Resources for Legislative Action

  • "LD" refers to "Legislative Document," which is a number assigned to a bill once it's received, printed, and distributed to the public. 

  • How to write effective testimony:

    1. Keep it short. Pack a powerful punch in as few words as possible.

    2. Don’t argue your case or your loved one’s case. The point of your story is to show the listener the impact of the justice system on your life.

    3. Use specific detail like ages and names—colorful things that make your story unique. Make your listener remember your story.

    4. Don’t be afraid to get personal and emotional. Be yourself and show yourself—connect with your listener on a one-to-one level.

    5. Tell what’s at stake and what has been gained or lost. Communicate urgency and emotion.

    6. Make sure to end with an action that your listener can take. I’m telling you my story so you will .

    Click here to submit your testimony and follow these steps:

    • Select Public hearing

    • Select the committee that is hearing the bill

    • Select the date and time of the hearing

    • Select the appropriate bill number

    • To register for Zoom, select “I would like to testify electronically over Zoom.”

    • To submit written testimony, upload your file or enter the testimony in the field.

    • If you plan to testify in person, you are asked to bring 20 copies of your testimony to distribute to committee members.

    Committee assignments and public hearing dates and times appear on the bill’s website. Note: testimony can be submitted at any time and will be shared with committee members and become part of the public record, however, only testimony submitted online by midnight on the day of the bill’s public hearing will be included on the bill’s web page.

    If you have special needs and require accommodations to participate in a hearing please contact the Legislative Information Office as soon as possible by phone 207-287-1692 or email: lio@legislature.maine.gov

  • Find your legislators:

    State and Federal https://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php

    Maine Senators https://legislature.maine.gov/senate/senators/9536

    Maine Representatives http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/MemberProfiles

    On the day of a bill vote, you can also call the 1-800 numbers listed below and leave messages with your name and town, your legislators’ names, the bill number you’re calling about, and how you’d like them to vote. Messages are transcribed and delivered to legislators’ desks throughout the day.

    Maine House:
    1-800-423-2900

    Maine Senate:
    1-800-423-6900

    TTY: Use Maine Relay 711

  • Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-Eds are powerful tools for shaping public understanding and influencing decision-makers on issues impacting Maine’s incarcerated people, their families, and our communities.

    Use this guide to write and submit letters to local newspapers across Maine that reflect MPAC’s values of justice, dignity, accountability, and community healing.

    Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE)

    An LTE is a short, focused message (250–300 words) responding to a recent news story, community issue, or legislative action. LTEs are among the most-read sections of local papers and help amplify the voices of directly impacted people and allies.

    MPAC Tone and Approach

    • Center lived experience: Begin with a personal story or local connection.

    • Stay solution-oriented: Highlight positive policy changes or community responses.

    • Be concise and clear: One main message per letter.

    • Stay respectful: Lead with compassion and facts, not anger or blame.

    Suggested MPAC LTE Structure

    1. Opening (1–2 sentences)
      Connect to a current issue, article, or event in Maine.
      Example: “Recent reports about conditions at the Maine State Prison remind us that safety and dignity behind bars are community issues, not just corrections issues.”

    2. Core Message (2–3 sentences)
      Explain the problem or need for change.
      Example: “People inside Maine’s prisons face barriers to healthcare, family contact, and rehabilitation. Investing in restorative programs makes communities safer.”

    3. Solution / Call to Action (2–3 sentences)
      Share what needs to happen next.
      Example: “Lawmakers should prioritize humane conditions and reentry support. Maine can lead in restorative justice rather than punitive policies.”

    4. Closing (1–2 sentences)
      End with hope or shared values.
      Example: “Everyone deserves dignity, safety, and a real path home. That’s how we build a better Maine.”

    Write an Op-Ed

    An opinion is an essay (600–750 words) that dives deeper into an issue or shares a unique perspective. Op-eds can explain the broader context of Maine’s criminal legal system, highlight legislative priorities, or uplift community solutions.

    Op-Ed Structure

    1. Hook / Lead: Start with a story, image, or fact that grabs attention.

    2. Issue Overview: Explain the systemic or policy issue at hand.

    3. Personal or Local Connection: Ground your argument in Maine experience.

    4. Policy or Value Argument: Present the key points and evidence.

    5. Call to Action: End with a clear takeaway for readers, officials, or voters.

    MPAC Core Values to Emphasize

    • Justice should heal, not harm.

    • Every person deserves dignity and opportunity.

    • Maine communities thrive when we invest in people, not punishment.

    • Family connection is key to successful reentry.

    Maine Media Contact List

    When you’re ready to submit your LTE or Op-Ed, click here to access a directory of Maine daily and weekly newspapers. Please check each paper’s submission guidelines before sending.

    MPAC Submission Tips

    • Always include your name, town, and phone number—papers won’t publish anonymous letters.

    • Reference the article or issue you’re responding to (if applicable).

    • If writing on behalf of MPAC, note your role or affiliation:
      “[Your Name], a volunteer with the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition…”

    • Send copies to MPAC’s communications lead so we can track published pieces and share them.

    Need Help?

    MPAC can help review your LTE or Op-Ed before submission.
    Email: MPAC’s communications lead

  • LD 1962 – An Act to Create the Corrections Ombudsman

    LD 1911 – An Act to Automatically Seal Criminal History Record Information for Certain Crimes. For more information, read or download the Advocate’s Guide to Automatic Record Sealing here.

    LD 1941 – An Act to Implement Recommendations of the Commission to Examine Reestablishing Parole