AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Over the last decade, the Maine Legislature has received two complaints of sexual misconduct or harassment against legislators, records obtained Thursday by The Associated Press through a public records request show. Both complaints were against House lawmakers. The Maine Senate has not received any such complaints since 2008. The Maine Legislature’s […]
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State
Bill could pave way for driverless buses in Maine
A bill before the Legislature would help set the stage for putting self-driving buses on the streets of Portland and other Maine communities within the next five years. The proposal, sparked by the Portland city manager’s interest in autonomous transit, is the first piece of Maine legislation to deal specifically with self-driving vehicles, according to […]
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Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Lawmakers begin looking for ways to fund Maine’s share of Medicaid expansion
AUGUSTA — Surpluses expected in the next two-year budget cycle could provide a starting point for funding the state’s share of Medicaid expansion, but it isn’t clear whether lawmakers would agree to use that money, or whether Gov. Paul LePage would veto such a move. But the state’s share of expanding the health insurance program […]
Posted inLocal & State
Legislative committee tries crafting a compromise recreational marijuana bill
State lawmakers are launching a new effort to overhaul Maine’s recreational pot law in January, hoping to find a political compromise to avoid another gubernatorial veto. The committee charged with launching the state’s commercial adult-use market already has reintroduced the bill that Gov. Paul LePage vetoed last month, changing just a few of the dates […]
Posted inLocal & State
Maine’s opioid crisis task force urges lawmakers to take action in 2018
AUGUSTA — Maine needs to expand access to treatment and prevention programs and do more to stop powerful opioid drugs from being diverted from legitimate uses. It also must raise awareness among youth of the dangers of opioids and increase the number of drug courts if it hopes to stem the opioid addiction crisis that […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Paul LePage reasserts his Medicaid expansion demands in letter to lawmakers
AUGUSTA — In a forceful letter to legislative leaders Monday, Gov. Paul LePage again laid down his demands for funding a voter-approved Medicaid expansion in Maine, emphasizing his position that the estimated $60 million a year cost be paid for without any tax increases. “The Legislature must now step up and identify a way to […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State
Bickford opts to stick with the House, abandons Senate race
AUBURN — Rather than trying to step up to a state Senate seat, Rep. Bruce Bickford, R-Auburn, plans to seek re-election to the House. Bickford’s decision clears the way for Assistant House Republican Leader Ellie Espling of New Gloucester to run for the 20th District Senate seat that Republican Eric Brakey is giving up to […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Rick Mason sworn in as state rep during emotional ceremony
AUGUSTA — Surrounded by family and friends, Rep. Rick Mason was sworn in as the newest member of the Maine House of Representatives on Wednesday by Gov. Paul LePage. Mason was elected in a special election last month to represent the people of Lisbon, finishing the term started by his late wife, the Hon. Gina […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine opioid task force ready to deliver recommendations
AUGUSTA — Maine’s Task Force to Address the Opioid Crisis is due to give its recommendations to the Maine Legislature this week. The panel wrapped up its work last week, and is due to deliver its recommendations for combating the drug crisis by Wednesday. The recommendations, which have not yet been released, will focus on […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine Legislature has long to-do list when it returns in January
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers will face a long list of bills when they return to work in January – including measures to fund Medicaid expansion and approve adult-use marijuana – in a second session with a high risk of grandstanding by those who are running for higher office in the November 2018 election. More than […]