We are “Heart Powered” in Maine

How local advocates made a difference this legislative session and how you can get involved

I am proud to share with you the American Heart Association’s latest policy and advocacy work in Maine. As we wrap up the 2025 legislative season, we’re energized by what’s next. But first—let’s recap and celebrate the victories that our amazing Heart Powered advocates helped make happen.

💌 2025 Session Overview

Overall, it was a great legislative session. This was one of the most fast-paced, demanding sessions in recent State House memory—and still, we achieved 6 Goal Wins for policies passed or defended!

🚭 Tobacco Tax Victory—20 Years in the Making

After two decades of tireless advocacy, Maine has passed a tobacco tax increase—a critical public health measure that will save lives.

This long-awaited win comes at a crucial time. Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Maine—this increase will help reduce smoking rates, prevent youth initiation, and lower health care cost burden. Additionally, it will generate essential revenue to support programs like MaineCare, ensuring access to care when it’s needed most.

✅ Other Goal Wins

• Defended against a proposed tobacco tax exemption for ‘Other Tobacco Products’
• Stopped nearly a dozen attempts to roll back or eliminate the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
• Protected nonprofits from burdensome regulations that could hamper their missions

Other impactful bills we worked on that became law:

• Ensuring full funding for Healthy School Meals for All initiative
• Banning tobacco sales in all pharmacies*
• Increasing penalties for tobacco distributor violations and banning tobacco sales in vending machines*
• Protecting full funding for Maine’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program—at the U.S. CDC-recommended level

*Heartfelt thanks to Rep. Matt Moonen for his continued leadership in championing policies that advance tobacco control and protect public health.

📌 Work That Continues

Efforts to strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness in schools are building momentum. The Athletic Emergency Action Plan (EAP) bill has passed the Legislature and now awaits the governor’s decision. That decision—and others—may not be made until January, but we will continue to keep you updated. 

This is meaningful progress, and we remain committed to ensuring that when cardiac emergency strikes—whether on a football field or in a classroom—everyone present is prepared to act quickly and confidently to save a life.

We’re also keeping a close watch on carry-over bills, including:  

• A proposal that would allow indoor cannabis smoking in lounges—a rollback of Maine’s smoke-free laws
• Legislation to permit unregulated “junk” health plans, which could expose farmers to inadequate, discriminatory coverage and out-of-state profiteering

📆 What’s Next? 

Keep an eye out for future updates—there’s important work ahead. Thank you for being a vital part of our movement to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To learn how you can continue being a driving force for health and hope across the Pine Tree State, visit our Heart Powered website or email me.

With Heart,