AUGUSTA — Republicans on Thursday made several proposals that would cut spending within the Maine Legislature’s budget. “It’s time to put the Legislature’s budget on the treadmill,” state Senate President Mike Thibodeau, R-Winterport, said in a prepared statement. Thibodeau said the cuts being offered would save Maine taxpayers an estimated $430,000 over the Legislature’s two-year […]
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LePage budget plan reforms Maine tax policy
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage on Friday made good on his promise to “go after” Maine income taxes in his next two-year budget. LePage’s 2016-17 spending plan for state government includes sweeping reforms to Maine’s tax policy, dramatically changing the sources of state revenue from the income tax to a broader and higher sales tax. The […]
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State House leaders offer outlook for pending Maine legislative session
AUGUSTA — As they prepare for the upcoming lawmaking session, Republican leaders in the Legislature said Monday they hope to home in on key policy initiatives, including more welfare reform, lowering energy costs and reducing tax burdens. Democrats, now in the minority in the Senate, said they will take a measured approach as they work […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston committee to vote on virtual school Monday
LEWISTON — The local School Committee is scheduled to vote Monday on a proposal to create an online high school. Superintendent Bill Webster said he had reservations about lessons being offered exclusively online, but he’d rather a student attend a Lewiston virtual school than the district pay thousands of dollars to a charter school. Webster […]
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Democrats want bond package to support small businesses; GOP wary of additional state borrowing
AUGUSTA — Legislative Democrats will seek support for a slate of bond proposals they say will create jobs by supporting Maine businesses, but Republicans in the state House and Senate are tepid on the idea of additional state borrowing. House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, said any bonds supported by Democrats in the second session, […]
Posted inMaine
Maine lawmakers prep for short session to start Wednesday
AUGUSTA —Bills addressing issues ranging from slot machines to renewable energy to revamping a state-sponsored health care rides program await lawmakers Wednesday at the State House. The first week of the “short session,” which is set to end in April, starts this week. But topping the list is what appears to be a more than […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
RSU 9 hires new staff
FARMINGTON — RSU 9 directors approved hiring several people on Aug. 27 that Superintendent Tom Ward recommended for positions in the 10-town school district. Lynda Szenes was hired as a special education teacher at W.G. Mallett School in Farmington. Diane Pinkham was hired as a half-time third-grade teacher at Mallett. Teacher Keith Martin, who is […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston police acknowledge evidence error, pledge to correct
LEWISTON — On Friday, Lewiston police acknowledged that three witness statements it collected in the Cleveland Cruthirds attempted murder case had been lost, and then pledged to address procedural errors. Lewiston police Lt. Michael McGonagle said “it is inappropriate for the police and prosecution to comment on the specifics of any case while still in […]