Maine Senate sustains committee recommendations, confirms three nominees; several bills advance

The Maine Senate on March 26, 2025, sustained committee recommendations to confirm three nominees and voted on multiple committee reports and bills, including measures to name a state amphibian and state reptile and to change procurement and education timelines.

The Senate voted to sustain the recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development and confirmed Michael A. DeGay of Waterville for appointment as commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. The roll-call on the motion to override the committee recommendation was 0 yes, 33 no; the chair announced the committee recommendation was sustained and the nomination confirmed. Senator Libby, senator from Cumberland, praised DeGay’s experience and said, “I think he's 1 of the best nominees that we've had for this position in many, many, many years. I think people on both sides of the aisle are gonna really like working with him. He's already…