AUGUSTA — The sponsor of a bill that would make fatigued driving a crime in Maine said she was ready to amend her bill so it applies only to drivers in fatal crashes, after she heard suggestions from lawmakers Monday when introducing the bill. Republican Rep. Stacey Guerin of Glenburn’s bill, LD 988, as written […]
legislature
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Analysis: Budget showdown doesn’t have to lead to shutdown
AUGUSTA — About three months after Gov. Paul LePage first unveiled his two-year budget proposal, there’s still a lot of room for disagreement in the capitol. Democrats say much of the colossal tax reform package in the plan, including the elimination of the estate tax and cuts to the corporate income tax, are a handout to […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine
Committee approves task force to study ‘service dogs’ in Maine
AUGUSTA — An effort to stop some Maine dog owners from misrepresenting their animals as “service” dogs by requiring more documentation was unanimously voted down by a key panel of state lawmakers Thursday. The legislation, which would have required dog owners provide proof in the form of training documentation and a letter from a health […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Democrats unveil tax plan
AUGUSTA — Democratic legislative leaders fired a shot directly at Gov. Paul LePage’s tax reform proposal Thursday with the release of their own plan, which includes lower income tax cuts than the governor proposes but is more aggressive in its effort to soften Mainers’ property tax burden. “While Democratic leaders commend the governor for initiating […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Senate upholds veto on fair pints
AUGUSTA — Senate Republicans on Thursday voted to sustain a veto of a bill to require bars that sell “pints” of beer to serve a full 16 ounces of brew. The bill, by Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford, would have directed liquor inspectors to check the volume of glasses at bars and restaurants that advertised pints […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine police chiefs support concealed-carry permits
PORTLAND — Police chiefs from several of Maine’s largest cities joined activists Wednesday to denounce a proposal to scrap the state’s concealed-carry permitting process for a more relaxed law that would allow nearly anyone to carry a hidden handgun. “If this passes, I’m certain a tragedy will occur,” said Larry Gilbert, a former Lewiston mayor […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmaker’s religious freedom bill mirrors Indiana law
AUGUSTA — A draft of a Maine senator’s “religious freedom” bill shows the plan is nearly identical to the Indiana law that has sparked national controversy in recent weeks from those who say it has legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation. The draft of the bill by Sen. David Burns, R-Whiting, was obtained by the […]
Posted inBusiness
Lawmakers want simpler options for filling growlers
AUGUSTA — For that sinking feeling when the local brewery’s growler – the half-gallon glass container so integral to your weekend camping with your buddies – is rejected; beer-lovers, a lawmaker has your back. Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, is proposing amending a state law to remove a requirement that breweries selling growlers provide their own uniquely-labeled […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Taxation Committee votes to keep revenue sharing, kill nonprofit tax
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers on a legislative committee are unanimously recommending that the state maintain revenue sharing and throw out Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to tax nonprofits. But Republicans and Democrats on the Taxation Committee are divided over other pieces of LePage’s budget plan. The committee outlined its recommendations to the Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The […]
Posted inMaine
Bill would dock Maine lawmakers’ pay when they skip work
AUGUSTA — State Sen. Linda Baker thinks it’s important to show up. Especially if you’ve been elected to serve the people of Maine and are getting paid to do so, said Baker, a Topsham Republican and former schoolteacher. Baker is offering legislation that would dock lawmakers’ pay when they have poor attendance records. “If legislators […]