MARCH 2026 newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM COurtney
Dear Maine Recovery and Reentry Advocates,
I am writing with a full heart after an incredibly powerful week for our movement.
Last Tuesday nearly 100 people from across Maine joined us at the Access Center in Augusta for A Night of Advocacy & Action, which featured a reentry simulation and community conversation with lawmakers, people with lived experience, advocates, and allies. Folks traveled from multiple counties to be in the room together, and the energy was undeniable.
There is so much to unpack from the evening. The stories that were shared, the connections that were built, and the honest conversations that took place were a powerful reminder of why this work matters so deeply. Events like this help shift perspectives, build empathy, and move us closer to policies that reflect dignity, fairness, and opportunity. If you have not already seen it, you can view a short video recap here.
The following day the Judiciary Committee voted out Clean Slate Maine (LD 1911) with an 8 to 4 Majority Ought to Pass as amended report with bipartisan support. This is a significant milestone that reflects years of advocacy, education, and persistence from advocates across the state. This moment would not have been possible without the voices of people with lived experience, the dedication of community organizations, and the commitment of legislators willing to listen and lead.
But our work is not over yet. The Maine Senate and Maine House will soon vote on Clean Slate, and we need continued advocacy to get this bill across the finish line.
Join the Clean Slate Maine Coalition for a Day of Action on March 5th from 8 AM to 12PM to meet with lawmakers and urge support for LD 1911. You are welcome to join us at any time during the morning! This week has been a powerful reminder that when people most impacted come together with allies and policymakers, real change is possible.
Thank you for being part of this movement. We could not do it with out you.
In Relentless Solidarity,
LET's GET CLEAN SLATE MAINE PASSED TOGETHER!
We’re excited to share that the Judiciary Committee voted out LD 1911 with an 8–4 Majority Ought to Pass-as amended report with bipartisan support!
This vote would not have been possible without having our voices heard. We want to thank Senator Talbot Ross for her leadership and engagement with stakeholders to move this bill forward with strong support.
Our work is not over! The Maine Senate and Maine House will soon vote on Clean Slate.
Join the Clean Slate Maine Coalition for a Day of Action in support of LD 1911.
On Thursday, March 5th, we’ll gather at the Maine State House to meet directly with lawmakers and urge them to support Clean Slate Maine. Please feel free to join us at any time during the morning!
By passing LD 1911, we can provide an estimated 123,000 Mainers with an earned second chance by fully and automatically sealing their records.
OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS
OSF Toolkit Spotlight: How to Testify at Public Meetings
Have you checked out our toolkit that is dedicated to all things related to opioid settlement fund (OSF) transparency, accountability, and advocacy?
This month, we want to highlight our guide on How to Testify at Public Meetings.
Visit the link below, to find out more information on:
- The role of public testimony in OSF decision-making
- Identifying the appropriate board, committee or council
- Public comment procedures and sign-up requirements
- Structuring concise, impact-driven testimony
- Sample testimony template and tips for testifying
- And more!
OSF Subdivision Updates
- City of Augusta: OSF Advisory Committee has finalized the RFP and scoring rubric. Release date for the RFP is TBA.
- City of Bangor (February 11, 2026): The OSF Advisory Committee met for final discussion on approved applications. These recommendations will soon be presented to the Bangor City Council.
- Franklin County (February 24, 2026): Commissioners approved 2 applications totaling $26,275.
- Hancock County (February 6, 2026): Applications for the Hancock County OSF Advisory Committee opened.
- Piscataquis County (February 17, 2026): Piscataquis County Commissioners voted to allocate $10,000 annually to Recovery Wellness Community Center in Sangerville.
Advocacy 101 for Addiction Medicine Fellows!
We want to thank MaineHealth for hosting us at their Comprehensive Addiction Medicine - Portland site for an Advocacy 101 training. Addiction medicine fellows and providers learned how a bill becomes a law in Maine, how to write and give testimony at the Maine State Legislature, and tips for engaging with the media.
We are lucky to have addiction medicine providers across our state that are fierce advocates for the health and wellbeing of their patients and their communities!
ME-RAP Organizer Spotlight!
Chris Cayer is a political organizer from Western Maine who has decades of lived experience with Substance Use Disorder and recovery. He is one of the Co-Chairs for the Maine Green Independent Party and he serves as the Organizing Director for a national non-profit.
For over ten years, Chris has been working in Maine politics, helping to elect candidates and advance statewide ballot measures. In 2015, he helped form a grassroots organization called “Dignity for Opiate Users” (currently Dignity Maine) to reduce the stigma around Substance Use Disorder and raise awareness of harm reduction techniques.
In addition to political advocacy, Chris also centers wellness, spiritual growth, and community. Chris regularly practices yoga and meditation as part of his recovery journey and hopes to one day be a certified teacher so he can share these gifts with others.
