AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Monday unveiled a set of four bills that would place more restrictions on how welfare benefits can be used in Maine. Among the reforms LePage is proposing are ones that would require the recipient’s photograph on a state-issued Electronic Benefit Card, one requiring a work search before applying […]
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LePage blasts Maine lawmakers on solar efforts
AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday launched a fusillade of criticism against the Legislature’s Democratic majority for supporting bills that promote solar energy during one of the coldest winters in recent history. Rolling out a new proposal on energy, LePage said the focus of “liberal” lawmakers on solar is misguided because many Maine […]
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Maine budget-writing panel approves $42M bill
AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine Legislature’s budget-writing committee on Friday endorsed a $42 million bill that replenishes the rainy day fund while also restoring money for programs Gov. Paul LePage wanted to cut. Democratic Rep. Peggy Rotundo, co-chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, said the 8-5 party line vote Friday represents a compromise […]
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Maine Senate passes Medicaid expansion bill without a veto-proof majority
AUGUSTA — After more than three hours of debate on a Republican compromise to a Democratic effort to expand Maine’s low-income health care program, known as MaineCare, the compromise passed 22-13 Wednesday in the state Senate. The measure failed to garner the 24 votes it would need to be considered safe from a Gov. Paul […]
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LePage wants to add 22 positions to fight drug trafficking in Maine
The Republican governor set combating drug crimes as a high priority during his State of the State address in February. The plan is estimated to cost $3 million. “To me, this is not about money,” LePage said. “This is about our people.” Flanked by law enforcement officers from around the state, LePage again detailed the […]
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LePage “Open for Business” zones face tough fight
BRUNSWICK — Gov. Paul LePage on Monday made his latest pitch to shrink the power of labor unions in Maine when he offered details about the “Open for Business zones” proposal he introduced last month in his State of the State address. LePage laid out his vision for the Open for Business zones during a […]
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LePage bill to change Maine’s wind-energy policy moves tentatively forward
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage’s initiative to overhaul Maine’s wind-energy production goals to require ratepayer benefits and manufacturing jobs gained tentative approval in the Legislature’s Energy Committee on Friday. But the bill, LD 1791, sponsored by state Rep. Lance Harvell, R-Farmington, saw significant revisions, including allowing a section of current law to stand, prior to […]
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LePage vetoes virtual charter school bill
AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a bill on Thursday that would direct the state to work toward creating a state-run virtual charter academy, citing concerns with part of the proposal that places a moratorium on cyber schools until next year. In his veto letter, the Republican governor said the bill aims to halt […]
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Governor finds money to restore rainy day fund
AUGUSTA — Details of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to restore about $21 million to Maine’s so-called “rainy day fund” trickled out Thursday. Lawmakers used the $21 million to fund revenue-sharing to towns and cities. LePage has said the state must replenish the rainy day account to its prior level of $60 million to avoid […]
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LePage wants Maine to become a national leader in maple syrup
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that Maine’s maple syrup industry could become a national leader if more people understood that there is substantial money to be made from one of Maine’s most abundant natural resources. “This is an industry that Maine could be leading America in,” said LePage after ceremonially tapping a maple […]