A customer purchases a Mega Millions lottery ticket at a store in Damariscotta on July 8, 2016. AUGUSTA — A watchdog agency concluded a months-long probe Friday with the finding that the Maine Lottery Commission does not target vulnerable socio-economic populations within Maine for its more than $250 million a year in sales. The Office […]
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Gov. Paul LePage sign Maine Real ID bill into law
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill that will put Maine on track to complying with federal Real ID standards and avoiding problems for Mainers accessing federal facilities or boarding domestic flights. LePage, who had urged the Legislature to quickly pass LD 306, made the announcement Friday morning. “It is in the best interest […]
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Maine judiciary warns against ballot question reform
AUGUSTA — Maine’s judicial branch is warning lawmakers that a proposal to reform ballot questions could jeopardize the separation of powers. Maine Public reports judicial branch spokeswoman Mary Ann Lynch took the rare step of testifying against the bill this week. Republican Sen. Eric Brakey’s bill would allow the Legislature, governor and attorney general to […]
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Legislature considers bill to strengthen sex assault laws
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it easier for victims to report sexual offenses and increase convictions for crimes that now go unpunished, according to its sponsor. Supporters of LD 654 testified before the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee earlier this month that the bill would tighten up laws surrounding […]
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State Democrats eye bond to provide $250 million for student debt relief
AUGUSTA — Hoping to lend a hand to cash-strapped young adults, Democrats are pushing for a student loan forgiveness program that would help lure recent college graduates to Maine. Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, said the “pretty bold initiative” would offer to pay off half a graduate’s student loan debt and refinance the rest at low […]
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Maine House supports time zone switch, dumping daylight saving
AUGUSTA — A bill that received preliminary approval Thursday in the Maine House of Representatives could put Maine an hour ahead of East Coast states for part of the year, though there is a growing movement among neighboring New England states to do the same. Under provisions of the bill that advanced as a result […]
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Casino campaign reveals offshore financing in documents
AUGUSTA — In an apparent violation of Maine law, a web of domestic and offshore companies linked to a controversial developer has funded a $4.2 million bid fronted by his sister since 2015 to get Maine voters to approve a York County casino. That revelation was buried in several documents filed with the Maine Ethics […]
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Paul LePage considers review of Maine’s special education standards
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Thursday he may seek a review of Maine’s special education programs in a bid to standardize the way students are treated across the state. “I’m considering putting out an executive order to have that reviewed,” LePage told WGAN radio in Portland during his regular weekly appearance. “Maine does not […]
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Analysis: Why Gov. Paul LePage went to Washington
President Donald Trump, joined by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, left, and Vice President Mike Pence right speaks at the Interior Department in Washington, Wednesday, April 26, 2017, before signing an Antiquities Executive Order. The president is asking for a review of the designation of tens of millions of acres of land as “national monuments.” To […]
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GOP leaders refuse to back any budget with income tax surcharge
AUGUSTA — Months ago, Gov. Paul LePage called on Republicans to “fix bayonets” as he prepared for battle against legislative Democrats over his proposed two-year $6.8 billion budget proposal. On Thursday, they did just that. The GOP leaders in the Senate and House issued a joint statement declaring that no spending plan that included the […]