Health advocates have lauded Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal for a tax increase on cigarettes, though some businesses are concerned it could prompt people near the New Hampshire border to make purchases there instead.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Speaker of Maine House unveils bill to ease health care workforce shortage
Under the legislation, employers could pay front-line direct care workers up to 140% of the state minimum wage, or $20.51 an hour.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Retired police officer selected as new chair of Maine Republican Party
Jim Deyermond of Sanford was selected as the next chair of the Maine GOP, and Scott Rocknak was picked as party vice chair in elections over the weekend.
Posted inNation / World, Politics
Trump team questioning civil servants about their loyalty
Removal of foreign policy and national security experts could deprive Trump’s team of expertise and institutional knowledge at a time when the U.S. is grappling with challenges in Ukraine, the Mideast and beyond.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
How the pandemic ‘sugar high’ led to Maine’s budget crunch
The days of eye-popping revenue growth are over, and lawmakers face a gap of $450 million in the next budget cycle.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, News, Politics
Sen. King joins Democrats supporting bill detaining migrants accused of crimes
The new Democratic strategy is a shift from Trump’s first term when Democrats openly and aggressively fought Trump on most issues.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills’ budget would increase cigarette tax, continue free community college
The $11.6 billion 2-year budget represents a 10% spending increase and also includes a number of changes in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Posted inNation / World, Politics
Judge declines to impose punishment on Trump in hush money case
The no-penalty sentence called an unconditional discharge – no jail time, no probation and no fines – sidesteps thorny constitutional issues.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Democratic Party leader won’t seek reelection
Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake said Thursday she is stepping away for personal and professional reasons.
Posted inNation / World, Politics
Appeals court declines to block Trump’s sentencing in hush money case
The incoming president has asked the Supreme Court to call off Friday’s sentencing.