AUGUSTA — A state lawmaker sponsoring a bill calling for a board to oversee the public advocate’s office says the move would deliver more balanced guidance and was not the result of the utility headed by his son having conflicts with the advocate’s office. Republican Rep. Roger Sherman said he is sponsoring the bill because […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Advocates to ask PUC to reconsider solar ruling
Solar advocates scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at the State House as the latest move in an interminable energy battle, and there are two major things at play. Democratic lawmakers plan to push two bills to preserve and boost the future of solar power incentives, according to the Portland Press Herald. But advocates are […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Paul LePage says 3 percent surtax is 'punishing success'
Gov. Paul LePage continued his passionate opposition to the 3 percent surtax to support public schools today when he said he knows of “at least 40 to 50 professionals” who are moving out of Maine to avoid higher income taxes. He later hinted that he might become one of those professionals “forced” to leave Maine, […]
Posted inUncategorized
Venezuela's troubles put Maine heating oil aid in limbo
Venezuela’s economic turmoil has placed in limbo that country’s participation in a free heating oil program run by a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that has helped hundreds of thousands of people, signaling that the program may be kaput. This marks the second consecutive winter that Venezuela’s Citgo Petroleum Corp. has not contributed to the “Joe-4-Oil” program, part […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump warns GOP of political costs of not passing health care bill
UPDATED 10:52 A.M.: WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned House Republicans they could lose their seats in next year’s midterm elections if they failed to back the GOP health care overhaul and fulfill a long-promised goal to undo Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. In a rare trip to the Capitol, the president met behind […]
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Maine bills target texting while driving, learner's permits
AUGUSTA (AP) — New drivers in Maine would have to wait more months for an intermediate driver’s license under one lawmaker’s proposal. The Legislature on Tuesday will hold public hearings on bills that would tackle texting while driving and increase requirements for young drivers. Republican Rep. MaryAnne Kinney’s legislation would require people younger than 21 […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
LePage administration, businesses want to repeal high income surtax
AUGUSTA — A new report by Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s office says the surtax on Maine’s highest earners that voters approved last November will negatively impact the state economy. The surtax makes Maine have one of the nation’s highest tax rates on top of earners with a 10.15 percent tax on earnings over $200,000. Supporters […]
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Two bills aim to repeal voter-approved three-percent income surtax
AUGUSTA (AP) — Two bills would repeal a 3 percent income surtax on Maine’s highest earners that voters approved last November. The surtax makes Maine have one of the nation’s highest tax rates on top of earners with a 10.15 percent tax on earnings over $200,000. Supporters say the surtax helps the state reach its […]
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Senate Democrats criticize Neil Gorsuch at confirmation hearing
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 20, 2017, for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. WASHINGTON (AP) — The coverage of Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch (all times local): Updated 2:20 p.m.: Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling on Supreme Court […]
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White House reacts to FBI director Comey's testimony on Russian hacking
WASHINGTON (AP) — The coverage of a congressional inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election (all times local): Updated 2:25 p.m.: The White House is distancing itself from two former senior members of Donald Trump’s team, amid an FBI investigation into possible connections between Trump “associates” and Russia. White House press secretary Sean Spicer […]