LEWISTON — Gov. Paul LePage stopped by Hope Haven Gospel Mission on Monday to speak with reporters about his administration’s decision to require some of the state’s food stamp recipients to work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week. On Monday, LePage said the proposal to require “able-bodied” adults receiving federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Battle for control of Maine Legislature heating up
AUGUSTA — The battle for control of the Maine House and Senate is shaping up as the parties put the final touches on their slate of candidates. Parties have until Monday to submit replacements for candidates who have dropped out since the June 10 primary. But dozens of contests are already being closely watched as […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Immigration becomes an issue in Maine governor’s race
AUGUSTA — The debate over immigration is raging in the three-person race for governor in Maine, far from where an influx of central American youth is crossing the nation’s southern border. Republican Gov. Paul LePage sharply criticized the federal government this week for placing eight immigrant children in Maine without advising him and his campaign […]
Posted inMaine
MaineCare ride program offers bonuses to workers who stay as contract ends
LEWISTON — The company that lost the state contract to broker rides for MaineCare patients after thousands of complaints and missed pickups has offered bonuses to employees who stay on and keep answering the phones through next week. At least one lawmaker wants to know who’s paying for it. Coordinated Transportation Solutions’ $28 million, yearlong […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gun violence group endorses Cutler for Maine governor
PORTLAND — Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence is endorsing independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler, with long-time board member Bill Harwood touting Cutler’s decision not to shy away from the issue. Cutler supports background checks on all gun sales, calling it a commonsense measure to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. But he isn’t […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
PUC approves giant wind deal — again
HALLOWELL — A deal to pump hundreds of millions of dollars into construction of wind energy projects in Maine and across the Northeast has been approved by Maine’s utility regulators. Tuesday’s vote by the Public Utilities Commission was the second time the agency approved the deal to create a joint venture owned by First Wind […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Michaud campaign has more cash than LePage, Cutler campaigns
AUGUSTA — Mike Michaud continues to outpace his two gubernatorial opponents in the money race as the campaigns heat up leading into August. According to the most recent campaign finance reports filed with the state Tuesday night, the Democrat’s total fundraising has netted more than $1.9 million for the campaign to date. With more than […]
Posted inLetters
C. Swanton: Have to blame Obama
This is in response to a letter from Norman Smith (July 12). He blamed George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Colin Powell for the U.S. war with Iraq. But unlike President Obama, who bypasses Congress regularly, President Bush asked Congress for the authority for action in Iraq. He received almost unanimous approval from the House […]
Posted inMaine
ACA proponent: Ruling ‘nothing to panic about’
News Update: ACA to continue subsidies as courts contradict each other Despite a pair of dueling court rulings Tuesday — one that said people cannot use government tax breaks to buy health insurance through federally run Affordable Care Act marketplaces and one that said they can — proponents of the health care reform law said […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
ACA to continue subsidies as courts contradict each other
What this means for Maine: ACA proponents say ruling shouldn’t be reason to panic A divided court panel in Washington called into question the subsidies that help millions of low- and middle-income people pay their premiums, saying financial aid can be paid only in states that have set up their own insurance markets, or exchanges. About […]