✉️State News Update from Representative Beth O'Connor

Rep. O'Connor

Rep. O’Connor to serve on Environment & Natural Resources Committee

O’Connor will continue here fight against ethanol and for clean air

State Representative Beth A. O’Connor (R-Berwick) has been appointed to the 130th Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The committee is among the most important legislative assignments, because it has oversight that includes natural resource protection and environmental policy, including the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

“Maine’s environment and natural resource economy, combined with our hard-working citizens, can be a major draw for young people live, work, and raise families here in Maine,” said Rep. O’Connor. “This will only happen if we balance those assets with pro-job, sensible economic policies that attract investment. I am looking to supporting policies that protect and enhance our natural assets, while creating more jobs and economic activity in rural areas.”

COVID-19 is impacting the way members of the 13-person committees conduct their public business. Hearings and work sessions are being conducted virtually by zoom for the foreseeable future. Rep. O’Connor continued “The Legislature needs to do what essential workers are already doing, get back to work in person as soon as it is safely possible to do so.”
Rep. O’Connor, a waitress/bartender, represents District 5: Berwick and North Berwick (part). She has previously served on several committees, including: Health and Human Services; and Energy, Utilities and Technology (Ranking Member).

 

It Is Not Too Late To License Your Dog

Executive Order 29 FY 20/21 allows dog owners extra time to license their animals. Owners now have until June 2, 2021, to renew overdue dog licenses. Licenses are available online and pet owners are strongly encouraged to renew license(s) before June 2 to avoid late fees. Veterinarian-administered rabies vaccinations and immunizations are required to be kept current. A rabies certificate is required when applying for a license.

Why was this Executive Order necessary?

  • Dogs traditionally must be vaccinated and registered within their municipalities by the end of the calendar year.
  • At the start of the pandemic, many licensing requirements were temporarily suspended, including dog licensing.
  • With municipalities now operating at near pre-pandemic hours and in the interest of animal health, the licensure requirement has been reinstated.
  • Pet owners with overdue licenses have until June 2, 2021, to renew dog licenses.
  • Learn more about dog licenses, including fees, animal welfare and other important topics by visiting Maine's Dog Licensing Online Purchasing & Renewal webpage.

 

The Maine Moose Permit Lottery

Using the online service you will be able to enter into the Maine Moose Permit Lottery. From the list of lottery applicants, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will administer a chance drawing to select winners for a Maine Moose Hunting Permit. To hunt moose in Maine, hunters must have one of these special Moose Hunting Permits.

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on May 13, 2021.

Moose Lottery drawing to be held in June 2021.

Who can use this service?

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You are eligible to obtain a Maine Big Game Hunting License or will be eligible to obtain a Maine Big Game Hunting License by the opening day of the Moose hunting season.
  • Applicants under 10 years of age on 9/27/2021 may apply for a bonus point only but are not eligible to win a permit.
  • Sub-permittees and alternate sub-permittees must be 10 years of age on or before 9/27/2021.

What will I need?

To complete the application you will need:

  • Current Hunting License if you are applying with a Superpack license.
  • Personal information (Name, Address, DOB, etc)
  • Sub-permittee information (if applicable)
  • Credit or debit card (Discover, Visa and Mastercard accepted)

Fees:

Fees are based on residency and the number of chances purchased. For a complete list of entry and permit fees, visit the FAQs.

 

Show Your Love of Maine State Parks this February

Gear up with Maine State Parks apparel and consider gifting it to your loved ones this February to show your love for the iconic parks for which Maine is renowned. Hoodies, t-shirts and caps in a variety of colors are available at our online store