The two dominant political parties in Augusta finally have something they agree on — limiting the rights of voters. A bill by Sen. Eric Brakey, supported by local Sens. Nate Libby and Garrett Mason, will change the citizen referendum process to limit voter rights. Sen. Brakey has said “the constitutional rights of Maine people should […]
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State
White collar crime registry proposed to skeptical lawmakers
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers reacted skeptically Monday to a proposal to create a registry of white collar criminals. The measure, proposed by Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, would require the state to create an online, public list of offenders who have committed committed fraud or theft. They would remain on the list for 10 years to life […]
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Lawmakers weigh proposals to help ‘cold case’ families
AUGUSTA — Shortly before Thanksgiving in 1975, Linda Perkins dropped her husband off to go deer hunting in the familiar woods less than a mile from her Washington, Maine, home. Ludger Belanger, 25, set off into the newly fallen snow and was never seen again. Aside from evidence that he’d shot a deer and been […]
Posted inLocal & State
State revenue forecast looks less optimistic
AUGUSTA — Revenues to support state government will dip below previous projections this year but will pick up again in the next two years, a panel of experts decided Monday at the State House. The state’s Revenue Forecasting Committee makes recommendations in November and May of every year, which among other things help lawmakers grappling […]
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Maine agency says lottery does not take advantage of gamblers
A customer purchases a Mega Millions lottery ticket at a store in Damariscotta on July 8, 2016. AUGUSTA — A watchdog agency concluded a months-long probe Friday with the finding that the Maine Lottery Commission does not target vulnerable socio-economic populations within Maine for its more than $250 million a year in sales. The Office […]
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Gov. Paul LePage sign Maine Real ID bill into law
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill that will put Maine on track to complying with federal Real ID standards and avoiding problems for Mainers accessing federal facilities or boarding domestic flights. LePage, who had urged the Legislature to quickly pass LD 306, made the announcement Friday morning. “It is in the best interest […]
Posted inLocal & State
Maine judiciary warns against ballot question reform
AUGUSTA — Maine’s judicial branch is warning lawmakers that a proposal to reform ballot questions could jeopardize the separation of powers. Maine Public reports judicial branch spokeswoman Mary Ann Lynch took the rare step of testifying against the bill this week. Republican Sen. Eric Brakey’s bill would allow the Legislature, governor and attorney general to […]
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Legislature considers bill to strengthen sex assault laws
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it easier for victims to report sexual offenses and increase convictions for crimes that now go unpunished, according to its sponsor. Supporters of LD 654 testified before the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee earlier this month that the bill would tighten up laws surrounding […]
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State Democrats eye bond to provide $250 million for student debt relief
AUGUSTA — Hoping to lend a hand to cash-strapped young adults, Democrats are pushing for a student loan forgiveness program that would help lure recent college graduates to Maine. Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, said the “pretty bold initiative” would offer to pay off half a graduate’s student loan debt and refinance the rest at low […]
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Maine House supports time zone switch, dumping daylight saving
AUGUSTA — A bill that received preliminary approval Thursday in the Maine House of Representatives could put Maine an hour ahead of East Coast states for part of the year, though there is a growing movement among neighboring New England states to do the same. Under provisions of the bill that advanced as a result […]