Bill would bar discrimination toward climate change doubters AUGUSTA — Maine laws protect people from discrimination based on factors such as race, disabilities and sexual orientation, and a Republican lawmaker wants to add a person’s beliefs about climate change to that list. Rep. Larry Lockman has introduced a bill that would limit the attorney general’s […]
Maine Legislature
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Maine lawmakers offer two bills for employee paid leave
AUGUSTA (AP) — Two lawmakers are behind bills calling for paid family leave. Independent Rep. Owen Casas’s conceptual bill would require employers to provide more time and flexibility to certain employees who become parents. Democratic Rep. Mattie Daughtry’s bill would create a paid family leave insurance program funded by employee contributions. It would provide either […]
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Bill would take public advocate appointment from governor
AUGUSTA — A state lawmaker sponsoring a bill calling for a board to oversee the public advocate’s office says the move would deliver more balanced guidance and was not the result of the utility headed by his son having conflicts with the advocate’s office. Republican Rep. Roger Sherman said he is sponsoring the bill because […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Advocates to ask PUC to reconsider solar ruling
Solar advocates scheduled a news conference for Tuesday at the State House as the latest move in an interminable energy battle, and there are two major things at play. Democratic lawmakers plan to push two bills to preserve and boost the future of solar power incentives, according to the Portland Press Herald. But advocates are […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Paul LePage says 3 percent surtax is 'punishing success'
Gov. Paul LePage continued his passionate opposition to the 3 percent surtax to support public schools today when he said he knows of “at least 40 to 50 professionals” who are moving out of Maine to avoid higher income taxes. He later hinted that he might become one of those professionals “forced” to leave Maine, […]
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Maine bills target texting while driving, learner's permits
AUGUSTA (AP) — New drivers in Maine would have to wait more months for an intermediate driver’s license under one lawmaker’s proposal. The Legislature on Tuesday will hold public hearings on bills that would tackle texting while driving and increase requirements for young drivers. Republican Rep. MaryAnne Kinney’s legislation would require people younger than 21 […]
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LePage administration, businesses want to repeal high income surtax
AUGUSTA — A new report by Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s office says the surtax on Maine’s highest earners that voters approved last November will negatively impact the state economy. The surtax makes Maine have one of the nation’s highest tax rates on top of earners with a 10.15 percent tax on earnings over $200,000. Supporters […]
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Two bills aim to repeal voter-approved three-percent income surtax
AUGUSTA (AP) — Two bills would repeal a 3 percent income surtax on Maine’s highest earners that voters approved last November. The surtax makes Maine have one of the nation’s highest tax rates on top of earners with a 10.15 percent tax on earnings over $200,000. Supporters say the surtax helps the state reach its […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine plan to trim moose hunt to 19-year low up for hearing
HALLOWELL (AP) — A plan to trim the number of moose hunting permits offered in Maine to its lowest level since 1998 will be the subject of a public hearing. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife wants to cut the number of moose permits to 2,080, which is 60 less than last year. […]
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Maine lawmakers to consider latest push to jumpstart mining
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Legislators are set to consider once again whether to approve rules to jumpstart mining of Maine’s deposits of copper, zinc, gold and silver. Officials approved a law in 2012 calling for an overhaul of mining rules. But companies like J.D. Irving say they can’t mine in Maine because lawmakers have twice […]