewer utilities.

“These appointments reflect the growing concerns of our communities, and I am honored to serve in these roles,” said Zeigler. “Access to clean water and protecting our environment for future generations to work the land and protecting Mainers’ health is critical. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been made clear that upgrades to our technological infrastructure are necessary for those working and learning from home. I am ready to work with my colleagues on both committees, regardless of political party, to find solutions to the problems facing our state.”