Biddeford-Saco lawmakers appointed to key committees

AUGUSTA – State representatives from Biddeford and Saco have been appointed to key policy committees for the 127th Legislature.

Veteran lawmaker Rep. Barry Hobbins, D-Saco, has been appointed House chair of the Judiciary Committee, which oversees policy on the judicial system and criminal and civil procedure.

“I am honored that Speaker Eves chose me to be House chair of the Judiciary Committee,” said Hobbins, who has served five terms in the Senate and is starting his eighth in the House. “In the past I have served as both House and Senate chair of this committee, and I am very proud of the work we were able to accomplish. I also think that my experience as a lawyer and as a legislator will be valuable to the committee.”

Rep. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, is serving on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which oversees policy on the Departments of Public Safety and Corrections, the Maine Emergency Management Agency, law enforcement, criminal law and firearms.

“With everything happening nationally right now with various public safety concerns, I can't think of a better time to serve on this committee,” said Chenette, who is serving his second House term. “We will be on the forefront of vital issues surrounding our jails, our brave state police force, emergency preparedness, marijuana policy, criminal law and the increasing importance of tackling the state's rising drug epidemic. I thank the Speaker for the challenge ahead.”

Rep. Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, was appointed to the Labor, Research, Commerce and Economic Development Committee, which oversees policy on business and workforce development issues including business regulation, economic planning and development agencies and tourism, as well as labor matters such as wages and workplace health and safety.

“I am excited to channel many of the ideas that I discussed with folks at their homes during their campaign into my work on the Labor, Research, Commerce and Economic Development Committee,” said Fecteau, a first-term member of the House. “This assignment will give the hardworking people of Biddeford a voice on some of the most important issues facing Maine.”

Rep. Martin Grohman, D-Biddeford, is on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, which oversee policy on energy resources, efficiency and conservation, natural gas, telecommunications, emergency services and water and sewer utilities. 

“I'm very pleased about my committee appointment. It reflects the concerns I've been hearing about from the people back home,” said Grohman, who is serving his first term. “We need to find responsible solutions to energy supply issues that will provide consistency and predictability to business owners so they can manage their budgets. We need to expand access to broadband Internet so that we can attract the businesses of tomorrow.”

A complete list of legislative committees and members is available at Joint Standing Committees of the 127th Legislature.