Democrats used their majorities in both chambers to pass a continuing services budget in hopes of avoiding a potential government shutdown in July.
Maine Legislature
Posted inMaine, Politics, Schools & Education
Legislators consider bills to tackle educator shortage
The Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee heard testimony Tuesday about multiple bills aimed at bolstering the state’s educator workforce.
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Posted inMaine, Politics
State budget rancor grows ahead of Thursday vote
Democrats are expected to pass a current services budget this week and postpone any discussion about Republican demands for income tax breaks until later in the session.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Lawmakers urged to provide MaineCare coverage to noncitizens
The bill sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, would extend health coverage to newly arrived asylum seekers and other noncitizens. Republicans oppose the proposal, citing what they say is its $7 million price tag.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Democrats advance majority budget after talks with Republicans break down
Republicans had sought $200 million in income tax cuts for low- and middle-income Mainers, a goal one lawmaker said Democrats ‘flatly rejected.’
Posted inMaine
Legislators tentatively OK probe into workplace culture at state fire marshal’s office
Complaints about the office surfaced when Deputy Fire Marshal Richard McCarthy was nominated to take over the agency last month.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine lawmakers hear calls for higher taxes on the wealthy, or for no income taxes at all
The tax reform debate is expected to heat up in the coming weeks as legislative leaders from both parties negotiate how to allocate nearly $1 billion in surplus revenue.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Democrats move to pass baseline budget to prevent chance of state shutdown
The move would allow continued debate about whether to increase spending or cut taxes, or both.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Proposal to ban ballot drop boxes meets flood of opposition
The 24-hour ballot drop boxes were first used as an emergency measure during the first year of the pandemic, but a new law passed last year allows their continued use.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education
Bill would require Maine schools to allow students 30 minutes to eat lunch
Advocates say 20-minute lunches do not give students enough time, resulting in food waste.