Senate President Mattie Daughtry praised Governor Janet Mills’ decision to allocate $1.25 million in state funds to Good Shepherd Food Bank and other hunger prevention programs after federal food benefits were withheld for November. Daughtry condemned the federal government’s actions as “unconscionable,” calling the state aid a necessary but temporary fix to a “catastrophic federal failure.” She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Mainers from hunger and urged the Trump administration to restore federal food assistance.

Several key laws championed by Senate President Mattie Daughtry will go into effect this week, delivering protections and support for Maine consumers, workers, students, and communities. Highlights include landmark ticket transparency rules, expanded local seafood in schools, stronger paid family leave, workforce housing support, and infrastructure upgrades.

With strong bipartisan support, Senate President Mattie Daughtry’s bill to create a statewide Property Tax Relief Task Force is now law. LD 1770 will bring together municipal leaders, tax experts, and community members to examine Maine’s property tax system and recommend long-term, equitable reforms to ease the burden on working families, older residents, and young Mainers.

A new law sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry will allow Maine high schools to explore later start times through a state-supported pilot program. Backed by strong health and academic research, the initiative aims to improve teen well-being, focus, and safety by encouraging schools to start at or after 8:30 a.m.

The Maine Legislature ended its first special session, passing important bipartisan bills to support families, businesses, education, and housing. Senate President Mattie Daughtry praised the practical leadership shown, with new laws taking effect September 24, 2025. The next session starts January 7, 2026.

The Maine Legislature approved a balanced budget addressing key issues like healthcare, education, housing, and child care while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Senate President Mattie Daughtry highlighted investments such as doubling the child tax credit, funding Maine’s universities, and supporting the child care workforce. The budget also includes funding for reproductive health, free school meals, housing assistance, and secure elections. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.

The Maine Senate unanimously voted to advance LD 1770, sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, to create a Real Estate Property Tax Relief Task Force. The task force will conduct a comprehensive review of Maine’s property tax system to recommend fair, long-term reforms that support municipalities and provide equitable relief to residents. The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.

Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in what appears to be a targeted political attack. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also wounded. Daughtry praised Hortman’s leadership and called for an end to political violence, urging a return to compassion, bipartisanship, and shared humanity in public service.

A new consumer protection bill led by Senate President Mattie Daughtry has been enacted to ensure transparency and fairness in event ticket sales. The legislation bans hidden fees, speculative ticket listings, bots, and deceptive websites, giving Maine ticket buyers clearer pricing and stronger protections. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.

The Maine Senate unanimously advanced LD 1955, sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, to improve child care access and support the early childhood workforce. The bill strengthens three key programs: monthly stipends for educators, expanded financial aid for families, and free child care for early educators’ own children. With over 700 kids on the waitlist for care, the legislation aims to ease the burden on working families and help providers stay in the field. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Maine Senate Democrats, led by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, voted down a bill that would have banned transgender girls from school sports and facilities, calling it a harmful attack on trans youth. The 21–14 vote reaffirms the Legislature’s commitment to dignity, safety, and inclusion for all students across Maine.

The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on LD 1378, a citizen-initiated measure to establish extreme risk protection orders, on Wednesday, June 11 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 438 of the State House. The measure is set to appear on the statewide November ballot.

Senate President Mattie Daughtry’s bill to expand access to local seafood in Maine schools has passed the Senate with unanimous support. LD 1858 boosts funding for schools to buy from Maine fishermen and seafood producers, improving student nutrition while supporting coastal communities. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.

A new bill to fund culvert upgrades across Maine has passed committee with unanimous, bipartisan support. Sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, the legislation would create a Municipal Stream Crossing Fund to support local infrastructure, reduce flooding, improve safety, and protect the environment.

Senate President Mattie Daughtry has introduced legislation to require a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation. LD 1069 aims to equip all Maine students with essential financial skills—from budgeting to investing—so they can make informed decisions and build long-term financial stability. The bipartisan bill will be reviewed by the Education Committee in the coming weeks.