About the Legislative Team

The Legislative Team supports the overall vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the Department of Education in myriad ways, including:

Liaising with the State Legislature

• Provides information regarding Department programs and Maine's education system to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee
• Shepherds Department opinions regarding proposed legislation
• Supports the development of proposed legislation at the Department
• Key Contact: Courtney Belolan, Director of the Office of Policy and Government Affairs

Collaborating with DOE Offices

• Supports the preparation of Department testimony
• Provides logistical support for legislatively established work groups, task forces, and reports
• Provides information regarding legislation, rules, and statutory language to colleagues, including legislative session summaries of education-related bills
• Key Contact: all members of the Legislative Team share these duties

Representing Maine's Interests in Federal Contexts

• Build collegial working relationships with Maine's federal legislators
• Work collaboratively with Departments in other states to inform best practices
• Key Contact: Laura Cyr, Federal and State Legislative Specialist

Leading Rulemaking Efforts

• Gathers stakeholders and leads conceptual conversations
• Solicits public comment
• Drafts proposed rules or rule changes
• Key Contact: Laura Cyr, Federal and State Legislative Specialist

Implementing Work Groups, Task Forces, and Legislative Reports

• Collaborates with Office Leads to complete legislatively-required work groups, task forces, and legislative reports
• Provides logistical and facilitation support for convenings of stakeholders for work groups and task forces
• Ensures timely and thorough completion of all reports
• Key Contact: Jennifer Belanger, Legislative and Constituent Services Specialist

Providing Constituent Service

• Provides information on how to get involved in the legislative process
• Answers constituent questions regarding statutes
• For general questions, comments, and concerns regarding education in Maine, use the form on the following page, and your question will be directed to the most knowledgeable person: https://www.maine.gov/doe/form/contact-us
• Key Contact: Jennifer Belanger, Legislative and Constituent Services Specialist

 

Contact: