At a public hearing Friday, critics highlighted a range of proposed changes likely to go before voters in November, including restrictions on absentee voting.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Susan Collins cites ‘serious objections’ to Trump’s budget, plans ‘aggressive’ hearing schedule
She is among several Republican senators who criticized the president’s proposal for military spending Friday, as well as proposed cuts to non-military programs.
Maine settles lawsuit against USDA over $3 million in school funds
The Department of Agriculture agreed it will not interfere with Maine school funding based on alleged Title IX violations without following the proper procedure, according to a settlement announced Friday.
Mainers join in nationwide protests against Trump administration
Hundreds of people in Portland and other cities across the state joined protests that also marked May Day, which commemorates the historic triumphs and trials of the labor movement internationally.
Maine’s state revenues expected to level off, then decline in future years
Revenues are expected to increase slightly in the current year, followed by a slight decrease over the next two years.
Electric vehicle owners may have to pay a $250 annual fee in Maine
Maine is among a minority of states that do not charge electric vehicle registration fees, though that could change with a proposal currently before lawmakers.
What do Canada’s election results mean for Maine?
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in his victory speech that Canada’s relationship with America ‘is over,’ exacerbating concerns among Maine officials and businesses about the impacts a widening international divide will have on the state’s economy.
Sen. Collins leads hearing on ‘harmful’ Trump cuts to scientific research
The Senate Appropriations Committee, which the Maine senator chairs, hears from top scientists affected by the cuts, including a researcher from Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.
In Senate speech, Angus King invokes Margaret Chase Smith’s ‘Declaration,’ warns of current ‘crisis’
Citing Smith’s 1950 ‘Declaration of Conscience’ address, King said the issue is not President Donald Trump’s agenda, but his apparent attempts to centralize power, including by ‘ignoring the Constitution’ and the rule of law.
Camden lawmaker proposes increase in state fines for improper pesticide use
The bill, submitted in response to a high-profile case in 2022, would raise fines from $1,500 per violation to $25,000 — and more if the violator is shown to have benefited or committed prior violations.