AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine’s last two governors have been elected with less than a majority vote. Now, a Republican senator’s proposing an amendment to the state Constitution that would require more than 50 percent of the vote — in a runoff if necessary. The bill sponsored by Sen. Tom Saviello of Wilton goes before […]
Paul LePage
Posted inMaine
PR battle over pension plan continues
AUGUSTA — The battle for public opinion continued Tuesday as the state treasurer urged lawmakers to embrace the governor’s strategy to fix the state pension debt. In his third news conference on the issue since Jan. 21, Treasurer Bruce Poliquin said lawmakers should “seize the moment” to tackle Maine’s $4.3 billion pension shortfall, which he […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmakers take up welfare changes in budget
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A crowd of demonstrators filled a State House hall to protest Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed cuts in welfare and MaineCare programs, changes the administration says are due in large part to the end of federal stimulus funding and added enrollments. A couple of hundred demonstrators outside the governor’s office chanted “Don’t […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage’s ‘little beard’ quip creates stir online
PORTLAND — Hundreds of women across Maine are using humor to voice their displeasure over Gov. Paul LePage’s comment that the only bad thing about a chemical additive is that it might give women “little beards.” More than 1,000 women signed onto a Facebook campaign called “Little Beard Day” in which they were encouraged to […]
Posted inBusiness, Maine, sj-web
LePage wants to lure Maine boats back to home port
ROCKPORT, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate a tax on diesel fuel used by groundfishing boats to help level the playing field between Maine and Massachusetts, he told fishermen Friday. Speaking at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, LePage said incentives are needed to bring groundfishing vessels and their hundreds of thousands of pounds […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine teachers fear proposed pension freezes
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A day after union state workers filled the Maine State House, active and retired teachers are lining up to tell lawmakers they can’t afford freezes and other changes Gov. Paul LePage is proposing in his budget. Friday’s hearing before the Appropriations Committee marks the third consecutive day public employees have massed […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine budget plan prompts rallies
Both supporters and opponents are holding separate rallies Thursday in Augusta. The governor wants to help reduce the state’s $4.3 billion budget shortfall by changing how Maine’s pension system is funded. On Wednesday, LePage said he was elected to fix problems with state spending. He said his proposals are meant to put the state on […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Maine won’t help with tax breaks for mill buyer
EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — The state of Maine won’t help two towns provide $48 million in tax breaks so a company can buy paper mills in Millinocket and East Millinocket. A spokesman for Gov. Paul LePage says the administration supports the goal of revitalizing the mills, but won’t help the two towns provide the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Supporters, critics face off on Maine pension plan
AUGUSTA (AP) — Union members upset with Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s pension proposals faced off Wednesday with LePage supporters as the Appropriations Committee met in Augusta to begin examining the governor’s plan to fix the state’s retirement system. The committee heard from foes and fans of the governor’s proposal to change how Maine’s pension system […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage budget brings out hundreds of union workers in protest
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Union members upset with Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s pension proposals faced off Wednesday with LePage supporters as the Appropriations Committee met in Augusta to begin examining the governor’s plan to fix the state’s retirement system. The committee heard from foes and fans of the governor’s proposal to change how Maine’s pension […]