AUGUSTA (AP) — Citizens would monitor the success and progress of the state-run welfare-to-work program under a democratic lawmaker’s bill. Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Nathan Libby is sponsoring a bill that would create an independent citizens oversight committee. The committee would require the state Department of Health and Human Services to collect data about topics […]
augusta
Posted inMaine
Maine Democrats, Republicans at odds over sick leave bill
AUGUSTA (AP) — Democrats want to advance a universal sick leave bill despite opposition from Republicans on a legislative committee. The Legislature’s Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee this week voted 5-4 in favor of the bill. Two other Republicans and two Democrats who weren’t present have until Thursday to cast their votes. The […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine
Maine ethics official wants to close ‘revolving door’
AUGUSTA (AP) — The executive director of Maine’s ethics commission wants to prohibit all compensated lobbying by former lawmakers in their first year after public service. The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices are set to discuss on Tuesday possible legislation to close the “revolving door” from legislative work to lobbying. Executive Director […]
Posted inMaine
Paul LePage’s veto of bill to protect living organ donors overridden in House
Maine Gov. Paul LePage is opposing a law to prohibit certain insurers from considering a person’s status as a living organ donor. The Maine HOuse overrode the veto last week 146-0. AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s Republican governor is opposing a law to prohibit certain insurers from considering a person’s status as a living organ donor. […]
Posted inMaine
LePage nominates Democrat Barry Hobbins to serve as public advocate
AUGUSTA (AP) — GOP Gov. Paul LePage has nominated former Democratic lawmaker Barry Hobbins to serve as public advocate, a position that represents the interests of Maine ratepayers in electricity and natural gas prices and other proceedings before the state Public Utilities Commission. The position also supports residents on matters related to telecommunications, including accessibility […]
Posted inMaine
Heating oil prices drop as temperature climbs in Maine
AUGUSTA (AP) — The Governor’s Energy Office says the price of heating oil in Maine has dropped 9 cents since the middle of March. The statewide average cash price for No. 2 heating oil was $2.17 per gallon this week. The statewide price of kerosene was also down 7 cents, to $2.72. Propane prices have […]
Posted inMaine
Maine House votes to make Maine comply with federal ID law
AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine House is supporting a bill to make the state comply with a federal ID law. The 115-30 vote on Tuesday followed Senate approval earlier this month. Further votes are needed but no further obstacles are anticipated. Republican Gov. Paul LePage supports the bill. The federal Real ID law was passed […]
Posted inMaine
Bill would require hand-washing facilities for petting areas
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine Democrat’s bill would require hand-washing facilities or disinfectant at areas where the public can touch livestock and other animals. Roger Fuller’s bill is set for a Thursday hearing. Fuller’s bill doesn’t apply to domestic pets and requires signs emphasizing hand-washing’s importance. Fuller says his bill follows health officials’ 2015 […]
Posted inConnections
Next Step offering scholarships
AUGUSTA — This year, thousands of Maine workers from more than 300 businesses will have the opportunity to be nominated for a Next Step Maine Employee of Promise scholarship. To be eligible, employees must work for a business enrolled in Next Step Maine Employers’ Initiative and be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or associate degree or […]
Posted inMaine
Lewiston Rep’s bill requires hand- washing facilities at petting areas
AUGUSTA (AP) — Before you touch that goat, wash your hands. Lewiston Democrat Roger Fuller’s bill would require hand-washing facilities or disinfectant at areas where the public can touch livestock and other animals, including fowl. His bill’s set for a Thursday hearing. Fuller’s bill doesn’t apply to domestic pets and requires signs emphasizing hand-washing’s importance. […]