The agreement puts “and” back where legislators say it belongs in the part of a 2013 law that addresses funding for energy efficiency programs but also creates a new Cabinet-level energy commissioner and deputy commissioner, along with two other positions. Those positions would be funded by a mix of a federal grant and $300,000 from […]
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LePage vetoes 3 bills
AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a handful of bills that deal with taxes in Maine. One bill the governor vetoed Tuesday would reduce the length of time in which someone can appeal a municipality’s decision to take property because of unpaid taxes. LePage said that time period was recently reduced and enough […]
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Lawmakers hone focus on ‘glaring loophole’ in Maine clean elections law
AUGUSTA — A bipartisan group of state lawmakers continues to hone its focus on reforming the Maine Clean Election Act in an effort to keep those running for state office from forming and managing political action committees. The system is ripe for corruption and fraught with ethical pitfalls because candidates accept donations for their leadership […]
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Maine lawmakers send $28 million budget to LePage
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers have sent a $28 million budget bill to Gov. Paul LePage that addresses a funding shortfall for county jails and supports a state-run psychiatric hospital. The House voted 146-1 to give the supplemental budget bill final approval on Tuesday. The Senate followed with a unanimous vote. It provides funding for a several […]
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Lawmaker says bill is not about Collins running for governor
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Matt Moonen, D-Portland, said Monday that a bill he’s authored to change the way the state selects a replacement U.S. senator in the event of a vacancy has nothing to do with gubernatorial politics. Moonen’s bill was the source of speculation that Democrats were concerned U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, might […]
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Democrat’s bill would change how Maine replaces U.S. Senators
AUGUSTA — A Maine Democratic lawmaker wants to strip the governor of his power to appoint a replacement in the event of a U.S. Senate vacancy. Matt Moonen’s bill has raised questions about whether Democrats are concerned about the possibility of Republican Sen. Susan Collins leaving her six-year term early to run for governor in […]
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Environmentalists urge Maine lawmakers to ‘fix’ funding cap
AUGUSTA — Environmentalists and business owners called on lawmakers Monday to swiftly fix an error in a bill that caused state regulators to limit funding for programs designed to lower consumers’ energy bills. When lawmakers passed a sweeping energy bill in 2013, they intended to set the cap on one source of funding for Efficiency […]
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Democratic lawmaker has bill to put legalized pot on ballot
PORTLAND — A third effort is afoot to get marijuana legalization on Maine’s ballot. Democratic state Rep. Mark Dion of Portland says he is talking to other legislators about co-sponsoring his bill. The bill proposes to ask residents about creation, regulation and taxation of a structure for recreational use of marijuana. It includes a proposed […]
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Maine microbead ban becomes law without LePage’s signature
AUGUSTA — A bill banning synthetic microbeads in personal care products has become law without Gov. Paul LePage’s signature. Republican Sen. Tom Saviello’s proposal went into law this week after LePage took no action on the bill. Microbeads are non-biodegradable plastic particles used in facial cleansers and toothpaste. They will have to be phased out […]
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Legislative panel ponders bills to build Maine task force for veterans
AUGUSTA — A Lewiston lawmaker and Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan wants Maine to take a hard look at how the state helps veterans who return home after their service. State Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, said Wednesday that the state’s Bureau of Veterans Services does many good things and offers many […]