AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that he is drafting a new bill that would extend the window on the sale of $6.5 million in conservation bonds that are set to expire in November until June 2016. The governor said in a meeting with reporters that he hopes he and the Legislature can use […]
bonds
LMF bonds expiring without Paul LePage’s signature
AUGUSTA — Approximately $6.5 million in voter-approved bonds for the Land for Maine’s Future program will expire later this year because of a decision by Gov. Paul LePage not to authorize them within the time frame allowed. The revelation came during a meeting of the Land For Maine’s Future board on Tuesday in Augusta and was […]
LePage signs $85 million bond proposal for November ballot
AUGUSTA — Maine voters will consider an $85 million bond proposal to fund improvements to the state’s roads and bridges. Republican Gov. Paul LePage signed the bill on Wednesday. It will be placed on the November ballot. It was one of two bond proposals passed by the Legislature this week. LePage has not yet taken […]
Maine Legislature still faces potential bond battle
AUGUSTA — It’s been a week since the Legislature blew past its scheduled adjournment date, and it’s going to be at least three more before lawmakers close the door on the session for good. There’s still several bills waiting for final votes, including several high-profile pieces of legislation, such as one to reverse jail consolidation, […]
Lewiston settles borrowing plan
LEWISTON — A $7.5 million bond issue and capital plan earned a quick yes vote from city councilors Tuesday night. Councilors approved a plan to buy new vehicles and fund paving projects on Park Street between Pine and Main streets and Orange Street between Sabattus and Webster streets. The plan calls for $1.3 million in […]
GOP lawmaker argues against LePage’s hold on approved bonds
AUGUSTA — Republican Sen. Roger Katz of Augusta argued Monday that no governor should have the power to overrule the will of Maine voters when it comes to the release of bond funding. Katz has made headlines for opposing Republican Gov. Paul LePage on this issue since he authored LD 1378, which would require the […]
Maine lawmakers call for LePage to release bonds
AUGUSTA — A group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers are calling on Gov. Paul LePage to stop holding voter-approved bonds “hostage” to advance his political agenda. Republican Sen. Roger Katz and eight other lawmakers unveiled a bill on Tuesday that seeks to force the governor to release bonds for land conservation projects that he says he’s […]
LePage wants more timber cut; Lawmakers want bonds released
CUMBERLAND — Gov. Paul LePage on Monday reiterated that he will not authorize roughly $11.5 million in voter-approved conservation bonds unless the Legislature approves a new plan to cut more timber on public land and use the new revenue to pay for heating assistance programs. Details were limited, but in a memo sent to lawmakers […]
Wilton lawmaker, environmental groups want LePage to release conservation funds
AUGUSTA — Two environmental groups said Tuesday that Gov. Paul LePage is again withholding voter-approved bonds that are earmarked for conservation projects in the Land for Maine’s Future program. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust and The Nature Conservancy issued a statement Tuesday in which they accused LePage of refusing to authorize borrowing $11.47 million from Land […]
Review continues on Lewiston $63 million wish list
LEWISTON — Councilors should vote on their $63 million wish list of projects for the next five years at their next regular meeting. The plan calls for an estimated $12 million in spending for the 2015-16 fiscal year, from city, school, water and sewer district bonds as well as general budgets. “What is being proposed […]