Published: November 21, 2025
Kerri Pitts, Policy Advocate at CCSM
“When you share your experiences, lawmakers are more likely to understand what’s really happening in our communities.”
Every year, there’s a fresh opportunity for Mainers to get involved in the policy decisions that affect them. The legislative decisions we weigh in on range from crisis response and peer services to housing and a variety of policies affecting peers across the state. We believe that the peer voice being centered in conversations about them is of utmost importance. Often, getting involved can feel overwhelming or intimidating. However, the CCSM has several options for making your voice heard. There are ways for everyone with any ability level to ensure their needs are being met at the legislative level.
This upcoming legislative session is typically referred to as the short session. The session will begin in January, where committees will hear a set of new bills and some that have been carried over from the first session. Once these bills have text and are assigned to committees, they will go on to have public hearings. This is where your input is critical! These hearings are open to anyone with input on the topic of the bill, and there are options for joining hearings via Zoom if you can’t make it to the State House. Even though this is a short session, there are plenty of bills that relate to those with lived experience in mental health. Some of the examples of legislative topics set to be covered this session are: food insecurity, health insurance premiums, childcare, and shelter funding. As we learn more about the content of these bills, we will be discussing them further and planning our action steps!
Legislative action doesn’t need to be scary, but we understand that telling your story and advocating for your rights can bring up feelings of anxiety. At CCSM, our entire mission revolves around ensuring personal stories and needs are made known when important policy decisions are on the table. When you share your experiences, lawmakers are more likely to understand what’s really happening in our communities. Data and facts are important decision-making factors, but real-life experiences truly give policy matters life. If you’re overwhelmed and wondering where to start getting involved, here are some options, varying from low-barrier to some more involved actions!
Local Council Meetings – These are our monthly meetings, where forum topics guide discussions on some of the most pressing issues faced by peers all around the state. While this work isn’t directly legislative, the conversation in these meetings is what feeds our systemic work. LC meetings are held in person and via Zoom, making them easily accessible for anyone to join! Days and times vary for these meetings, so please check our website to find the council local to you, or join any one that works for your schedule.
Legislative Subcommittee Meeting – This meeting is held on the first Wednesday of every month from 10 am-12 pm on Zoom. In this meeting, we spend time discussing the most pressing legislative matters, including any bills that the CCSM has submitted to the Legislature. Bills we worked on last session include LD 1843 – An Act to Provide Peer Respite for Individuals with Mental Health Care Needs and LD 748 – An Act to Increase Bridging Rental Assistance Program Housing Voucher Funding to Reduce the Current Partial Waiting List and Increase Housing Vouchers for Persons Living with Mental Health Challenges.
Peer Legislative Education and Advocacy Day at the Hall of Flags – February 18th is our annual legislative gathering at the State House. This day is one to gather with fellow Mainers and discuss legislative priorities. It’s also a great way to meet or catch up with your legislators and tell them why policies affecting mental health peers are crucial! Please mark your calendars and plan to meet us at the State House from 8 AM to 4 PM for a day of legislative action!
Additionally, our Legislative Writing Group will convene when the session officially begins. This group is designed to help folks with writing legislative testimony. There is no writing experience required! We will walk you through every step to ensure your story is effectively told in the way you would like to convey it to legislators.
One of the most important ways to get involved is to contact your legislators. Building a relationship with your local lawmakers is integral to helping them understand what their constituents are truly experiencing. While it may seem intimidating, remember that they are representatives for a reason! Your input will help guide their decision-making at the State House, and they wouldn’t be able to cast informed, educated votes without it! If you need help finding your legislators, use this link: https://www1.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php
Remember: advocacy is only possible through personal stories, and your experience is your expertise. CCSM is here to help you along the journey of getting involved with the legislature and advocating for your community.
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For further information, please reach out to us at info@maineccsm.org or contact Brittany at blorance@maineccsm.org
Consumer Council System of Maine: A Voice For Consumers of Mental Health Services
Phone: 207-687-6035
