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Maine legislative committee gives approval to fund bills addressing abortion access, civil rights

Maine legislative committee gives approval to fund bills addressing abortion access, civil rights

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The Maine Legislature’s Budget Committee met Tuesday as dozens of bills still face further action before they can go to the governor’s desk.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the committee signed off on funding for several initiatives, including resources for teaching African American and Wabanaki studies and creating a civil rights unit within the state attorney general’s office.

The bills also include an amendment that would guarantee the right to “personal reproductive autonomy” which includes the right to an abortion.

Committee members also approved funding for a bill that would require health insurance providers to cover the cost of non-prescription birth control.

Lawmakers said they had about $11.4 million available before tackling the bills.

Lawmakers are expected to meet again Friday to take up those bills.

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