AUGUSTA (AP) – A legislative leader from New Jersey is in Maine’s capital to find out more about the state’s system of publicly financed campaigns, known as the Clean Elections system.

New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Roberts Jr. met Tuesday with Maine House Speaker Patrick Colwell to discuss Maine’s system, which Colwell has used in his own campaigns since it was authorized by voter initiative in 1996.

Baldacci eases benefit rules

AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill Tuesday that eases the standards for receiving disability retirement benefits under the Maine State Retirement System, the pension system for state and other public employees.

Rep. Ben Dudley’s bill addresses employees at the lower end of the income scale. Those at the higher end would not be affected, the Portland Democrat said. The measure, which takes effect 90 days after its signing, is not retroactive.

Lawmaker joins U.S. senator’s staff

AUGUSTA (AP) – A veteran member and former leader in the Maine House of Representatives is joining the staff of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

Rep. Thomas Murphy Jr. has served 16 years in the House since the early 1980s representing the Kennebunk area, including three terms as Republican floor leader. The retired teacher also owned a book publishing company and newspaper before they were sold in 1990.

Murphy will serve as Collins’ state office representative for York County, working from her Biddeford office, Collins announced.

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