AUGUSTA — The federal government says more than 25,000 Maine residents have picked health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, surpassing the target set by President Barack Obama’s administration for the entire enrollment period that ends this month. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that 25,412 Maine residents selected plans […]
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LePage proposes referendum that asks if voters want to lower taxes
AUGUSTA — Maine Gov. Paul LePage wants to ask voters whether the state should lower taxes and reduce government spending. The Republican governor introduced a bill on Tuesday for the state to hold a referendum in June asking voters if they favor lowering income tax rates, implementing alternative taxes and reducing overall tax revenues and […]
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LePage wants to add 22 positions to fight drug trafficking in Maine
The Republican governor set combating drug crimes as a high priority during his State of the State address in February. The plan is estimated to cost $3 million. “To me, this is not about money,” LePage said. “This is about our people.” Flanked by law enforcement officers from around the state, LePage again detailed the […]
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LePage bill to change Maine’s wind-energy policy moves tentatively forward
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s initiative to overhaul Maine’s wind-energy production goals to require ratepayer benefits and manufacturing jobs gained tentative approval in the Legislature’s Energy Committee on Friday. But the bill, LD 1791, sponsored by state Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, saw significant revisions, including allowing a section of current law to stand, prior to […]
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UMaine System to cut 165 full-time positions
AUGUSTA — The University of Maine System will cut up to 165 full-time positions in the budget year that begins in July and would be forced to cut another 95 positions on top of that under across-the-board cuts under consideration in the Legislature. University of Maine System Chancellor James Page told the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee […]
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Bill aimed at protecting water quality for Maine lakes moves forward
AUGUSTA — A legislative committee approved a bill Thursday that aims to further protect water quality for 3,000 of the state’s largest lakes. Among other things, LD 1744, authored by Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, tightens regulations around the application of lawn fertilizers and pesticides. The measure also directs the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to […]
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Maine House OKs tribal casino bills
AUGUSTA — Maine’s American Indian tribes that have long seen gambling as the remedy for high unemployment and sluggish economic growth in their communities are a step closer to being able to operate casinos after winning initial approval in the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday. After several hours of debate, the House voted to overturn the […]
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Collins files petitions to qualify for re-election bid
PORTLAND — Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who’s seeking a fourth term, has filed her nominating petitions with Maine elections officials. Major party candidates for U.S. Senate are required to file 2,000 certified signatures by March 17. By submitting hers on Thursday, Collins beat Democrat Shenna Bellows to qualify for the ballot. In 2008, Collins outpolled […]
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Governor finds money to restore rainy day fund
AUGUSTA — Details of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to restore about $21 million to Maine’s so-called “rainy day fund” trickled out Thursday. Lawmakers used the $21 million to fund revenue-sharing to towns and cities. LePage has said the state must replenish the rainy day account to its prior level of $60 million to avoid […]
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Legislature passes bill that would put a hold on virtual charter schools
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate has given final approval to a bill that would place a moratorium on virtual charter schools in the state. The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Langley was enacted by a 24-11 vote on Thursday. It will now be sent to Republican Gov. Paul LePage, where it faces a likely […]