AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage has signed into law three bills expanding the rights of concealed weapons permit holders in Maine. One of the bills, signed Tuesday, would bar businesses from prohibiting employees who have concealed firearms permits from keeping a firearm in their vehicle, as long as the vehicle is locked and […]
Paul LePage
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Emails reveal emotions ran high after Gov. LePage ordered removal of labor mural
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage’s decision to remove a mural depicting the history of the labor movement in Maine struck a raw nerve as critics lashed out in correspondence that poured in from all corners of the country, with several dozen writing letters vowing to cancel summer vacations. The raw outpouring of emotion, […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine governor signs $6.1 billion, 2-year budget
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Majority Republicans expressed delight and Democrats relief as Gov. Paul LePage on Monday signed into law a two-year, $6.1 billion state budget that calls for tax breaks for Mainers, pension rollbacks for state workers and tougher welfare rules. The budget, approved with bipartisan support of the Legislature last week, takes effect […]
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Maine cuts red tape, gives business a hand
Gov. Paul LePage and Republicans in the Maine Legislature delivered their signature piece of legislation last week, a collection of red-tape cutting measures designed to make Maine more “business friendly.” Yes, it was a compromise piece of work, supported in the end by Democrats as well. But there is no doubt that the impetus for […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Emails rebuke LePage’s labor mural removal
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage’s decision to remove a mural depicting the history of the labor movement in Maine struck a raw nerve as critics lashed out in correspondence that poured in from all corners of the country, with several dozen writing letters vowing to cancel summer vacations. The raw outpouring of emotion, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Veto of liquor law study bill upheld
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill to transfer administration of Maine’s liquor laws will stand. The Maine House on Tuesday voted 67-75 to override the governor’s veto. The 67 votes fell far short of the two-thirds needed to override the veto and keep the bill alive. The bill sought a report examining […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Pesticide use bill signed into law
AUGUSTA — A day after signing a bill that streamlines state regulations, Maine Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill into law eliminating redundant notifications related to pesticide applications. The measure repeals a 2009 law requiring pesticide applicators to provide advance notice of aerial pesticide applications to those who listed their property on a public […]
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Maine needs renewables now more than ever
Thursday was a record-breaking scorcher in much of the Northeast, and ozone danger warnings were issued for southern Maine. Oil prices shot up Wednesday as oil-producing countries failed to agree on increasing production targets. Doctors warned, meanwhile, that asthma rates in the U.S. are soaring. All this as Maine’s governor and Legislature move toward repealing […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine last to have Gold Star plates
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill authorizing Gold Star Family license plates, making Maine the final state to do so. LePage said Tuesday that the measure honoring Maine military members who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice is “long overdue.” Several family members of fallen military personnel joined the bill’s sponsor Republican Rep. Bradley […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage: Let voters decide casino issues
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage threatened Tuesday to veto two gambling bills working their way through the Legislature if they wind up on his desk, saying voters, not lawmakers, should have the final say on the matter. Both citizen-initiated bills have received favorable votes so far, setting the stage for possible if not likely legislative […]