AUGUSTA — Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, Senate Minority Leader, Dana Dow, R- Waldoboro, and House Minority Leader Kathleen Dillingham, R-Oxford, have proposed an accelerated timeline to complete legislative work that is of an emergency nature in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, a press release stated.

 

During the next session day scheduled for Tuesday, the Legislature will consider bills directly related to coronavirus response and other critical services, then adjourn sine die.

 

Other unfinished matters will be carried over until the Legislature convenes again, per the release. 

“Our priority is promoting and protecting the health and well-being of all Mainers and the people who work in the State House. As legislative leaders, we have decided to take the necessary precaution of suspending our legislative session as soon as possible.

“On Tuesday, we will consider emergency legislation to help the state respond effectively and efficiently to this public health crisis and any critical appropriations before temporarily ending the legislative session next week.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to respond to this rapidly changing public health crisis. Hundreds of lawmakers, advocates and legislative staffers come from all across the state to work at the State House each day. Suspending the legislative session to mitigate the spread of disease in our communities is the responsible thing to do.

“Thank you for doing your part. If we all prioritize our health and stay informed, we can protect the safety of all those around us.”