Representative Lori K. Gramlich

08/28/2026

In my continued work to address persistent water problems Old Orchard Village and Atlantic Village, I recently met with officials from the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. Due to ongoing issues with both water quality (residents reporting water discoloration and musty smell), as well as newly discovered leaks “bubbling up” on Ryefield, and other areas, we have had MOCA make a site visit to the Park earlier this week. It appears that these new leaks, while caught early, are the result of aging infrastructure. We will also be testing water at various locations throughout the Park. It is my understanding that the Park owners (not the home owners) will be sited with several violations. I will continue to keep folks updated.

08/26/2026

The 19th Amendment was certified 106 years ago today, marking a historic milestone for women’s suffrage. The 18th Amendment assured white women had the right to vote. We had to wait nearly 1/2 a century for this right to be realized and secured for women of color!

This , we recognize the progress that generations of women and allies have made and continue the fight for full gender equality under the law for every Mainer.

08/21/2026

I’m honored to serve on the Advisory Committee to the Child Advocate, a new independent office created through legislation I spearheaded this session.

My own childhood was marked by significant adversity. As a kid, I knew I couldn’t change my situation but thought when I get to be grown up, I’m gonna work to make things better for others - especially for kids.

As an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to use my voice and my experience to help change the systems and circumstances that I couldn’t change as a child. That has been at the heart of my work in the Legislature: making sure children are safe, supported, heard, and given every opportunity to thrive.

I’m proud to bring that lived experience to this committee and help build a stronger system of accountability and support for Maine’s children.

08/18/2026

Earlier this year, it was brought to my attention a situation in Old Orchard Village, which was alarming to say the least.

We had the opportunity to meet with some residents where I saw first hand a horrible water leak.

I returned several times later to monitor this situation, as residents had been assured that this would be addressed and that MacDonald Excavation would be coming to work on this issue.

In mid June, I again returned to the location, this time along with OOB Code Enforcement, where we saw that this issue indeed had not been resolved and in fact might have gotten worse.

Code Enforcement planned to followup with the Property Management.

In late July, I learned that this situation remained unresolved.

I have been working with ME Dept of Environmental Protection as well as with the ME CDC Drinking Water Program Director.

This was not on Maine Water Company’s radar, however after contacting the ME CDC, Maine Water did send out an inspector to investigate this situation, where it was discovered that the erosion was so significant that electrical lines were at risk for being exposed.

This information was also forward to the Manufactured Housing Unit at MOCA so that they can follow up on on-site conditions at the park.

As of Friday, August 14, the property manager informed Maine Water that MacDonald Excavation would be coming to work on this issue this week.

Maine Water will continue to monitor this situation, as will I.

I am encouraged that our involvement with various State Departments have helped to facilitate a resolve to this horrible situation where residents homes are literally sinking into the ground.

I will continue to keep folks informed as we move forward.

08/18/2026

Earlier this summer, The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) released their State Legislative Effectiveness Scores for the 131st Maine Legislature legislative session (2023-2024).

Their analysis captures how successful a member of the Upper or Lower legislative chamber is at moving her sponsored bills through the legislative process.

I am pleased to state that their analysis found that I ranked as one of the most effective Democratic Representatives during the last legislative session.

It is an honor to be recognized for my hard work and on setting an example for promoting the importance of effective lawmaking - making the top 5 during the 131st Legislative Session.

Additionally, four Democratic Representatives on their current list were also among the top-10 highest scorers in the 130th Legislative Session, including:
1. Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross
2. Rep. Michael Brennan
3. Rep. Lori Gramlich
4. Rep. Rebecca Millett

That coupled with my 100% voting record- meaning I did not miss any votes taken in the House Chamber, makes the advent of my term ending bittersweet.

This is truly the best job I’ve ever had!

And the future is so bright!

08/06/2026

This year, we made important progress on some of the key issues I have worked on throughout my time in the Legislature — including a new law I sponsored to create a statewide child advocate, which went into effect last week, ensuring all Maine kids have an independent voice dedicated solely to what is in children's best interests.

Several other new laws I sponsored this session are also now in effect:

🍎 LD 858, which will provide grant funding to schools to expand behavioral and mental health support for our students

🌱 LD 1519, which will protect our environment and public health by creating the infrastructure necessary to safely, responsibly dispose of v**e pens and their components

🪥 LD 1746, which builds on our ongoing work to improve access to oral health care for Maine children

⚖ LD 2163, which will better support victims of crime as they navigate the justice system

07/30/2026

My bill to create a state advocate for children is now in effect!

I sponsored this measure because all children deserve an independent, dedicated voice focused solely on advocating for their best interest. Kids can’t advocate for themselves. They rely on adults to protect and care for them.

The Office of the Child Advocate will be empowered to investigate complaints, share information with the public, and advise state policymakers on how we can improve Maine’s services and protections for children.

Now that the law is in effect, the Governor appoints an interim Child Advocate, who will oversee the establishment of the new office.

07/27/2026

Today, we honor the 242 Mainers who lost their lives during the Korean War and all those who still remain unaccounted for. We recognize the courage of all who served and remain committed to supporting Maine veterans and their families.

07/20/2026

In these difficult times, please remember to take care of yourself and each other. There are also resources available to help, and I’ve included some of them in my latest email newsletter:

Email from House Democratic Office July 20, 2026 Dear Neighbor, One week ago, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 25-year-old husband and father, was senselessly targeted and killed by federal ICE agent