WASHINGTON — U.S. safety regulators have fined General Motors $35 million for delays in recalling small cars with faulty ignition switches that are linked to at least 13 deaths. It’s the maximum penalty that the government can impose and the first time an automaker has been fined that much. But the amount is less than […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine’s income revenue declines as expected
AUGUSTA — Many states, particularly along the Eastern Seaboard, are entering budget crisis mode as a result of eroding income tax collections. Maine is seeing a similar trend, but no crisis is expected here. Michael Allen, director of research and econometrics for Maine Revenue Services, said the state’s income tax receipts were more than 15 […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Alexander Group releases welfare report recommending changes
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday released a much-anticipated study by a controversial consultant, which presented analysis of and recommendations for the state’s welfare programs. The 228-page analysis was the result of months of work by the Rhode Island-based Alexander Group, which received a $925,000 no-bid contract for consulting […]
Posted inAdvertiser Democrat, Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, Oxford Hills
LePage honors Norway businesswoman
LePage was there to honor Suzanne Grover, a co-owner of Grover Gundrilling and one of the original backers of the Oxford Casino, and to congratulate Grover on being named the Oxford Hills Distinguished Citizen for 2014 by the Boy Scouts. “Suzanne is an incredible lady,” LePage said. “No. 1, she’s a real friend.” LePage said […]
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Candidates for governor hold conflicting views on minimum wage
LEWISTON — Everybody knows the saying, “It’s the economy, stupid.” That infamous phrase, coined by political strategist James Carville as he helped Bill Clinton become president in 1992, is as pertinent as ever. The candidates running for governor certainly know it’s true, but how they would go about fixing the economy and improving the financial […]
Posted inMaine
Remaining four parts of nearly $1 million welfare study all past due
AUGUSTA — The final portion of a controversial five-part study of the state’s welfare system that’s costing Maine taxpayers $925,200 is due Thursday, but, according to state officials, only the first part of the study — due Dec. 1, 2013 — has been turned in. Maine has paid the Rhode Island-based Alexander Group $501,760, more […]
Posted inMaine
Maine blocks EBT cards at 44 ATMs in strip clubs, bars and liquor stores
AUGUSTA — Continuing its efforts to block the use of welfare benefits on prohibited products or services, Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s administration announced Monday that it has blocked the use of state-issued electronic benefit transfer cards at 44 ATM locations across Maine. Examples of ATMs in strip joints, liquor stores, night clubs and bars were […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine State Troopers Association endorses Michaud for governor
PORTLAND — The Maine State Troopers Association, which made no endorsement for governor in 2010, is endorsing Democrat Mike Michaud in the three-way race. Union President Aaron Turcotte said Monday that Michaud was selected over incumbent Republican Gov. Paul LePage and independent Eliot Cutler because he possesses the core principles of troopers — “integrity, fairness, […]
Posted inMaine
Bear control is a matter of numbers, say both sides
What would happen if the referendum passed? And how do some states control bears without using the techniques some here abhor? Randy Cross has been Maine’s chief bear biologist for more than 30 years. If the referendum passes this time, he foresees an immediate increase in the number of bears, one that’s likely to also […]
Posted inLetters
In rebuttal, S. Tetenman: Extremists on both sides
In his guest column (May 4), Stavros Mendros stated “the hate and obsession of certain Democratic leaders and extremist groups has gone too far” and that “their leadership and their party has been hijacked by extremists.” Perhaps he neglected to look in the mirror, because surely he should say the same of the Republican Party. […]