A core priority of Gov. Paul LePage’s proposals to reform Maine’s public education system will face its first big public test this afternoon at the State House when a bill to create a statewide teachers contract is introduced to the Legislature’s Education Committee. LD 864 would establish a single contract for all public school teachers, as well as […]
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Eliot Cutler plans to help independent candidates
Next year will bring a key election for independents in the state: Mainers passed a first-in-the-nation system of ranked-choice voting in 2016 and while it’s stuck in the state’s high court over constitutional questions, it may give non-party candidates a lift in future elections. Under such a system, independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler would likely have […]
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Legislative hearing explores allowing guns on college campuses
AUGUSTA — Higher education leaders say campuses would be less safe if lawmakers pass a Maine Republican’s campus carry bill. The bill wouldn’t let public universities, community colleges and Maine Maritime Academy regulate possession of handguns on their campuses. Maine allows concealed carry without a permit for those over 21 years old and has exceptions […]
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Gov. Paul LePage testifies against Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Maine’s governor says “most” state residents oppose the creation of a national monument in the state and that it could have the unintended effect of increasing pressure on an adjacent state park. Republican Gov. Paul LePage reiterated his opposition Tuesday to former Democratic President Barack Obama’s decision to create the Katahdin Woods and Waters National […]
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Rep. Frances Head sponsors bill to recoup naloxone costs
AUGUSTA — A bill introduced in the Legislature would make people who receive repeat doses of a life-saving opiate overdose antidote pay for it. Gov. Paul LePage’s bill, sponsored by Rep. Frances Head, R-Bethel, would make municipalities, counties and contracted first responders recoup the costs of administering naloxone or other opiate overdose antidotes from those […]
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Gov. Paul LePage, AG Janet Mills take feud to radio
AUGUSTA — A day after suing Maine’s Democratic attorney general alleging abuse of power, GOP Gov. Paul LePage says her office is a place to put “aging ideologues,” while she called his lawsuit a waste of state resources. Both commented Tuesday during a radio call-in show. LePage alleges Attorney General Janet Mills has refused to […]
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Bill would release $15 million in voter-approved Maine bonds
AUGUSTA (AP) — A Republican’s bill aims to release $15 million in bonds for senior housing that voters approved two years ago. Lawmakers have accused Republican Gov. Paul LePage of refusing to release the bonds while Maine seniors struggle to find affordable housing. Republican Sen. Roger Katz’s bill is set for an initial vote in […]
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Legislature considering 3 bills that would affect Maine health care workers
In the next decade, Maine will need an additional 1,602 registered nurses, 475 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 2,474 direct care workers — those who provide long-term, hands-on care to seniors and people with disabilities. For a small, aging state, that’s a lot of people. Indeed, nurses and direct care workers are among the fastest growing […]
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Gov. Paul LePage sues Janet Mills over legal representation
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has sued Attorney General Janet Mills in Kennebec County Superior Court, alleging that Mills has abused her authority to refusing to legally represent the executive branch in court. According to a statement from LePage, Mills’ refusal to represent LePage’s administration has cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars. “It […]
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State revenue forecast looks less optimistic
AUGUSTA — Revenues to support state government will dip below previous projections this year but will pick up again in the next two years, a panel of experts decided Monday at the State House. The state’s Revenue Forecasting Committee makes recommendations in November and May of every year, which among other things help lawmakers grappling […]