AUGUSTA — A Maine legislative committee neared a deal on Thursday that would bring the state into compliance with a federal identification program that the state has spurned for a decade over privacy concerns. The proposal has been fought by Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who has aimed to preserve a 2007 law that […]
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web, Uncategorized
Shenna Bellows and Eric Brakey ask Trump to repeal Real ID law
AUGUSTA — Legislators want Republican President Donald Trump to issue an executive order repealing ID standards they say jeopardize privacy. Democratic Sen. Shenna Bellows and Republican Sen. Eric Brakey say they’re asking legislators nationwide to sign a letter requesting the order. The federal Real ID Act of 2005 set security standards for driver’s licenses and […]
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County jails seek $2.9 million from state to cover shortfall
AUGUSTA — Officials representing eight county jails in Maine that are facing shortfalls have asked the state for $2.9 million in additional annual funding. Law enforcement and corrections officials said the 2015 overhaul of the state’s county jail system has failed to fix housing and budgetary issues. Legislators are proposing bills to reform funding, reduce […]
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$29 million spending plan becomes law without LePage signature
AUGUSTA — A $29 million spending package that bolsters Maine’s rainy day fund and expands access to drug treatment has become law. The supplemental budget for the fiscal year ending in June became law Wednesday without GOP Gov. Paul LePage’s signature. Lawmakers are continuing to hold hearings on the governor’s separate $6.8 billion, two-year budget […]
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Paul LePage says Dems blocked his efforts to fight opiate crisis
Gov. Paul LePage tore into Democrats on Tuesday for years of blocking his administration’s efforts to expand treatment options for opioid addicts, accusing them of warming to his proposals only when an election was approaching. The comments came during a wide-ranging and eventful radio interview this morning on WVOM after LePage was challenged by a guest host about how […]
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Legislators eye measure to protect IRAs from creditors
AUGUSTA — Maine is one of only a few states that lets creditors attempt to access cash locked up in a debtor’s Individual Retirement Account, a privilege that risks the life savings of people thrifty enough to save for their old age. Worried that it may help drive retirees away from the state, legislators are […]
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State House passes Jared Golden's bill to help veterans get ID
AUGUSTA — Seeking to help about 500 Maine veterans who get their medical care at a military base, the House endorsed a measure Wednesday that would cover the cost of buying each of the patients a required identification card. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, said the veterans haven’t been able to use their Maine driver’s licenses […]
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Maine ethics chief says Rep. Ryan Tipping likely violated law
AUGUSTA — The director of the Maine Ethics Commission says a state lawmaker likely violated the state’s ethics law when he failed to swiftly disclose income earned from work he did on behalf of a political action committee. Ethics commission Director Jonathan Wayne issued a clarification about Rep. Ryan Tipping, an Orono Democrat, on Friday, […]
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Lewiston lawmaker encourages more carpooling to State House
AUGUSTA — A Lewiston Democrat who is visually impaired and doesn’t drive is seeking to encourage more legislators to carpool to the State House. Rep. Roger Fuller is asking colleagues to boost mileage payments for lawmakers who give a ride to their fellow legislators. Fuller testified this week that he relies on the goodwill of […]