AUGUSTA — As lawmakers scramble to finish up this week, not everyone is impressed with what they’ve done. Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, pointed out the other day that the 186 members of the Legislature collectively churn out enough warmth from their own bodies to power about 38 homes. That, he said, “may very well be […]
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State
Maine’s food sovereignty law touted as nationwide first
With a stroke of his pen, Gov. Paul LePage last week enacted landmark legislation putting Maine in the forefront of the food sovereignty movement. LePage signed LD 725, An Act to Recognize Local Control Regarding Food Systems, Friday legitimizing the authority of towns and communities to enact ordinances regulating local food distribution free from state […]
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State
House blocks statewide teacher contract proposal sought by Paul LePage
AUGUSTA — A proposal to allow the state to negotiate a uniform teacher contract throughout Maine fell short in the House on Tuesday. By an 80-68 vote, lawmakers declined to create a pilot program that would let school districts choose to rely on a contract the state would negotiate with teachers. Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort […]
Posted inLocal & State
Lawmakers oppose plan to create safe centers for drug addicts
AUGUSTA — A seemingly radical idea to create a couple of places where drug-addicted Mainers could go to shoot up in safety drew passionate debate from lawmakers who ultimately turned down the idea. Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, said the notion of creating a safe, secure place for addicts to take prohibited drugs legally might seem […]
Posted inLocal & State
Maine lawmakers to vote on slew of vetoes but no budget
AUGUSTA — Wednesday marks the statutory adjournment date for the Legislature, which means that’s the day that was set months ago for lawmakers to wrap up their work. To go beyond that day will require a vote of the Legislature, a routine matter which in the past has caused controversy. Lawmakers are not paid salaries for […]
Posted inLocal & State
Paul LePage rejoins Maine budget fight as shutdown fears grow
AUGUSTA — Five months and 10 days after he floated a two-year budget proposal largely ignored by the Legislature, Gov. Paul LePage has muscled his way back into their stalled and dysfunctional budget process with the state as close as it’s been to a shutdown during his tenure. Senate President Mike Thibodeau, R-Winterport, said Friday morning […]
Posted inLocal & State
Legislators turn to small group of lawmakers for budget deal
AUGUSTA (AP) — A small group of lawmakers has the task of coming up with a budget deal over the next few days and averting a government shutdown at the peak of the state’s tourism season. Lawmakers have arrived at a deadlock on education funding after months of deliberation, and negotiations over a final budget […]
Posted inLocal & State
Gov. Paul LePage vetoes ‘politically motivated power grab’
AUGUSTA — Frustrated that some executive branch officials have ignored requests by lawmakers to offer testimony and advice, the Legislature recently passed a measure that would compel commissioners to show up when called. Calling it “a politically motivated power grab,” Gov. Paul LePage vetoed the proposal Monday. “Too often, legislators use public hearings for the […]
Posted inLocal & State
Democrats, hoping to avert shutdown, send Maine budget to special panel
AUGUSTA — Democrats in the Maine House of Representatives advanced their two-year budget proposal on Monday, but it was merely a procedural move that pushed the Legislature closer to a little-used process that will place the budget in the hands of a new panel. It likely means that a committee of three Republicans and three […]
Posted inLocal & State
By a single vote, House knocks out bill sought by pro-life activists
AUGUSTA — By a single vote, the House Friday opposed a measure that would allow the family of a viable fetus at least 24 weeks old who dies before birth to bring a wrongful death suit. Opponents worry the proposal is meant to jam a foot in the door by abortion foes in the hope […]