LD 1082 is a school funding bill that, if passed by the Maine Legislature, could potentially impact SAD 44 more than Newry withdrawing from the district would, according to district officials. The bill is written to take effect Jan. 1 and would specifically affect SAD 44 and SAD 6. A public hearing on the proposal […]
politics
Posted inMaine
Maine immigrants speak out against welfare reform bills
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee listened to more than four hours of testimony Wednesday on a half dozen bills sponsored by state Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, aimed at making major changes to the state’s welfare and General Assistance programs. Among other things, Brakey’s bills would make those who have […]
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Bill could launch housing program for homeless vets
AUGUSTA – A Lewiston lawmaker is leading the charge to bring as many as 21 cabins for homeless veterans to the grounds of the Veterans Affairs Administration’s medical campus at Togus. State Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, is asking the Legislature to approve a $1 million appropriation to kick-start a Volunteers of America Cabin in the Woods […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine legislator withdraws ‘religious freedom’ bill
AUGUSTA — A Republican Maine senator says he’s withdrawing his “religious freedom” bill that’s similar to proposals that have caused protests in other states. Sen. David Burns said Wednesday that he doesn’t believe his proposal would get a fair hearing in the Legislature. He says that opponents and the media have “poisoned the well of […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage to launch online calculator to promote tax plan
AUGUSTA — A new online calculator will allow residents to compare the tax rates and credits under current law to Gov. Paul LePage’s tax overhaul plan. The Republican governor will unveil the new online calculator at the Statehouse on Wednesday, which is the deadline for filing taxes this year. LePage has proposed a massive tax […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Lewiston’s mayor supports change to tighten lead exposure laws in Maine
AUGUSTA — Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald said the poorest children in his city have enough obstacles to overcome in their lives and he hopes state lawmakers will work to make sure lead poisoning is no longer one of them. Testifying before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, Macdonald said he supports a […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Brakey proposes 6-month hold on welfare for new Mainers
AUGUSTA — A Republican state senator is renewing an effort to require that Medicaid and welfare applicants live in Maine for at least six months before receiving benefits even though the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down similar restrictions in other states. Sen. Eric Brakey, co-chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, said he […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lisbon, Dixfield legislators co-sponsor religious freedom bill
Just a housekeeping note: Sen. David Burns’ “Act to Enact the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act” has been printed and given an LD number — 1340. The text of the bill is the same as I reported last week. ICYMI, the bill is nearly identical in substance to the controversial religious freedom law passed recently […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine considers bill that would ban vaping in public places
AUGUSTA — While the electronic cigarette industry continues to boom, Maine lawmakers must decide whether to include the products in the state’s no-smoking law for restaurants, bars, parks and other public areas. While numbers for Maine are unavailable, the e-cigarette industry has burst open in recent years and is expected to reach $3.5 billion this […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Rotundo bill wants Maine to study state workers’ salary data
AUGUSTA — A proposal by an influential Democratic lawmaker to study why some state agencies are understaffed could lead to better pay for state workers if the proposal manages to survive votes in the Legislature and the veto pen of Gov. Paul LePage. Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, House chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, told fellow […]