Battle lines are already drawn in another tax reform attempt that lies in wait at the State House for the newly elected Legislature. Republican Gov. Paul LePage and the executive branch have been working for months on crafting a state government budget proposal for the next two years, which will likely be presented to lawmakers […]
ken fredette
Ken Fredette, Ellie Espling keep House GOP leadership positions
AUGUSTA — Maine House Republicans have wasted little time in selecting leaders after Election Day. The 73 members of the House Republican caucus on Thursday voted to stick with House Speaker Ken Fredette of Newport as GOP leader and Rep. Ellie Espling of New Gloucester as assistant GOP leader. This is Fredette’s third term as […]
Maine GOP leaders split over Paul LePage’s beef with Roger Katz
PORTLAND (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage’s request for a Republican to recuse himself from an investigation into whether the governor overstepped his authority underscores an ongoing rift that threatens GOP unity only a few months out from the next legislative session. Republican Senate President Michael Thibodeau is standing behind Government Oversight Committee co-chairman Roger […]
Maine lawmakers tour Canadian hydropower facilities
PORTLAND — The leader of a bipartisan group of Maine lawmakers who traveled to Canada to learn about hydroelectric power production believes it could fill some of New England’s energy needs. House Republican leader Ken Fredette, chairman of the Maine Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission, was joined by four other members last week in Labrador, where […]
K. Fredette: Brings real world experience
Rep. Jeff Timberlake is a hardworking, dedicated legislator. With the work he does in running Ricker Hill Orchards, he is an ideal citizen legislator. Citizen legislators are what Maine’s system was set up for — so folks like him who work outside of the Legislature, who have made their living somewhere other than government, can […]
Rep. K. Fredette: Maine a special place
Rep. Steve Wood has been a strong advocate for the citizens of Sabattus and Greene during his four years at the State House. As a registered Maine Guide, he is passionate about what makes Maine such a special place. Wood is an advocate for protecting Maine’s outdoors heritage and traditions, and is a key member […]
Fredette doesn’t have high hopes for his welfare reform bill
AUGUSTA — A bill by the state’s House Republican leader to require able-bodied Mainers to show they have applied for three jobs before receiving welfare benefits could be killed even before the Legislature reconvenes in January. Republicans in the State House have made clear that welfare reform will be their top priority in the truncated […]