AUGUSTA — During a senior class assembly last year at one Maine high school, a principal called forward mortified students to warn them in front of their classmates that they would not be able to graduate if their school lunch debts weren’t paid. Sen. Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester, told lawmakers this week that one of those […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
What’s an autocycle? Maine lawmakers trying to figure it out
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers are pondering what to do with a proposal that would create a new class of on-the-road vehicle that amounts to a cross between a motorcycle and an automobile. There’s a push nationally to clarify the rules for so-called autocycles, which are basically enclosed, three-wheel vehicles that operate much like a car but […]
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Maine lawmakers trying to rein in large medical marijuana growers
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers want to overhaul Maine’s medical marijuana caregiver program. On Wednesday, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee held hearings on seven new medical cannabis bills, ranging from a plan to tax adult-use cannabis to pay for medical cannabis testing to a bill that would allow opioid addicts to qualify for medical […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Lewiston's Jim Handy seeks re-election to State House
AUGUSTA — After taking a 22-year break from the Legislature, Lewiston Democrat Jim Handy ran successfully for the 58th District seat in 2016. He aims to keep it for awhile longer. Handy said he’s seeking re-election to continue the policy he summed up as “People first, Lewiston first.” Among his accomplishments in his first year […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmakers propose extending retail pot ban until May
AUGUSTA — In an effort to give themselves some breathing room, lawmakers overhauling the voter-approved marijuana legalization law Tuesday introduced a bill that would extend the ban on retail sales until May 1. Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta and chair of the Marijuana Legalization Implementation Committee, proposed extending the moratorium, due to expire on Feb. 1, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bill would require meningitis vaccines for middle and high school students
AUGUSTA — It has been almost 15 years since Jerry Greenwell Jr., a lively 23-year-old with a bright future, woke up with what seemed like the flu. His condition worsened quickly as rashes appeared on his legs and his ability to walk vanished. In no time, he was at the emergency room in critical condition. […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Auburn physician hoping to snag state Senate seat
AUBURN — A longtime physician hopes to win a state Senate seat this year in an open district that Republican Eric Brakey has represented for the past four years. Edmund “Ned” Claxton, 68, said his familiarity with health care and the struggles of his patients give him a unique perspective that would benefit Mainers. Claxton, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Move to restrict signature gathering at polls assailed at hearing
AUGUSTA — At polling places across Maine, those gathering signatures for ballot initiatives have often set up a table on the way out to offer voters the opportunity to put their names on required petitions. For supporters, it’s a sign of a thriving democracy. For some, though, it’s a growing hassle. “We’ve come to hate […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislature cancels hearings and work sessions as nor'easter approaches
AUGUSTA — Winter weather is already delaying the Legislature’s work just two days into the 2018 session. Legislative leaders announced Wednesday — the first day of this year’s shortened session — that Thursday’s committee hearings will be canceled and rescheduled because of the winter storm. The Health and Human Services Committee, the Environment and Natural […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Open-burn permits secured for free online may violate law
AUGUSTA — The tens of thousands of Mainers relying on free online open-burn permits are breaking the law, Maine Forest Service Director Doug Denico said Tuesday. Denico said the private systems some rely on to avoid a $7 charge for a permit issued by the state fail to meet statutory requirements. As a result, he […]