For the People Act would be the largest overhaul of U.S. voting procedures in a generation, but is expected to be blocked.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Lawmakers take up Mills’ updated budget, as Republicans seek leverage
Gov. Janet Mills says she’d like two-thirds support in the Legislature, which would require votes from Republicans who will seek changes in the budget package.
Ethics commission again behind closed doors in CMP transmission line case
The state campaign finance watchdog agency is shielding the name of a political consultant as it considers whether a nonprofit formed to oppose a powerline project should be registered as a PAC.
U.S. Catholic bishops move toward possible rebuke of Biden over abortion stance
Supporters said a strong rebuke of the president was needed because of his recent actions protecting and expanding abortion access, while opponents warned that such action would portray the bishops as a partisan force.
Maine adopts new voting access law, including student ID use
Maine has approved a suite of rule changes designed to make the process of voting in elections go more smoothly.
Bill to form consumer-owned utility rejected by a single vote in Maine Senate
The measure, which called for consumer purchase of Central Maine Power and Versant Power, cleared the Senate in a preliminary vote but was turned away on final enactment.
Democrats preparing infrastructure plan that extends to Medicare, immigration
The Biden administration is embarking on a 2-pronged strategy: reviewing a nearly $1 trillion plan from a group of 21 senators, including 11 Republicans, while pursuing their own priorities in a more substantial package.
Bill to allow tribes to open gambling facilities moves ahead in Legislature
Tribal members believe the right to operate a gambling business is a matter of sovereignty. It’s unclear whether Gov. Janet Mills will support the measure.
Maine House votes to shift some recycling costs to producers
Maine might become the first state to adopt a program sometimes called ‘extended producer responsibility,’ which has been used in Canada and Europe.
No hugs, no barbs: A ‘practical work’ summit for Biden and Putin
The two leaders agree to return their chief diplomats to Moscow and Washington, and to start work on a plan to solidify their countries’ last remaining treaty limiting nuclear weapons.