BOSTON (AP) — The commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection says proposed restrictions on burning wood are a concern for Mainers. Commissioner Patricia Aho says stricter emission requirements outlined in a draft rule by the Environmental Protection Administration could be prohibitively expensive in a state that relies on wood for heating. In a […]
Maine
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Early chill, spike in fires, storms straining Maine Red Cross resources
BANGOR — Nicole Argraves knew little about the American Red Cross until last month, when her family lost nearly all of their belongings when fire gutted their rented mobile home in Freeport. “I mean, I knew in a vague sense, like everybody does, what the Red Cross does, but (after having) a one-on-one personal experience, […]
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State slates review of Auburn’s 2015 Park Avenue paving project
AUBURN — A state plan to reconstruct Park Avenue between Lake and Summer streets in 2015 will get a public review March 6. The Maine Department of Transportation will pay for the bulk of the $1.7 million project. The review meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at Auburn Hall. Project Manager Paul MacDonald […]
Posted inMaine
Maine budget committee eases forward with fix ideas for 2014 and 2015
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee are gaining steady ground as they work to create a supplemental budget that will balance spending and revenues for 2014 and 2015. The Maine Constitution requires a balanced budget, and without a supplemental budget offering from Republican Gov. Paul LePage, the committee has been left largely […]
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Maine House votes in favor of moratorium on virtual charter schools
AUGUSTA — The future of virtual charter schools in Maine could head in a new direction because of two bills under consideration in the Legislature, including a moratorium on the creation of online schools which passed with significant support Tuesday in the House of Representatives. Another bill presented Monday to the Legislature’s Education Committee, but […]
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LePage has until midnight to veto $40 million revenue sharing bill
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has until midnight Tuesday to decide whether he will sign, veto or allow a bill that restores about $40 million in revenue sharing to Maine cities and towns to pass into law without his signature. The bill, which passed on veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate earlier in February, […]
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Maine GOP state senators introduce Medicaid expansion bill
AUGUSTA — A pair of Republican state senators rolled out a bill Tuesday that would expand the state’s Medicaid program, MaineCare, a proposal that so far has been largely opposed by Republican Gov. Paul LePage and rank-and-file members of the party. State Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, and Senate Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, […]
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Democratic lawmakers renew call for cancellation of Alexander Group contract
AUGUSTA — Democratic leaders on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday were again calling on Gov. Paul LePage’s administration to cancel its nearly $1 million contract with a Rhode Island-based consultant. Democrats noted, so far, the state has paid the Alexander Group $378,000 for the five-part study of the state’s welfare programs, […]
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Maine legislative panel agrees to expand access to heroin overdose drug
AUGUSTA — A bill that Republican Gov. Paul LePage believes encourages a false sense of security for drug addicts but one that advocates say will save lives was approved by the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on a 7-4, party-line vote Monday. LD 1686, legalizes broader possession and administration of naloxone hydrochloride by a […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
MaineCare adults could get limited dental care
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine lawmakers are considering a bill that for the first time would provide emergency dental care for adults who receive Medicaid benefits. The proposal is designed to reduce uncompensated emergency room treatment for dental pain. Currently, children are covered for dental care but not adults. About 25 states provide at least some […]