AUGUSTA — Maine’s Democratic-controlled House of Representatives backed a bill Wednesday to waive work requirements for some food stamp recipients, but the measure doesn’t appear to have enough support to survive a near certain veto from Republican Gov. Paul LePage. Since October, healthy adults without children have had to work at least 20 hours a week, […]
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Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Littell worried PUC becoming ‘political arm’ for LePage
AUGUSTA — The outgoing member of the Public Utilities Commission is concerned that the independent panel is being used as a “political arm” of Republican Gov. Paul LePage to thwart wind power contracts, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press through a Freedom of Access Act Request. The documents shed light on the conflict between […]
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Legislature’s budget committee rejects LePage tax plan
AUGUSTA — At the same time Gov. Paul LePage was promising Lisbon residents he would take his campaign to end Maine’s income tax to the people in a statewide ballot vote, lawmakers at the State House voted against his tax and budget proposals. Tuesday evening, the Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations Committee nixed an income tax cut […]
Posted inMaine
LePage says he won’t sign ‘constitutional carry’ bill because of age limit
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Tuesday he would not sign a bill that would make it legal for adults over 21 to carry concealed handguns without permits. LePage, in a telephone interview with radio station WVOM, said he was opposed to the age restriction added to the bill by the Maine House of Representatives […]
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$25 million rail bond for Lewiston-Auburn goes before budget panel
AUGUSTA — A bipartisan group of advocates of bringing passenger rail to Lewiston-Auburn urged state lawmakers Tuesday to approve putting a $25 million bond package before voters this year. The money is meant to upgrade rail lines connecting the Twin Cities to Portland. Among those backing the bond proposal being sponsored by Sen. Nate Libby, […]
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Audio: Lauren LePage robocall blasts Senate Republicans for budget deal
AUGUSTA — A nonprofit political organization led by Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s daughter launched automated phone calls Tuesday criticizing GOP senators for a state budget deal they crafted with Democrats that doesn’t include his top priorities. In the robocall, , executive director of Maine People Before Politics, says Republican senators are “working behind the scenes with […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Supporters worry LePage could veto alcohol amnesty bill
AUGUSTA — A bill aimed at encouraging minors to seek help for alcohol poisoning is sitting on Gov. Paul LePage’s desk and, according to its supporters, is at risk of being vetoed by the governor. Overconsumption of alcohol poisoning is a leading cause of death among young people in the United States, according to the […]
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Senate OKs Bruce Williamson to Public Utilities Commission
AUGUSTA — All three members of the Maine Public Utilities Commission will be Gov. Paul LePage appointees after the Maine Senate confirmed Bruce Williamson’s nomination to the board on Tuesday. The Republican-led Senate voted 25-10 in favor of Williamson’s nomination to the panel, which regulates utilities and shapes energy policy in the state. Williamson will replace […]
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Maine AARP decries LePage veto of consumer protection bill
AUGUSTA — A group that represents one of Maine’s largest voting blocs is decrying Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill that was meant to provide no-cost protection against identity theft. AARP Maine and the Maine Council on Aging, along with a group of financial advocates, said Monday that LePage’s veto of LD 382 “baffled” them. […]
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LePage to hold town hall meeting on budget Tuesday in Lisbon
LISBON (AP) — As the battle over the state budget heats up in the Maine Legislature, Gov. Paul LePage is heading to Lisbon to discuss his tax overhaul plan. The Republican governor will hold a town hall meeting at the Open Door Baptist Church auditorium at 26 Gartley Street at 6 p.m. LePage has been […]