WASHINGTON (AP) — Gay rights advocates from both parties are newly upbeat about the prospects for Senate passage of legislation that would bar employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The outlook for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act reflects the nation’s growing tolerance of homosexuality and the GOP’s political […]
politics
Posted inFranklin, Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, Oxford Hills, River Valley
Election Day 2013: Early voting low
Turner Deputy Town Clerk Joyce Moulin didn’t have to think twice when asked how many voters requested absentee ballots in her town. “Not very many,” she said Friday. That’s 23. Last year, during the presidential election, 500 voters in Turner asked for ballots ahead of time. The statewide deadline for regular absentee requests closed Thursday […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine expects low voter turnout on Tuesday
PORTLAND — Maine’s top election official says voter turnout next week will likely be on the low side, as expected in an election with no candidates on the statewide ballot. Instead, state voters will have their say on five bonds. The borrowing projects totaling about $150 million would fund maintenance and improvements for the state’s […]
Posted inMaine
Republican lawmaker to get another chance to introduce human-trafficking bill
AUGUSTA — A bill that would allow Maine courts to vacate prostitution convictions from the records of those who are victims of human trafficking is likely to get another chance. Lawmakers on Maine’s Legislative Council rejected the bill in a 6-4 vote earlier this week as they attempted to sort more than 400 bills that […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmakers want DEP to meet dam deadlines
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers want more scrutiny of the Department of Environmental Protection after the agency missed deadlines several deadlines for the relicensing of dams in Maine. The Portland Press-Herald reports a bill unanimously approved by the Legislative Council would require the agency to report to the Legislature on upcoming relicensing deadlines and make sure there […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Three legislators support Portland pot referendum
PORTLAND — At least three Maine legislators from Portland are endorsing a citizen’s initiative seeking to legalize recreational possession of marijuana in the city. Reps. Benjamin Chipman, Matthew Moonen and Diane Russell are holding a news conference Friday expressing their support for the ballot question in next Tuesday’s election. The owner of a cupcake company […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
LePage leads Maine trade delegation to Colombia after Mexico
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s five-day trade mission aimed at expanding opportunities for Maine businesses is moving on to Colombia. The Republican governor and the Maine delegation are resuming meetings on Thursday after arriving in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday. They finished up their trip in Mexico on Tuesday night with a reception in Mexico City. […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
FAA loosens rules for device use on planes
WASHINGTON — Airline passengers will be able to use their electronic devices gate-to-gate to read, work, play games, watch movies and listen to music — but not talk on their cellphones — under much-anticipated guidelines issued Thursday by the Federal Aviation Administration. But passengers shouldn’t expect changes to happen right away, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston School Committee: Two newcomers compete for open seat
Third of five stories about the Lewiston School Committee races in the Nov. 5 election. Next: incumbent ZamZam Mohamud is challenged by Cindy Mendros for the at-large seat. LEWISTON — Voters in Ward 6, which includes the areas of outer Lisbon Street and Grove Street will decide which of two newcomers they want to represent […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Anti-pot campaign pops up in Portland
PORTLAND — Roadside campaign signs have begun appearing in Portland expressing opposition to a ballot question seeking to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Voters in Portland are being asked next Tuesday whether they want to make it legal for adults 21 and older to possess — but not purchase or sell — up to 2.5 […]