AUGUSTA — Maine’s Democratic-controlled Senate has sustained Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill that would direct the state to work toward creating a state-run virtual charter academy. The Senate voted 23-12, falling short of the two-thirds support needed to override the veto. In his veto message, LePage said he opposed the part of […]
legislature
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage signs domestic violence bill
AUGUSTA — While Gov. Paul LePage and Democratic leaders continue to spar over Medicaid expansion and the state budget, the Republican governor is signing several proposals lawmakers are sending to his desk. Among several bills LePage signed Sunday is one that bans alleged domestic violence and sexual assault offenders from contacting victims between the time […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Democrats press LePage to release bonds
AUGUSTA — There’s no end in sight in the battle between Democratic lawmakers and LePage over millions of dollars in bonds the governor is refusing to sign off on. Democratic leaders called on LePage Monday to immediately release the bonds now that the Appropriations Committee has approved his bill to replenish the rainy day fund. […]
Posted inMaine
LePage bill to change Maine’s wind-energy policy moves tentatively forward
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s initiative to overhaul Maine’s wind-energy production goals to require ratepayer benefits and manufacturing jobs gained tentative approval in the Legislature’s Energy Committee on Friday. But the bill, LD 1791, sponsored by state Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, saw significant revisions, including allowing a section of current law to stand, prior to […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine House OKs tribal casino bills
AUGUSTA — Maine’s American Indian tribes that have long seen gambling as the remedy for high unemployment and sluggish economic growth in their communities are a step closer to being able to operate casinos after winning initial approval in the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday. After several hours of debate, the House voted to overturn the […]
Posted inMaine
Governor finds money to restore rainy day fund
AUGUSTA — Details of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to restore about $21 million to Maine’s so-called “rainy day fund” trickled out Thursday. Lawmakers used the $21 million to fund revenue-sharing to towns and cities. LePage has said the state must replenish the rainy day account to its prior level of $60 million to avoid […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislature passes bill that would put a hold on virtual charter schools
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate has given final approval to a bill that would place a moratorium on virtual charter schools in the state. The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Langley was enacted by a 24-11 vote on Thursday. It will now be sent to Republican Gov. Paul LePage, where it faces a likely […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine House rejects early voting bill
AUGUTSA — Maine’s Democratic-controlled House has rejected a measure that would establish a process allowing towns to create in-person early voting systems. The House voted 87-57 in favor of the bill, falling short of the two-thirds support needed to pass a proposed constitutional amendment. Supporters say many Mainers vote using absentee ballots prior to elections, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
GOP leadership offers alternatives to expanding Medicaid in Maine
AUGUSTA — Republicans who oppose a proposal to expand Medicaid under the federal health care say many Mainers have an alternative: Buying cheap private plans on the exchange with tax credits. But critics say those making less than roughly $12,000 a year won’t receive help to pay for plans on the exchange. According to the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislature rejects bill banning fake guns in Maine schools
AUGUSTA — Maine’s Democratic-controlled Legislature has rejected a bill that would have banned BB guns and non-firing replica firearms in schools. The House accepted the majority recommendation of the Education Committee on Wednesday that the bill not pass. The Senate took the same action earlier this week. Supporters say officers could easily mistake the realistic-looking […]