After weeks of stalling, Gov. Paul LePage has finally authorized the sale of $117 million of voter-approved bonds meant to pay for a variety of projects, including $80 million for highway projects currently underway. LePage previously had stalled the sale of bonds in a dispute with the Legislature over state borrowing and a package of […]
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State leaders press for $40 million student debt relief plan
AUGUSTA — In a rare moment of agreement, Gov. Paul LePage and Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a student debt relief program aimed at convincing recent college graduates to settle in Maine. The loan forgiveness program, which would need voters’ approval next year, would allow up to $25,000 in student debt relief for people who […]
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Maine voters approve $50 million technology bond
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine voters have approved a special referendum election to invest $50 million in technology. The proposal asked voters if they wanted the Maine Technology Institute to distribute $45 million in grants for upgrades in aquaculture, marine technology, forestry and agriculture. The Small Enterprise Growth Fund would direct another $5 million to small […]
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$50 million bond issue set for June ballot
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine voters are set to decide on a $50 million bond issue at a special election next month. The Maine Technology Institute would distribute $45 million in grants for upgrades in fields like aquaculture, marine technology and advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture. Recipients would be required to match state dollars with […]
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Maine bill to release bonds for senior citizen housing advances
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine lawmakers have advanced a bill to force the release of $15 million in bonds for senior citizen housing that voters approved two years ago, but an initial House vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override the governor’s expected veto. The Democratic-controlled House on Tuesday voted 85-57 supporting the […]
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Bill attempts to force Paul LePage to release housing bonds
AUGUSTA — Maine housing developers and affordable housing advocates hope lawmakers roundly support a Republican’s bill to release $15 million in bonds for senior housing that voters approved two years ago. Republican Sen. Roger Katz’s bill awaits a vote in the Democratic-controlled House, which next convenes Tuesday. Supporters have been waiting weeks for action on […]
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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 approves bill that revives $6.5 million conservation bonds
AUGUSTA — A bill that revives $6.5 million in voter-approved Land for Maine’s Future conservation bonds is heading to the desk of Gov. Paul LePage. The Maine Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to give final approval to the bill, following the unanimous approval by the House on Tuesday. The bill revives $6.5 million conservation bonds […]
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Legislature, Paul LePage agree to revive expired LMF bonds
AUGUSTA — You’re reading it right: The 2016 legislative session started with agreement between legislators and Gov. Paul LePage to revive $6.5 million in expired conservation bonds. On Wednesday, the Maine House of Representatives recalled a bill from LePage’s desk that leaders said would allow the Republican governor to authorize the bonds for up to […]
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Land for Maine’s Future bonds put Jonathan LaBonte in tough spot
AUGUSTA — Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte, former executive director of the Androscoggin Land Trust and a well-known supporter of land conservation, is in a seemingly tough spot these days. LaBonte, who left the land trust in 2014 to become the director of Gov. Paul LePage’s Office of Policy and Management, is now responsible for scrutinizing […]