AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci is getting busier signing bills sent to him by the Legislature as the session moves toward a conclusion.

Baldacci signed into law a bill to expand the Maine Turnpike’s Authority’s revenue bonding capacity from $291 million to $361 million to help finance the toll highway’s next five- to 10-year improvement plan.

Another newly signed bill will give Maine communities incentives to set up programs to collect household hazardous wastes. Towns and cities setting up collection programs will get priority in the awarding of grants.

Fund would aid soldiers’ families

AUGUSTA (AP) – A bill to give financial help to families of Maine soldiers called to active military duty received unanimous support in the Maine House and is awaiting a final Senate vote.

The legislation would create a Maine Military Family Relief Fund. Maine residents would be able to donate to the fund through a voluntary checkoff box on their tax returns.

The bill was approved by a 135-0 tally in the House on Monday, and it was set aside for final review by the Appropriations Committee before the Senate gives it a final vote.

Supporters say the fund would generate $41,000-$61,000 a year for families of Mainers enlisted in the National Guard or Reserves who are called to military duty.

The state Military Bureau would set ground rules for who gets grants.

from the fund.

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