Photos: Maine Legislature opens 131st session

Lawmakers met Wednesday, the first day of the new legislative session. Swearing-in Day at the Maine State Capitol is usually an exercise in pomp and circumstance, with new lawmakers getting to know each other, the process and the building and rookies and veterans alike on the hunt for good committee assignments. But between Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, becoming the first Black speaker of the House of Representatives and a looming vote on Mills' proposed $474 million emergency winter energy relief plan, this first day of a new Legislature felt different. Photos by Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Posted December 7, 2022

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Rep. Travis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, plays with his son Grafton Hasenfus on the first day of the 131st Legislature Wednesday at the Maine State House in Augusta.

Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, speaks to lawmakers Wednesday on the first day of the 131st Legislature.

Former state Rep. Gerald Talbot cheers Wednesday at the Maine State House in Augusta as his daughter, Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, is elected to the leadership post on the first day of the 131st Legislature.

Rep. William Bridgeo, D-Augusta, and other members recite their oaths of office Wednesday on the first day of the 131st Legislature at the Maine State House in Augusta. Several members had their children sitting with them for the swearing in ceremony.

Representatives-elect Mana Abdi, D-Lewiston, left, and Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, chat Wednesday before the first session of the 131st Legislature started at the Maine State House in Augusta. Several lawmakers had their children — including Ankeles, whose son Sam was on hand — sitting with them for the swearing in ceremony.

After being elected Speaker of the House, Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, acknowledges the applause from members and spectators Wednesday on the first day of the 131st Legislature.

Rep. Mana Abdi, D-Lewiston, and other members recite their oaths of office Wednesday at the Maine State House in Augusta during the first day of the 131st Legislature. Several members had their children sitting with them for the swearing in ceremony.

Rep. Maureen Terry, D-Gorham, the new House Majority leader, recites the pledge of allegiance Wednesday on the first day of the 131st Legislature at the Maine State House in Augusta.

Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, is chosen as House minority leader Wednesday at the Maine State House in Augusta on the first day of the 131st Legislature.

People on the third floor walk under the dome Wednesday on the first day of the 131st Legislature at the Maine State House in Augusta.

Representatives-elect Edward Crockett, D-Portland, left and Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, chat Wednesday before being sworn in on the first day of the 131st Legislature at the Maine State House in Augusta.

Representatives take the oath of office administered by Gov. Janet Mills on Wednesday as the 131st Legislature begins its term at the Maine State House in Augusta.

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