It’s hard to believe that June is already here. After a long winter, the weather is finally improving, the sun is showing its face more often, and school is letting out for the summer. Like many of you, I look forward to spending some time with my family and enjoying the warmer weather over the next few months. But before I can get there, we have a few more days left in the first session of the 132nd Legislature.

It’s been a long first half of the year, with robust debates in both committee rooms and the Senate chamber. During this time, my colleagues and I have been working diligently to pass meaningful legislation to help the people of Maine, many of which I have proudly supported.

One of those bills, which I happen to have introduced, is LD 470, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Review Teacher Mentoring Programs in Maine Public Schools,” which passed in both chambers and is awaiting funding consideration. The bill takes a look at the state’s mentorship programs that support our teacher workforce.

The bill is an important one for me, because it has the backs of our teachers and their professional development, while also supporting the schools trying to increase teacher retention. The bill would direct the Maine Department of Education to review the current status of teacher mentoring programs, make informed decisions on how to expand or improve them and then report back to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee next year. Entering a new school or district can be daunting, especially so as a new teacher. But having someone experienced to coach you through it can make all the difference.

This session, my colleague, Sen. Chip Curry of Belfast, sponsored LD 786, which improves the sustainability of the Length of Service Award Program, a retirement benefit for volunteer emergency responders who meet annual training and service requirements. Our volunteer first responders are often the first ones on the scene, rain or shine, night or day. They work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy. Sustaining this program is just one way we can show up for the brave community members who answer the call when we are most in need. LD 786 has been signed by the governor and will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

Lastly, I want to mention a bill sponsored by my colleague Sen. Joe Baldacci of Bangor, LD 140, “An Act to Incrementally Increase the Homestead Property Tax Exemption.” The bill would increase the homestead property tax exemption by $5,000 of the just value of the homestead each property tax year starting April 1, 2026, until the total exemption reaches $50,000. With rising property taxes occurring all over the state, the bill would be a great way to provide some financial relief for Maine homeowners and help them stay in their homes longer. There’s a lot to worry about in the world right now — whether or not you can stay in your home shouldn’t be one of them. I supported the bill in initial votes and it now awaits funding.

We have done lots of work up to this point, but there are still good bills to pass and important discussions to have. I look forward to supporting further legislation that will benefit the Maine people and set folks up for success moving forward.

Joseph Rafferty is a member of the Maine State Senate representing District 34, Berwick, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, North Berwick and Wells. He can be reached at Joe.Rafferty@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515. Sign up an email newsletter at mainesenate.org.