Lawmakers complete work on the bipartisan budget several days before the Legislature’s scheduled adjournment, unlike 2 years ago, when political fighting led to a brief government shutdown.
Maine Legislature
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects bill to increase estate tax
The 70-75 vote against lowering the excluded amount from $5.6 million to $2 million comes after a short debate.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Proposal to study public power options for Maine moves forward
A bill to create a statewide, consumer-owned electric utility is carried over until next year, pending a study to be led by the Maine PUC.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Legislature approves new state budget of nearly $8 billion
The 2-year spending package includes many, but not all, of the initiatives proposed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, and lawmakers from both parties speak of a new level of civility in Maine government.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House kills bill to require background checks for private gun sales
The measure would have required private gun sellers to obtain background checks on buyers from federally licensed firearms dealers.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Senate says ‘no’ to letting cities and towns levy their own sales taxes
But the House votes later Thursday to narrow the bill to allow only a 1% tax on lodging, in hopes of attracting additional Senate votes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects giving towns ‘local control’ over guns in polling places
The legislation would have allowed towns to set their own policies regarding whether guns could be carried at public meetings or in polling locations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Committee gives strong endorsement to state budget totaling nearly $8 billion
Gov. Janet Mills calls the Appropriations Committee’s vote on the 2-year spending package a forward-looking compromise.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
New Maine law will allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with medication
Gov. Janet Mills acknowledges a ‘moral dilemma’ as she signs the bill to legalize medication-assisted suicide.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
In reversal, Maine House endorses national popular vote bill
But the measure faces more votes to determine whether Maine should join other states that hope to drop the Electoral College in choosing the president.