AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage came under attack Tuesday for his decision to delay nominations to boards and commissions until January instead of allowing the Senate to take them up this fall. Senate Democratic leader Justin Alfond said the governor needs to do his job and quit playing games after Maine Public Broadcasting Network reported […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Legislature eying plan to expand tax credit program for student loans
AUGUSTA (AP) — A bill that’s moving forward in the Legislature would allow more people to take advantage of a program that helps graduates pay off their student loans. Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond’s bill would allow Maine residents who’ve graduated from out-of-state schools to qualify for the Educational Opportunity Tax Credit. It would also […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Democrats offer their side of the budget debate
It was early February when LePage took to the road to spread the gospel of tax reform. His opponents kept their powder dry as the Republican governor, in town after town, pitched income tax cuts for individuals and corporations, the elimination of state aid for local services and targeted tax relief for seniors. In Bangor […]
Posted inLetters
J. Alfond: Understands his district
I am writing in support of my colleague, Sen. John Cleveland, who is an effective advocate for his district. He is driven every day by the question of what he can do to help create better opportunities for people in his district. That is why he supported raising Maine’s minimum wage and helped negotiate an […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Democratic leaders frustrated after meeting with LePage
AUGUSTA — A long-delayed meeting between Democratic legislative leaders and Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Thursday focused on the canceled Alexander Group contract and problems between the federal government and Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta, two issues that have been simmering controversies for months. Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick said the governor […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
PAC run by Maine Senate President Alfond fined for finance violation
AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine Senate President’s leadership political action committee will pay a $1,500 fine for a campaign finance violation. The Maine Commission on Ethics and Governmental Practices commission fined Justin Alfond’s PAC on Thursday. The Democrat says that contributions and expenditures were inadvertently left off two quarterly reports. The penalty for such a […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Senate president’s PAC faces campaign finance fine
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate president’s leadership political action committee may be fined due to a campaign finance violation. The Maine Democratic Party said Thursday that contributions and expenditures were inadvertently left off two quarterly reports from Senate President Justin Alfond’s “Alfond Business Community & Democracy PAC.” The penalty for such a violation is more […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Democrats challenge LePage to create nursing home aid plan
AUGUSTA — The top two Democrats in the Legislature are calling Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s bluff on his repeated requests that lawmakers order a special session to provide more funds for Maine’s nursing homes. In a July 14 letter to Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland, and House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, LePage reiterated his […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmaker offers bill to end Pirates, civic center dispute
PORTLAND (AP) — A legislative leader is offering a possible solution to a dispute between the American Hockey League’s Portland Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center. Senate President Justin Alfond has filed emergency legislation that would allow the team to share revenue from alcohol sales if it returns to the Portland arena. Alfond, a […]