After farmers return to State House, lawmakers advance $45 million agriculture bond

MAINE MORNING STAR • April 7, 2026

After failing to get the necessary votes to advance a multi-bond package last week, Maine lawmakers are taking another crack at it, this time trying for only one agriculture bond. The Senate took the bond bill, LD 2094, up again Monday, and approved a floor amendment that stripped it down to just the $45 million bond for agriculture, farming and forestry programs. One day later, the majority of the House of Representatives agreed to the changes, though it remains unclear if enough lawmakers will support the proposal for the bond to ultimately be sent to voters. The amendment came after farmers returned to the State House Monday, for the second time in three weeks, to rally in support of the funding.