FAYETTE — It has been an unforgettable winter for Maine towns, which have struggled to keep up with the never-ending parade of ice and snowstorms, with large doses of cold weather thrown in. An ice storm in late December crippled the region, causing massive power outages just in time for Christmas and treacherous roads. “That […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Ethics office director says Maine House Speaker does not have conflict of interest
AUGUSTA — The head of Maine’s ethics commission says Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves’ support of a bill to expand Medicaid coverage under the federal health care law is not a conflict of interest. Jonathan Wayne, executive director of the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, says in a letter to Eves that the […]
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Maine’s chief justice supports drug courts and e-filing
AUGUSTA — Chief Justice Leigh Saufley urged lawmakers Tuesday to support the governor’s proposals to replace the court system’s outdated computer system to improve efficiency and to provide greater access to court documents. She also urged them to bolster resources to fight drug and alcohol addiction. Saufley said during her State of the Judiciary address that […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine House OKs 1-year moratorium on virtual charter schools
AUGUSTA — The Democratic-controlled Maine House has given initial approval to a bill that would put a moratorium on the creation of virtual charter schools in the state until next year. In a 94-51 vote Tuesday, the House endorsed the bill that would put a halt to virtual charter schools until the state comes up […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage has until midnight to veto $40 million revenue sharing bill
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has until midnight Tuesday to decide whether he will sign, veto or allow a bill that restores about $40 million in revenue sharing to Maine cities and towns to pass into law without his signature. The bill, which passed on veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate earlier in February, […]
Posted inMaine
Maine GOP state senators introduce Medicaid expansion bill
AUGUSTA — A pair of Republican state senators rolled out a bill Tuesday that would expand the state’s Medicaid program, MaineCare, a proposal that so far has been largely opposed by Republican Gov. Paul LePage and rank-and-file members of the party. State Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, and Senate Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
LePage asks Legislature for jail money
Related: State to re-examine property tax cap for jail funding AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage wants Maine’s jails to get the money they need. In a one-page letter to legislative leaders and members of the Appropriations Committee, the governor expressed his wish that money be set aside to keep all 15 county jails operating. “The financial […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
State to re-examine property tax cap for jail funding
Related: LePage asks Legislature for jail money AUGUSTA — A six-year-old cap on property taxpayers’ share of county jail costs may be cracking as lawmakers search for more money. Members of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee put counties on notice Monday that the cap, which froze county spending on jails at 2008 levels and passed on […]
Posted inMaine
Democratic lawmakers renew call for cancellation of Alexander Group contract
AUGUSTA — Democratic leaders on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday were again calling on Gov. Paul LePage’s administration to cancel its nearly $1 million contract with a Rhode Island-based consultant. Democrats noted, so far, the state has paid the Alexander Group $378,000 for the five-part study of the state’s welfare programs, […]
Posted inMaine
Maine legislative panel agrees to expand access to heroin overdose drug
AUGUSTA — A bill that Republican Gov. Paul LePage believes encourages a false sense of security for drug addicts but one that advocates say will save lives was approved by the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on a 7-4, party-line vote Monday. LD 1686, legalizes broader possession and administration of naloxone hydrochloride by a […]