State Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford calls for limits on how much lenders can charge for short-term loans to hard-pressed Mainers.
Maine Legislature
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
In late-night deal, lawmakers agree on budget bill providing tax relief to Maine businesses
An agreement to add $8 million to the state’s rainy day fund and study the impact of extending tax cuts on income from exporting products tied to intellectual assets helped shore up Republican support in the House.
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Maine Senate rejects attempt to end COVID-19 state of emergency
Republicans have been pushing since last spring to rein in Gov. Janet Mills’ emergency powers during the pandemic, arguing lawmakers should have a seat at the table.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Lawmakers, including some Democrats, worry Maine’s solar policies too generous
Bills that would trim or roll back incentive programs for solar energy installations face a public hearing Tuesday.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
House Democrats defeat effort to rescind Gov. Mills’ emergency powers
Republicans have been trying since last spring to rein in Mills’ powers, and said the Legislature’s return to Augusta means it is time to reassert checks and balances in the state’s COVID-19 response.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects bill to bring back old state flag
While many consumers have adopted the older version known as the ‘1901 flag,’ legislators appeared uninterested in swapping Maine’s traditional flag emblazoned with the state seal.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Senate passes budget bill with tax exemption for business relief loans
Two Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the measure, which would exempt businesses from paying state taxes on federal Paycheck Protection Program loans, but it faces a stiffer test in the House.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Deal on state tax exemption implodes as Republicans balk at supplemental budget
Democrats support a bill to reduce tax liability for businesses and individuals who received federal COVID-19 relief loans or benefits, but Republicans are pushing for more.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Legislative panel votes to keep Maine’s ban on plastic shopping bags
Enforcement of the law has been temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill seeks to ban the use of aerial herbicides in Maine forests
Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, a logger and the bill’s sponsor, said aerial application of glyphosate and other herbicides has caused irreversible environmental damage.