PORTLAND — Maine voters thought they approved sweeping changes to the state’s rules on marijuana, taxes, voting and the minimum wage when they went to the polls last year. But think again. The four referendums have hit roadblocks as Republican Gov. Paul LePage, the state Legislature and the courts have weighed in. The final rule […]
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Two Maine House Democrats unenroll from the party
PORTLAND — Two Democratic House representatives have unenrolled from their party, eliminating the party’s outright majority in the chamber and reducing their advantage over Republicans to four representatives. Reps. Denise Harlow, I-Portland, and Ralph Chapman, U-Brooksville, confirmed their withdrawal from the party Friday in messages to the Bangor Daily News. Though unenrolling, Harlow said she […]
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Legislature sends marijuana regulatory bill to governor
The Legislature took a big, yet perfunctory step toward implementing marijuana legalization on Thursday. With a final vote in the Senate, a bill sponsored by House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, went to Gov. Paul LePage’s desk. It would: Move regulatory control of recreational marijuana from the Department of Agriculture — as the 2016 ballot initiative prescribed — to […]
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GOP House leader says LePage walking back from June prison closure
AUGUSTA (AP) — A leading Republican says Maine’s governor is walking back from a proposal to close a minimum-security prison in June. Republican Gov. Paul LePage proposed shutting down Downeast Correctional Facility to save $5 million annually as part of his two-year, $6.8 billion budget. A legislative panel expressed support for funding the prison months […]
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LePage’s plan to dissolve turnpike authority hits roadblock
AUGUSTA — Without dissent, a key committee urged the Legislature on Thursday to turn thumbs down on Gov. Paul LePage’s bid to fold the Maine Turnpike Authority into the Department of Transportation. With little time and not much evidence that the move would help, the Transportation Committee had no trouble recommending leaving the quasi-independent state […]
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Eric Brakey’s bid to limit TANF payments faces long odds
AUGUSTA — A proposal to slice the lifetime time limit for adults to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits by 40 percent failed this week to secure support in the Senate and faces long odds in the House. Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, is seeking to reduce the cap on the federally-funded benefits from 60 […]
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Democrats threaten to shut down Maine government over school funding
With less than a month left before statutory adjournment, Democrats have threatened to shut down government if state funding for schools doesn’t reach 55 percent. Fifty-two Democratic and two independent House members, along with four Democratic senators, have signed a pact to oppose any budget bill that doesn’t have “a progressive and sustainable funding source […]
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Maine Republicans, Democrats at odds in budget negotiations
AUGUSTA — Democrats and Republicans have until the end of June to enact a state budget but both sides see the biggest sticking point as a voter-approved tax on high earners to fund schools. Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon said a budget should be coming out of the Legislature’s appropriation committee by no later than June […]
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Education committee opposes statewide teacher contract bill
AUGUSTA (AP) — A key legislative committee has voted against a bill to create a uniform teacher contract across Maine. The Portland Press Herald reported (http://bit.ly/2rgcQQN ) the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee opposed the bill, 6-5, even after concessions from the bill’s sponsor on Tuesday. Republican Gov. Paul LePage says the idea would help […]
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LePage signs measure aimed at reducing electricity costs for some
AUGUSTA — A proposal to let consumers compare electricity costs from different providers more easily secured the signature of Gov. Paul LePage to become law Tuesday. “This new law includes common-sense protections that will keep Mainers from getting ripped off by unscrupulous companies,” said its sponsor, Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston. Libby, the assistant minority leader, […]