Rep. Deqa Dhalac
Maine State Representative for House District 120 serving part of South Portland
Another storm is expected to hit Maine tonight and into tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and high winds that could cause flooding and power outages.
Please take all the necessary precautions to stay safe, and follow Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for important updates.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!
Happy Holidays from my family to yours 🎊
Before hitting the road today, call ahead or check online to ensure the place you are going has power and is open. Check your route; New England 5-1-1 (https://www.newengland511.org) is a resource listing state road closures. Many municipal police and fire social media pages also list roads that are out of commission. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Be prepared that you may need to detour or possibly turn around. If you come across road barriers, don’t move them or try to drive around them – they are in place for your safety.
From my family to yours – wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Today and every day, I am grateful for the selfless bravery and dedication of all who have served our country.
The Nov. 7 Referendum Election is just around the corner, and Maine voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on eight issues that will impact our state’s future.
The Secretary of State’s Office has put together an unbiased, non-partisan review with helpful information for understanding the questions on the ballot.
You can find it on their Upcoming Elections page at: maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
On this Indigenous Peoples' Day, we recognize and honor the history of Maine's Tribal communities.
I’m proud of the important steps the Legislature has taken to advance Tribal self-determination – and I remain committed to passing legislation that will allow the Wabanaki to access the same rights as other federally recognized tribes.
Congratulations Side x Side
We were honored to have Senator Angus King join us Friday at the Side x Side studio for a press conference announcing $242K in congressionally-directed spending through the office of Senator King and the US Department of Education for our new state-wide professional development series, Project M.A.I.N.E. (Maine Arts Integration Network of Excellence)!
We are thrilled to deliver this training in arts integration free to educators throughout Maine with help from our partners, the University of Southern Maine, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Monson Arts, and University of Maine, Orono.
https://sidexsideme.com/projectmaine/
Commentary: As elected city officials, we’re taking a united stand against hate in Maine Condemnation is only the first step. It is time we take proactive measures to curtail such incidents in the future.
On this day 103 years ago, the 19th Amendment was adopted into the U.S. Constitution, recognizing the right of women to vote.
Since then, generations of women and allies have continued the fight for equal rights – including my colleague Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, who has been relentlessly advocating for a federal Equal Rights Amendment for more than 50 years.
While important progress has been made, there is still much more work to do to ensure full equality under the law – and create a better future for all Mainers.
To avoid the wait at the BMV, you can schedule an appointment in advance!
Want to set a time to conduct a transaction at the BMV? Want to get in and out of the branch in just a few minutes? Schedule an appointment at bit.ly/MaineBMVappointments
Last night, we passed a historic budget that invests in our working families and addresses some of our state’s most pressing challenges, including our housing crisis and child care shortage.
Collectively, these investments make clear what Maine values – our families and our communities.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!
On this day in 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce that enslaved people be freed – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day,” commemorates the lives of those who were enslaved, celebrates their freedom and recognizes those who fought — and continue to fight — for equal treatment under the law.
It’s an opportunity to reflect on our history and recommit ourselves to fighting for equity for all.
South Portland friends and neighbors, for the next couple of weeks the Maine Turnpike Authority will be conducting a series of overnight ramp closures in the area of Exit 45 on the Maine Turnpike. The South Portland exit will be impacted beginning today until Thursday, so plan accordingly!
Exit 45 ramps on Maine Turnpike to see closures in coming weeks The ramp closures will begin on May 22, and only one ramp will be closed each night, the Maine Turnpike Authority said.
It was such an honor to speak and see so many friends at the Inaugural Maine Black Voices Advocacy Day at the State House alongside with my dear Black Legialature colleagues. Much love and thanks to the organizers of the event and all those who attended.
It was an honor to attend the law enforcement memorial, yesterday. Thank you to all those who serve!
It was such a joy to celebrate the end of Ramadan with these incredible people at the White House last week.
May 8-12 is Teacher Appreciation Week!
I’m so grateful for all Maine educators, who go above and beyond to support our students and provide them with a brighter future.
That’s why I’ll always advocate for providing school districts, teachers and staff with the funding and resources they need – because investing in our educational system is an investment in Maine’s future.
Happy Earth Day!
Maine’s natural resources are one of our most precious assets and an essential part of our economy and identity.
From addressing the climate crisis to mitigating forever chemicals in our land and water, I am proud to stand up for our environment and will keep working to create a sustainable future.
Eid Mubarak! Eid Al-Fitr is a time of reflection and gratitude. Today I am glad to have so much to be grateful for.
Wishing a very Happy Easter to all who are celebrating today!
My latest e-newsletter is out! This edition includes updates on our work in Augusta and resources and information about where you can find free tax prep help, changes to SNAP benefits and MaineCare and more! Check out the full e-newsletter here:
A Historic Moment in the Legislature   March 31, 2023 Dear Amy, Ramadan Mubarak to those who are celebrating! Just ahead of this time of spiritual renewal and introspection for so many people around the world, I was moved by an important
If you’re a full-time Maine resident, you might qualify for the Homestead Exemption! The credit provides eligible Mainers with a reduction in property taxes through a lower home value.
The deadline to apply for the exemption is tomorrow, April 1, and applications should be filed with your municipal assessor.
Learn more and access the tax forms from the Maine Revenue Services:
https://www.maine.gov/revenue/faq/homestead-exemption-program?fbclid=IwAR0AWjIij3Y8JrrA29L56XNtt2aPQU6gGlwgchFDUvCgD0MpRd8KomRmf8Y
Ramadan Mubarak to all who are celebrating! Wishing you a meaningful and joyous month.
This morning, for the first time in more than 20 years, the leaders of the Wabanaki Tribes addressed a Joint Convention of the Maine Legislature on the State of the Tribes.
This historic moment represents another important step forward as we continue our work to strengthen the relationship between Maine and the Wabanaki Tribes.
If you missed the address, you can watch the recording here:
Maine Public | Home | Maine Public Maine's premiere, independent public media resource, including PBS, NPR, BBC, and others.
Happy Birthday, Maine! We’re lucky to be able to call you home.