Former state Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett is an attorney and former chairman of the Maine Democratic Party.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine cities and towns may get the chance to collect local sales taxes
The Legislature’s Taxation Committee narrowly approved a bill to let municipalities add a 1 percent tax on sales of meals and lodgings.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Committee’s split shows details will be key to legalizing sports betting
Debates are likely on the floor of the Legislature over a bill to allow online wagering, set a 2-tiered tax rate and allow on-premises betting at 11 locations.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools & Education
Lawmakers seek to track, reduce schools’ use of restraint and seclusion
A recent report by the nonprofit Disability Rights Maine found that use of physical restraint or seclusion jumped 60% in 4 years in Maine schools.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools & Education
Senate vote sends bill to end vaccine exemptions to governor’s desk
A recent measles case in Maine was cited by both supporters and opponents of the measure to end all non-medical exemptions to school-required vaccinations.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Fate of bill to require greenhouse gas study of CMP project in question
Although the bill received initial approval, it will need more lawmakers on final passage to impact the regulatory review of CMP’s controversial transmission line proposal.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Senate passes bill to allow more medical professionals to perform abortions
The measure, which passed 19-16 with largely Democratic support, was previously approved by the House and has the backing of Gov. Janet Mills.
Posted inMaine, Nation / World, News, Politics
‘Red flag’ gun bill gets narrow support from key legislative committee
The proposal would let police temporarily take firearms from people deemed by a judge to be a threat to themselves or others.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Panel hears arguments on conflicting bills to direct immigration enforcement in Maine
One would push police to work more closely with federal authorities, while the other would prohibit them from enforcing federal immigration law.
Posted inNation / World, News, Politics
Trump abruptly ends meeting with Democrats after Pelosi says he’s ‘engaged in a coverup’
The president and Democratic leaders were to discuss a $2 billion infrastructure plan but, alluding to Pelosi’s remarks, Trump said he couldn’t work ‘under these circumstances.’