The bill would increase the threshold for salaried workers in the state to earn overtime pay, but lawmakers said it would burden businesses in an uncertain economy.
business
Maine trade groups lash out against proposed increase in overtime pay eligibility
A bill in the Legislature would allow thousands more salaried workers in Maine to earn overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours a week.
Lawmakers strip secrecy and extraction rules out of marijuana bill
The controversial provisions would have driven up the cost of alcohol-based extractions and allowed marijuana companies to shield certain state license data from the public.
Maine lobstermen to federal regulators: We’re not killing right whales
The Maine Lobstering Union accuses the agency of caving to environmental organizations when it should be defending the industry.
Though Maine’s lobster harvest was smallest in 9 years, value remained steady
The average per-pound price in 2019 was a whopping $4.82, the highest since Maine began tracking lobster hauls back in 1880.
Adult-use cannabis delivery gets a boost from lawmakers
A legislative committee votes to give the state the power to create a recreational marijuana delivery license.
As construction costs climb, key projects shrink and taxpayers’ burden grows
Maine and its cities mirror a national trend, with a labor shortage driving up bids, while agencies scale back work on roads, bridges and schools.
State plan to ‘harmonize’ marijuana programs would wreak havoc, critics say
Maine wants the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis businesses to have the same rules whenever possible, but small operators say that would drive up prices and put them out of business.
Two sides clash on bill to make producers pay for disposal of packaging
Supporters tell lawmakers that making producers pay to dispose of packaging waste would improve recycling programs and help taxpayers. Businesses and national trade groups say it would be expensive, disruptive and hard to follow.
Bill would give Maine companies preference in bidding on state jobs
The measure, which was held over from 2019, would give Maine companies a second shot at bidding if they lose out to out-of-state competitors on state construction or purchasing contracts.