AUGUSTA — The union representing Maine’s prison guards has asked legislators to support the purchase of “stab vests” for its members after a fatal inmate stabbing at the Warren prison. James Mackie, staff representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, on Wednesday presented a letter to the chairmen of the Criminal […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bear baiting ban has enough signatures for fall referendum
AUGUSTA — The stage is set for a likely November battle over the state’s bear hunting practices as Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap on Wednesday certified 63,626 signatures gathered by referendum supporters as valid. By law, those seeking to put a question on the November ballot needed to gather 57,277 signatures. The question that will […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine House rejects early voting bill
AUGUTSA — Maine’s Democratic-controlled House has rejected a measure that would establish a process allowing towns to create in-person early voting systems. The House voted 87-57 in favor of the bill, falling short of the two-thirds support needed to pass a proposed constitutional amendment. Supporters say many Mainers vote using absentee ballots prior to elections, […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
LePage wants Maine to become a national leader in maple syrup
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that Maine’s maple syrup industry could become a national leader if more people understood that there is substantial money to be made from one of Maine’s most abundant natural resources. “This is an industry that Maine could be leading America in,” said LePage after ceremonially tapping a maple […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
GOP leadership offers alternatives to expanding Medicaid in Maine
AUGUSTA — Republicans who oppose a proposal to expand Medicaid under the federal health care say many Mainers have an alternative: Buying cheap private plans on the exchange with tax credits. But critics say those making less than roughly $12,000 a year won’t receive help to pay for plans on the exchange. According to the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislature rejects bill banning fake guns in Maine schools
AUGUSTA — Maine’s Democratic-controlled Legislature has rejected a bill that would have banned BB guns and non-firing replica firearms in schools. The House accepted the majority recommendation of the Education Committee on Wednesday that the bill not pass. The Senate took the same action earlier this week. Supporters say officers could easily mistake the realistic-looking […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
DHHS fires head of Riverview Psychiatric Center
AUGUSTA — Riverview Psychiatric Center Superintendent Mary Louise McEwen has been terminated after five years on the job, according to Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew. “In evaluating where Riverview Psychiatric Center is today and our vision for the hospital moving forward, I felt that a change in leadership gave us the […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Lawmakers to debate Maine’s wind energy goals in hearing
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers are examining a bill that would remove the state’s megawatt wind energy targets and replace them with goals to expand economic opportunities and lower electricity costs through wind power. The Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday on the bill introduced by Republican Rep. Lance Harvell of […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Maine social worker to testify about challenges of aging
WASHINGTON — A Maine social worker will testify in front of a U.S. Senate panel about the struggles facing the state’s aging population. Dixie Shaw will travel to the U.S. capital to share her first-hand experience as the director of Hunger and Relief Services for Catholic Charities in Caribou, Maine. She will testify in front […]
Posted inMaine
LePage and Legislature exchange jabs over Maine supplemental budget
Just before lawmakers on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee started public hearings on everything from cutting spending to raising taxes, LePage announced he would soon unveil a plan to restore $21 million to the state’s budget stabilization fund. Commonly known as the “rainy day fund,” LePage has said lawmakers inappropriately raided it when they voted to […]