As chair of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and a member of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bruce Bryant has worked hard for the region and is recognized in Augusta as a leader. He secured more than $1.3 million in funding for the River Valley Technology Center to expand the jobs base in this area. Joe Derouche, for whom the Technology Center is named stated that “Without Bruce, this project would not have happened.” He is a member of the Fractionation Center Board and has been instrumental in the success of this venture. Senator Bryant is credited by residents of Canton for a highly effective response to the flood resulting in a good start on funding for rebuilding.

Senator Bryant’s special legislative interests are related to agriculture and forestry, education, and healthcare, including insuring the access to outdoor resources to Maine people. He is a veteran legislator, having served three terms in the House, and two in Senate, and a proven leader as past president of both Local 900 and the River Valley Technology Center. He was tapped to serve on the Dairy Task Force in 2003, and currently chairs a Task Force on Maine’s Unorganized Territories. He worked hard on measures to stop liquidation harvesting in 2004 and in the current session has sponsored successful measures to provide family leave to National Guard troops returning from service and in simplifying end of life planning, as well as adjustments to the Dirigo Health program.

A 26-year paperworker at New Page, a native of Canton and resident of Dixfield, Bruce grew up in a family of 10 children, and is the father of 3 daughters who are actively involved in his campaign. He coaches their teams, and plays some basketball and softball himself. In the Senate, however, Bruce Bryant knows how to play hardball and this has paid off for his district. He looks forward to continuing to deliver results for Western Maine.