AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s governor has vetoed a bill that sought to ensure that any pint of beer sold in the state would be 16 ounces. Supporters of state Sen. John Patrick’s measure contend that some establishments use shorter glasses for beer they advertise as pints. Patrick, a Rumford Democrat, said Mainers should get what […]
Maine
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Maine lawmakers work to block future hunting referendums
AUGUSTA (AP) — Five months after Maine voters rejected a proposal to ban the use of bait, dogs and traps to hunt bears, lawmakers are moving to block future efforts to change wildlife management laws at the ballot box. Legislators on both sides of the aisle want to change the constitution to bar the public […]
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Brakey bill to roll back concealed handgun regulations gaining momentum
AUGUSTA — Sen. Eric Brakey, an Auburn Republican serving his first term in the Legislature, is bullish about rolling back restrictions on carrying concealed handguns in Maine, despite several similar efforts that failed in recent years. His bill, LD 652, would make Maine the fifth state to establish “constitutional carry” — a universal right of […]
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With sights set on lower electricity prices, LePage looks to transform Maine energy landscape
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine became the regional wind power leader under Democratic Gov. John Baldacci, but change is in the air as Gov. Paul LePage makes an aggressive push away from his predecessor’s renewable energy policies. The outspoken Republican, who says wind power is too expensive, is looking to hydropower from Canada and natural gas […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine, sj-web
Catholic Church in Maine sees blessings in reorganization, immigration
New traditions A popular pontiff helps, but restoring the Catholic Church in Maine has been the product of tough business decisions and adapting to changing times and demographics. As some traditions fall by the wayside, new ones are being forged, especially by Maine’s immigrant community. While Pope Francis has inspired Catholics and non-Catholics alike, church […]
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GOP state senator seeks to bolster human trafficking laws
AUGUSTA (AP) — A Republican state senator has introduced a bill that aims to further strengthen Maine’s laws against human trafficking. Sen. Amy Volk’s bill would add aggravated sex trafficking to the list of crimes that can turn a misdemeanor sex trafficking charge into a felony if that person has been convicted of two or […]
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Bill names Houlton stream for American Indian war hero
AUGUSTA — It may not be a big stream, but for John Bear the renaming of B Stream in Houlton has big meaning. Bear, who grew up in Lewiston, is a nonvoting member of the Maine House, representing the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. He said Friday that a resolution passed by the Maine Legislature […]
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Legislative panel rejects LePage Department of Conservation overhaul
AUGUSTA — A key legislative committee has rejected a proposal by the administration of Republican Gov. Paul LePage that sought to dissolve the state’s Bureau of Public Lands and fold its functions into two other agencies within the state’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. As part of his two-year, $6.57 billion state budget proposal, […]
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Bill for commission to review Maine’s veteran services moves forward
AUGUSTA — Legislation that creates a new state commission to review the services Maine provides for its veterans vaulted a key hurdle Wednesday when lawmakers on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee unanimously approved the measure. The measure, LD 721, sponsored by state Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, next faces votes before the full Legislature. […]