AUGUSTA — Sen. Susan Collins’ vote against an amendment to an intelligence budget bill that would require the U.S. to tally and report civilian casualties in drone strikes has caught the attention of a national blogger who argues Collins’ early vote could put the entire 2014 Senate Intelligence Authorization Act at risk. The vote could […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmakers consider expanding pre-kindergarten programs
AUGUSTA — Proponents of expanding early childhood education opportunities in Maine lobbied the Legislature’s Education Committee on Monday in favor of a bill that would give every Maine child the opportunity for a pre-kindergarten education. While some members of the committee said they appreciated the opportunity to delve into an issue outside the constraints of […]
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LePage donor wins bid for new DHHS offices
AUGUSTA — A donor to Republican Gov. Paul LePage has been chosen by the state to develop and lease new state health department offices. Eric Cianchette’s company, ELC Management, was chosen among four bidders to build new Department of Health and Human Services offices in South Portland after the current offices’ lease in Portland expires next […]
Posted inMaine
Bill on Maine DOT business notices makes the cut for 2014 session
AUGUSTA — A bill that came about because a local business was disrupted by a road project has been approved for consideration when the Legislature reconvenes in January. State Rep. Wayne Werts, D-Auburn, appealed an earlier rejection of a bill that aims to prevent unnecessary hardships on businesses near Maine Department of Transportation construction projects. […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine allows Anthem to extend cancelled health plans
AUGUSTA — Thousands of Mainers who thought their health coverage was being canceled under the federal health care overhaul will have the chance to stay on those plans another year, state insurance regulators said Tuesday. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will give one-year renewals for health insurance plans that don’t meet the minimum standards of the […]
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Rumford lawmaker folds Legislature’s gaming commission
AUGUSTA — State Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford, has terminated the work of a special legislative commission meant to examine the economic impacts of gambling in Maine and New England. Patrick, chairman of the 20-member Gaming Commission, said the group’s work was “sidelined” when a majority of members shifted the focus. The commission was charged with […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmaker pushes statewide pre-kindergarten
AUGUSTA (AP) — A state lawmaker is urging Maine to pass legislation that would require every school district in the state to offer pre-kindergarten programs. Bill sponsor Sen. Eloise Vitelli told the Legislature’s Education Committee on Monday that early childhood education plays a critical role in determining a child’s future. The Arrowsic Democrat’s bill would […]
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Cutler accuses LePage of publishing campaign material with taxpayer money
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s publication of a 26-page booklet listing his accomplishments has triggered accusations from independent Eliot Cutler’s campaign that taxpayers are supporting his re-election bid. Peter Steele, LePage’s communications director, countered that the booklet, which he said was published last week to mark the governor’s first 1,000 days in office, does not […]
Posted inMaine, New England, sj-web
New England governors press Congress on heating oil program
BOSTON (AP) — The governors of all six New England states have signed a letter urging Congress to support a federal program aimed at helping lower-income families and seniors cover their home heating costs. The governors are asking Congress to approve $3.6 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which they describe as “a […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine attorney general backs clinic buffer zones
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s attorney general is backing an effort to defend buffer zones at health clinics, like one recently approved in Maine. Attorney General Janet Mills said she recently signed onto an amicus brief in a case reviewing a Massachusetts law creating a buffer zone around the entrances and driveways of health care clinics. […]