The proposal to raise the minimum wage won approval from the House and Senate, but likely won’t get the governor’s signature.
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
A wrinkle in Maine flag debate: Popular old design isn’t the original
Both the House and Senate have passed a bill to allow Mainers to vote on restoring the 1901 design depicting a blue star and green pine tree as the state flag – determining what that would look like is the challenge.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics, Schools & Education
House votes down proposed rating system for school books
It was one of several bills seeking to restrict books and discussions in schools about controversial topics, including gender identity and sexual orientation.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Farmers whose lands were polluted urge state to disburse PFAS relief funds
The state may begin distributing $60 million in relief funding this summer.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers split on response to reports of increased juvenile crimes
The House rejects a bill that would allow police to resume temporary detentions of juveniles for less serious crimes, with Democrats calling for more services to support at-risk youth.
Posted inLocal & State, News
House, Senate agree to let voters decide about new state flag
Gov. Janet Mills hasn’t yet weighed in on a bill that would ask voters this fall whether they want to replace the current state flag with one based on the design used until 1909 that is comprised of a pine tree and blue star.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine steps up use of yellow flag law to seize weapons from those in crisis
The law went into effect in 2020, but it wasn’t widely used until the state signed a contract to make the necessary medical opinions available via telehealth.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine’s high court rules lawmakers may still enact citizen referendums
The decision likely only affects one question, which lawmakers say enjoys widespread support in the Legislature and across the state: Banning foreign spending on state referendum campaigns.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Senate advances bill to partially decriminalize prostitution
Gov. Janet Mills has yet to announce a stance on the bill that would eliminate the crime of engaging in prostitution but maintain penalties for those who solicit sex workers.
Posted inLocal & State, News
House narrowly votes to restore Maine’s original flag
The bill’s prospects remain uncertain as a half dozen Democrats joined Republicans to oppose the bill, which passed by a 2-vote margin with 20 members absent.