University officials defend their actions surrounding the 2018 controversy to offer class credit for protesting Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination, while critics say the response went too far in pandering to Republican lawmakers.
Maine Legislature
Lawmakers endorse forming commission to study reforms to child protection system
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham, said he wants to ensure that discussions continue, and that the public gets input.
Lawmakers push for money to strengthen Maine’s mental health crisis system
A bill before the Legislature would put roughly $1.2 million toward bolstering the state’s mental health system in the hopes of freeing county jails of the burden of caring for the state’s mentally ill.
Lawmakers want to put $8.5 million toward addressing ‘crisis’ in Maine home-care industry
The proposal comes weeks after a large home-care provider for elderly and disabled people announced it will close in April, in part because of low reimbursement rates for workers.
Lawmakers reviewing 1980 agreement take up tribal gambling
One of 22 proposed changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act would allow Maine’s tribes to operate casinos under the same federal law that governs tribal gambling nationwide.
Bill would give Maine companies preference in bidding on state jobs
The measure, which was held over from 2019, would give Maine companies a second shot at bidding if they lose out to out-of-state competitors on state construction or purchasing contracts.
Internet service providers sue Maine over privacy law
The law, which passed last year and is set to take effect in July, requires companies to get opt-in consent from customers before their data can be shared.
Panel endorses bill requiring CMP to renegotiate lease along corridor route
The bill now goes to the full Legislature for consideration.
Maine Legislature considers bill to expunge some convictions from public records
The measure would largely apply to nonviolent and low-level felonies and would exclude any crimes against a child or person over age 65.
Public takeover of Maine’s electric utilities could bring higher rates, tax revenue losses
But the switch could lead to lower rates over 30 years, according to an analysis by independent consulting firm London Economics.