Category: Legislative

Legislative Report, November 2025

By Steven Haycock, Legislative Director
(207) 329-6835

Friends, as I write this column, the embarrassment of the 42-day Federal government shutdown should be ending. It’s sad to think that we have gotten to this point in our politics. Portions of both political parties are holding “We the People” hostage for over 40 days and using people in need of food assistance as pawns, just to appease extreme members of both parties. Our Founding Fathers would be ashamed, and “We the People” should be upset. On the bright side, for the people of Maine, ¾ of our Congressional Delegation seems to have been working hard to find common ground and work towards a solution.

In these times of strong political support, opposition & opinions, I would like to stress and remind our members that the Grange is strictly non-partisan. While differing opinions on public policy should be encouraged at our Grange meetings, it is more important to speak in terms of policy rather than politics. Granges do not endorse political candidates or parties, but we do endorse and support various policies and positions. More than anything else, remember to keep it civil. Keep an open mind when encountering people’s views who differ from your own, also remember that compromise is not a “four-letter word.” 

At State Grange in October, delegates were tasked with considering nine resolutions, two of which were referred to the Legislative committee, with one being referred to both the Legislative and Agricultural Committees:

  • Resolution #2 – “Resolution to Protect Maine Farmland from Purchase by Foreign Nationals or Governments” – Adopted
  • Resolution #6 – “Social Security Retirement Age” – Rejected
  • Resolution #9 – “Food Banks Need of State/Federal Money” – Adopted.

In the coming months, I will try to communicate our support for the adopted resolutions to the legislature. Both are timely issues that require attention at the state and federal levels.

Until next time, start working on resolutions for the 2026 State Grange Session, keeping in mind the deadline is August 15, 2026. If you need assistance getting your idea into proper resolution form, I would be happy to help.

Today’s Your Day!

Vote as if it matters.

Because it does!

“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

Abraham Lincoln

By the Book —   a message from Chris Hamp, National President

I want to remind each of you and ask that you make it a priority to remind your membership of our long-standing and unwavering non-partisan policy, which has been part of our Order since day one. Our Constitution, Declaration of Purposes, and Bylaws clearly state that the Grange is not, and must never become, a partisan or party organization and this must be reflected in all we do. This applies to every publication at every level, oral reports at Grange meetings, social media posts made in the name of the Grange, and any other communication. I ask that you carefully review and ensure that all communications are free of partisan comments, endorsements, or implications. When we drift into comments about people and parties rather than focusing on issues, we erode the very bonds of unity built by our non-partisan approach. Our strength lies in being a trusted, non-partisan voice for rural America, and it is vital that we preserve that trust through our words and actions. That unity is what makes the Grange one of the few remaining places where civil dialogue across differences can thrive – and it is essential we protect it.

CHAPTER I – CONSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

1.12.1 Denominational religious or partisan political matters shall not be the subject of discussions in the work of the Order, and no religious or political tests for membership shall be applied.

CHAPTER II – DECLARATION OF PURPOSES OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

2.5.1 We emphatically and sincerely assert the oft-repeated truth taught in our Constitutional Law, that the Grange — National, State, Pomona or Subordinate — is not a partisan or party organization.

CHAPTER X – CODE OF ALL GRANGES 10.1.4 No Grange of the various divisions of the Order shall use or allow to be used any name, insignia or mark of the Order in a manner which could indicate support, approval or opposition of any candidate for political office or any partisan political position.

MSG President Sherry requested that we post and publish this important message!

Today Is Your Day!

Most polling places are open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm

Happy Fourth!

The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941; yet the tradition of Independence Day celebrations dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Britain. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence allowed Congress to seek alliances with foreign countries, and the fledgling U.S. formed its most important alliance early in 1778 with France. Without France’s support, America might well have lost the Revolutionary War.

The war waged by the American colonies against Britain, which began more than a year earlier in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord near Boston, would eventually end when British forces surrendered in Yorktown, Virginia. Yet the Declaration and America’s victory had far-reaching effects around the globe as other nations saw a small novel nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

From 1776 to today, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. This year’s Independence Day celebrating the nation’s 248th birthday will be on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter by Senator Stacey Guerin, Maine Senate District 4.

Don’t Forget To Vote Today!

“Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.”

Nanette L. Avery

Happy Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2nd, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence allowed Congress to seek alliances with foreign countries, and the fledgling U.S. formed its most important alliance early in 1778 with France. Without France’s support, America might well have lost the Revolutionary War. The war waged by the American colonies against Britain, which began more than a year earlier in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord near Boston and ended at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 when British forces surrendered, had far-reaching effects around the globe as other nations saw a small novel nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Paul Davis, State Senator for District 4.