AUGUSTA — A legislative committee has given unanimous support to a bill that would provide up to $1 million in state funds to help launch a project that would build up to 21 cabins for homeless veterans. The bill, LD 1062, sponsored by state Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, is meant to jump-start the Cabin in […]
politics
Posted inOp-Eds
Robert Samuelson: Debate needed over generational justice
WASHINGTON — If New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has his way, the unfolding presidential campaign will focus on generational fairness. It will seek to curb spending on the elderly — mainly Social Security and Medicare — without putting the elderly at risk. This debate would be good for the country, but whether the country can […]
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Posted inMaine
Maine lawmakers struggle to find funding solution for county jails
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers are struggling to find a solution for a looming county jail funding crisis that’s being driven in part by a dysfunctional Board of Corrections. The Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Thursday discussed legislation offered by state Rep. Ricky Long, R-Sherman, that would return control of the jails, along with […]
Posted inMaine
Republicans propose cutting Maine Legislature’s budget
AUGUSTA — Republicans on Thursday made several proposals that would cut spending within the Maine Legislature’s budget. “It’s time to put the Legislature’s budget on the treadmill,” state Senate President Mike Thibodeau, R-Winterport, said in a prepared statement. Thibodeau said the cuts being offered would save Maine taxpayers an estimated $430,000 over the Legislature’s two-year […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Maine to get $100,000 grant to promote clean energy
PORTLAND — Maine is getting a $100,000 grant to help develop clean energy projects for farmers, fishermen and other small business owners. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree says the grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow the Portland Council of Governments to work around the state with small businesses to plan clean energy projects […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage, New England governors discuss energy costs
HARTFORD, Conn. — New England’s governors met Thursday to update their long-term energy strategy that increasingly relies on natural gas and efforts to build more pipelines. The region has limited natural gas pipeline systems, which are reaching maximum capacity, said Gordon van Welie, president and chief executive of the region’s power grid, ISO-New England. System reliability […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gun control groups release ads in Maine against concealed gun bill
AUGUSTA — Gun control groups are urging Maine residents to help defeat a bill that would allow people to carry concealed handgun without a permit. Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and the Maine chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released TV, radio and digital ads Thursday that claim that the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Democrats offer their side of the budget debate
It was early February when LePage took to the road to spread the gospel of tax reform. His opponents kept their powder dry as the Republican governor, in town after town, pitched income tax cuts for individuals and corporations, the elimination of state aid for local services and targeted tax relief for seniors. In Bangor […]
Posted inBethel, sj-web
Local residents testify at LD 1082 hearing
“Listening to the testimony, our situations are drastically different.” That was Woodstock Town Manager Vern Maxfield’s take on SAD 44 and SAD 6 at Wednesday’s public hearing on LD 1082 in Augusta, before the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. (For background on the bill see the April 16 Citizen.) The two school districts are […]
Posted inMaine
Maine lawmakers hear proposals to return missing ‘and’ to energy law
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers Wednesday took the first steps toward fixing what’s become known as a $38 million typographical error in a law that funds the state’s energy-efficiency programs. But looming over any potential fix is the less-than-subtle hint that Republican Gov. Paul LePage will veto the correction if it doesn’t also include the creation […]