Senators were working to craft a relief package for farmers and ranchers worth some $15 billion.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Maine Senate reverses course, ends religious exemption for vaccines
The bill – expected to be signed by Gov. Mills – is one of the most controversial to move through the Legislature in recent years.
Bill to make MaineCare cover abortions headed for passage after close vote in Senate
Gov. Mills is expected to sign the measure, which the House passed last week.
Mills amends budget to include 33 more caseworkers to protect vulnerable kids
The state’s system for protecting children has come under fire since two young girls died in 2017 and 2018.
Maine police say bill that would prohibit profiling goes too far
Law enforcement officials say profiling is unacceptable but object to the costs of a measure to mandate training and require police to collect data and investigate complaints.
Chairman’s departure leaves Maine PUC with vacancy at critical time
Mark Vannoy left as chairman of the Public Utilities Commission on May 3 and Gov. Mills has yet to nominate a replacement.
Emotions flare as lawmakers debate measure to ensure that only citizens vote
A legislative committee was divided Friday over two proposals, inspired by recent events in Portland, to make Maine’s Constitution explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in the state’s elections.
DHHS says it’s making child protection reforms while seeking ‘buy-in’ from staff
Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and child welfare director Todd Landry tell lawmakers they need support from frontline workers to fix flaws in a system that contributed to the deaths of 2 children.
Opposing sides on gun bills make voices heard to lawmakers
Dozens turn out for hearings on proposals to require background checks, trigger locks and gun safes, and to loosen restrictions on the use of deadly force.
State Senate endorses bill to ban gay conversion therapy for minors
Gov. Janet Mills says she’ll sign the bill if it receives final approval in both houses.