AUGUSTA — A draft of a Maine senator’s “religious freedom” bill shows the plan is nearly identical to the Indiana law that has sparked national controversy in recent weeks from those who say it has legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation. The draft of the bill by Sen. David Burns, R-Whiting, was obtained by the […]
politics
Posted inBusiness
Lawmakers want simpler options for filling growlers
AUGUSTA — For that sinking feeling when the local brewery’s growler – the half-gallon glass container so integral to your weekend camping with your buddies – is rejected; beer-lovers, a lawmaker has your back. Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, is proposing amending a state law to remove a requirement that breweries selling growlers provide their own uniquely-labeled […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Taxation Committee votes to keep revenue sharing, kill nonprofit tax
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers on a legislative committee are unanimously recommending that the state maintain revenue sharing and throw out Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to tax nonprofits. But Republicans and Democrats on the Taxation Committee are divided over other pieces of LePage’s budget plan. The committee outlined its recommendations to the Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The […]
Posted inMaine
Bill introduced for tribal casino in Aroostook County
AUGUSTA — A tribal representative for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is asking the Maine Legislature to back his proposed bill that could lead to a casino for his tribe in Aroostook County. The legislation, as offered by Henry John Bear, the band’s nonvoting representative to the Maine House of Representatives, would also require […]
Posted inMaine
Chin says ‘anytime, anywhere’ to debate with LePage on budget
Gov. LePage has challenged MPA to a public debate on his regressive budget proposal, which cuts health care and education to give a $10,000 average tax break to the top 1%. We accept. Posted by Maine People’s Alliance on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 AUGUSTA — Ben Chin, a candidate for the Lewiston mayor’s office and […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Rand Paul announces he is running for president
LOUSSVILLE, Ky. — Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky entered the campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination Tuesday with a declaration that he’s running for the White House to “return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government.” That message posted on his website prefaced a kickoff speech later in the day in […]
Posted inMaine
Bill would dock Maine lawmakers’ pay when they skip work
AUGUSTA — State Sen. Linda Baker thinks it’s important to show up. Especially if you’ve been elected to serve the people of Maine and are getting paid to do so, said Baker, a Topsham Republican and former schoolteacher. Baker is offering legislation that would dock lawmakers’ pay when they have poor attendance records. “If legislators […]
Posted inMaine
Recreational marijuana bills could forestall statewide ballot measures
AUGUSTA — For state Rep. Diane Russell, D-Portland, it’s not a matter of if Maine will legalize marijuana for recreational use, but how it will do so. Also now at stake is whether Maine voters will get to weigh in this year or next. Russell and state Rep. Mark Dion, D-Portland, both have bills before […]
Posted inMaine
LePage vetoes ‘fair pint’ bill
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s governor has vetoed a bill that sought to ensure that any pint of beer sold in the state would be 16 ounces. Supporters of state Sen. John Patrick’s measure contend that some establishments use shorter glasses for beer they advertise as pints. Patrick, a Rumford Democrat, said Mainers should get what […]
Posted inBusiness
LePage administration wants to deregulate Maine’s lodging
AUGUSTA — The governor wants to level the playing field between formal lodging places and homeowners who rent out rooms, homes or cabins to travelers, not by licensing the homes, but by de-regulating all hospitality businesses. The comment by Holly Lusk, senior health policy adviser for Gov. Paul LePage, was made Monday morning during a public […]