The 21 Democratic state senators have selected their leadership for the new Legislature, and they say they are ready to move swiftly on Gov.-elect Janet Mills pledge to make Medicaid expansion a reality. Current Democratic floor leader Troy Jackson, of Allagash, was nominated to be Senate president, at an evening caucaus at an Augusta restaurant.
“Certainly set something up in the next few days, so as soon as we go in and get sworn in, that committee can work on it and be ready when the legislature shows up in January," Jackson said of expanding Medicaid.
Nate Libby, of Lewiston, was selected majority leader. “From tonight up until January 2nd, when Gov. Mills is sworn in, Senate Democrats are going to be working to organize ourselves and get ready to hit the ground running,” Libby said.
Democrats also chose Eloise Vitelli, of Arrowsic, as assistant majority leader.
The new Legislature takes office Dec. 5.
