The new rules will allow asylum seekers to apply for welfare benefits known as General Assistance, which the governor says is consistent with the intent of a 2015 state law that the administration of former Gov. Paul LePage narrowly interpreted.
janet mills
Mills comes out against ‘foolish’ federal regulations to protect right whales
The governor is directing the Department of Marine Resources to come up with an alternative to a federal plan to reduce the Maine lobster industry’s impact on endangered right whales.
Republican lawmakers and Mills spar over nursing home funding
The legislators criticize the governor for delaying action on a funding bill, but the Democrat says it would have set reimbursement rates too high to qualify for federal matching funds.
Legal sports betting gets scratched, at least for now, as governor puts legislation on hold
Gov. Janet Mills says she held 39 measures because of technical problems, conflicts with existing laws or concerns about costs.
E-cigarette tax, help for craft brewers on governor’s desk
With little fanfare, Maine lawmakers passed major bills, including a new tax on electronic smoking devices, in the waning hours of the 2019 session.
Maine’s adult-use marijuana industry will have the strictest residency rules in the nation
With Gov. Janet Mills’ signature, Maine finally has rules for recreational marijuana market.
State gets to work on new economic development plan
Despite troubling demographics and other potential pitfalls, Maine aims to create a 10-year road map to a better economic future.
‘Wasn’t a bad session’ in Augusta for business, says state chamber
Gov. Janet Mills and the Democratic-controlled Legislature proved willing to both listen and compromise on potentially tough issues for Maine’s business community, chamber executives said.
‘People’s veto’ campaigns target new Maine abortion and vaccination laws
The groups behind the campaigns want voters to decide on laws that require insurers to cover abortion and that eliminate broad exemptions for childhood vaccinations.
Gov. Mills signs 4 bills to reduce medication prices, including buying from Canada
One new law – subject to federal approval – would let Maine act as a wholesaler to import prescription drugs from Canada.