Maine Legislature Archives - Lewiston Sun Journal

At the Legislature: National Invasive Species Awareness Week

by By Sen. Jim Dill February 22, 2019February 28, 2019

Invasive species at best are perennial pests and at worst can cause real, lasting harm to the environment and the economy.

Local & State, News, Politics

Flaws in Maine’s child protection system frustrate frontline workers, report says

by Scott Thistle February 22, 2019February 23, 2019

Caseworkers in the child protective services system are overburdened, lack support and training, and struggle with outdated systems that force them to do work on their own time, the Legislature’s watchdog agency finds.

Local & State, Politics, Schools & Education

Lawmakers say state should take back full cost of teacher retirement to ease burden on school districts

by Noel K. Gallagher February 21, 2019February 21, 2019

Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, says reversing the budgeting change by former Gov. Paul LePage would provide ‘one of the most direct forms of property tax relief.’

Business, Local & State, News, Politics

Legislators may ease path to job licensing to bolster opportunity in Maine

by Steve Collins February 21, 2019February 21, 2019

New Mainers are especially likely to wind up underemployed when state won’t recognize foreign credentials.

Local & State, Politics, Schools & Education

Maine bill would prevent schools from shaming students over unpaid lunch debt

by Noel K. Gallagher February 20, 2019February 21, 2019

The Maine School Nutrition Association is opposing the bill, saying it would encourage nonpayment by parents who know their kids will be fed regardless of what they owe.

Business, Local & State, Politics

Bill to prohibit Maine communities from banning short-term rentals draws fire

by Peter McGuire February 20, 2019February 21, 2019

Opponents at a State House hearing say preventing towns and cities from enacting rules governing short-term rentals would be an overreach of state authority.

Local & State, Politics

Bill calls for amendment to prevent Maine voters from passing tax increases

by Scott Thistle February 20, 2019February 20, 2019

Supporters of the measure to amend the state constitution say out-of-state special interest groups are using the referendum process to raise taxes with ballot questions that voters don’t understand.