The four Republicans running to replace Gov. Paul LePage are all vowing to carry on his legacy, but they are distinguished by some subtle and not-so-subtle differences in how they would do that. Rep. Ken Fredette of Newport, state Sen. Garrett Mason of Lisbon, former Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew of […]
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Lewiston lawmaker proposes using liquor profits to help veterans
AUGUSTA — A bill before the Legislature proposes using about $550,000 from the $46 million profit the state makes selling $144 million worth of alcohol each year to help Maine’s 140,000 veterans. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, offered the proposal Tuesday as part of an amendment that rolls together several recommendations from a special commission that […]
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Bill seeks to strengthen Maine’s new revenge porn law
AUGUSTA — A bill that makes it easier for a victim of “revenge porn” to more quickly get a protection from abuse order gained support Monday from range of organizations that help victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse. The bill, LD 1487, is co-sponsored by Rep. Lori Fowle, D-Vassalboro, and Rep. Ken Fredette, R-Newport. […]
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Maine lawmakers mixed on Obama’s upcoming executive orders on guns
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers had mixed reactions Monday in advance of new executive orders from President Barack Obama on federal background checks for gun purchases. While the details of Obama’s latest attempts to initiate tighter gun control in the U.S. have not been released, Republicans expressed their concerns the president would overreach and infringe on […]
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Maine lawmakers prep for short session
AUGUSTA — State House leaders Monday outlined their plans for the start of the second regular session of the 127th Legislature, but it’s clear Republicans and Democrats are going to struggle to find common ground on a host of issues. Topping the list will be how fast the Legislature moves on a bill that’s meant […]
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Maine budget in full stall as lawmakers grapple for compromise
On Thursday, LePage again turned up the heat by going public about his displeasure with the state Senate’s Republican majority leadership. During an hourlong radio chat Thursday morning, LePage blasted Senate Republicans, again accusing them of siding with House Democrats in stymieing his efforts to lower and eventually eliminate Maine’s income tax. “The conflict is this,” […]
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GOP House leader vows to fight ‘tooth and nail’ for income tax cuts in Maine budget
AUGUSTA — House Republicans have entrenched themselves against the rest of the Legislature — including their fellow GOP Senators — and are vowing to fight a state budget being crafted in the Legislature because it doesn’t include income tax cuts or welfare reforms favored by Gov. Paul LePage. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans said they have forged […]
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Maine Democrats rip GOP leader on forcing state budget standoff
AUGUSTA – After late-night negotiations Sunday that apparently moved the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee closer to a deal on a roughly $6.57 billion two-year state budget that must be in place by July 1 to avoid a government shutdown, the political battle among Republicans over including tax cuts in that budget hardened Monday. Senate President Mike Thibodeau, […]
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GOP push for state Department of Energy highlights desire to lower Maine’s energy costs
AUGUSTA — The $38 million fallout from a missing “and” along with a push by Republican lawmakers and Gov. Paul LePage to create a new Cabinet-level Department of Energy is highlighting the ongoing struggle the state’s top policymakers face as they try to combat Maine’s high energy costs. But a disagreement over funding has Democrats […]
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GOP plan offers $380 million in income tax relief; Democrats question how it will be paid for
AUGUSTA — Republican leaders in the Maine Legislature on Friday made official their proposal for the state’s next two-year budget that includes an income-tax cut they say will save Mainers $380 million. Parts of the proposal, first leaked Thursday, shows a plan that diverges significantly from what Republican Gov. Paul LePage had asked for in his […]