But here’s more of the story…
The first special session of Maine’s 132nd Legislature adjourned June 25, 2025. As a legislative body, we heard, debated, and voted on almost 2,000 bills or resolves. Some were controversial and contentious; others were more minor and administrative in nature. As your Representative for House District 18 (HD18), I learned a great deal and continue to strive to learn more in order to serve you to the best of my ability.
Today’s message is to summarize activities I have engaged in—or will engage in—since adjournment and before returning to Augusta for the second regular session. While some believe legislators “get the summer off,” I assure you that is not the case. I’m not complaining; I knew full well what I was getting into when I raised my hand. Public service is a public trust, and it is a duty that requires dedication to fulfill.
My first action was a full circuit tour of all 16 towns in HD18 to meet with municipal clerks and boards. I was honored to purchase and deliver a new U.S. flag to each town for display as they deem appropriate. I participated in economic tours and information exchanges focused on the vital heritage industries of farming and fishing. I attended a graduation ceremony at our State Law Enforcement Academy and was thrilled to witness the swearing-in of much-needed new Troopers to help keep our communities safe. I traveled to Boston to participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures, seeking opportunities for potential interstate cooperation on common challenges.
In the near term, I will travel to northern Maine and, in mid-September, to Texas—both trips to meet with our border security teams. In mid-October, I plan to travel to Chicago to meet with Google in support of my role on the Governor’s Task Force for Artificial Intelligence. During the unscheduled time in between, I am reviewing and researching nearly 400 bills carried over to the second session, and I hope to also meet with representatives from our other vital heritage industry, timbering.
Amid all these activities, I’m also back to knocking on doors to hear directly from the people I proudly represent. And, like all of you, I am watching closely as the field of candidates for our next Governor takes shape, learning all I can about each of them.
Please stay engaged and informed. If you have questions or need assistance with constituent services, contact me at Mathew.McIntyre@legislature.maine.gov.