AUGUSTA — A bill submitted by Republican Gov. Paul LePage that aims to eliminate the state’s estate tax came under fire Thursday as Democrats assailed him for offering “another tax cut” to the state’s “super wealthy.” A law change in 2015, passed over LePage’s veto, increased the exemption for estates from $2 million to $5.45 […]
LePage
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers table lobster as official crustacean
AUGUSTA — Legislation that would take an iconic symbol of Maine’s coastal heritage and tourism economy and give it official status was put on hold by state lawmakers Thursday. Not to worry, lobster lovers. The bill to make the lobster the official state crustacean hasn’t hit a boiling point, but it is on the back […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine
Peggy Rotundo says state should pay bills before adding to savings
AUGUSTA — Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, said Tuesday a state revenue surplus of about $73 million should be used first to help cover the state’s bills before being put into Maine’s savings account. Rotundo joined other Democrats in countering a bill being offered by Republican Gov. Paul LePage that seeks to put all of the […]
Posted inMaine
Wilton Republican wants to fight drug crisis with Medicaid expansion
The move to expand is backed by the state’s hospitals, as well as advocates for the poor and a large portion of Maine’s law-enforcement community. “Increasing access to MaineCare coverage means increasing access to mental health counseling, drug addiction treatment and counseling and preventive health care, providing measurable cost-savings and beneficial health outcomes across Maine,” Saviello […]
Posted inMaine
Gov. LePage defies Dems, appoints Mason sheriff in Kennebec County
UPDATE: Secretary of State might not certify LePage’s choice for Kennebec sheriff AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage announced Thursday that he would appoint Kenneth Mason, a Democrat, to the post of sheriff for Kennebec County after a monthslong dispute with the county’s Democratic Committee. Democrats had asked LePage to appoint interim Sheriff Ryan Reardon to the post, […]
Posted inMaine
LePage says Congress should follow Constitution on Supreme Court vacancy
AUGUSTA — Maine Gov. Paul LePage on Thursday added his voice to the ongoing debate regarding the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy created with the unexpected death of Justice Antonin Scalia last Saturday. LePage sided with former governor and U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, saying President Barack Obama should nominate a replacement for Scalia. “I’m a […]
Posted inBusiness
Local businesses to lawmakers: Pass tax bill, increase predictability
AUGUSTA — Fearful of not being able to file their taxes in time and of having to face filing inconsistencies, local business leaders were pressuring state lawmakers in Augusta on Friday, urging them to quickly pass tax conformity legislation. With most businesses required to file taxes by March 15, politicians have been wrangling over changes […]
Posted inMaine
Gov. Paul LePage attacks ‘socialist’ lawmakers in State of the State letter
AUGUSTA — Returning to a practice from the 1800s, Republican Gov. Paul LePage on Monday issued a written State of the State address to the Legislature. Breaking from the modern tradition of delivering a speech on the state’s current status before a joint session of the Maine House and Senate, LePage said he was forgoing […]
Posted inMaine
Think tank ‘oinks’ at government spending
AUGUSTA — A conservative think tank rolled out its latest report on state government largess, leveling criticism at both Republicans and Democrats in its “Maine Piglet Book” on Thursday. The Maine Heritage Policy Center’s report, released at a State House news conference, notes that spending in the office of Republican Gov. Paul LePage shot up […]
Posted inMaine
Paul LePage heads to Iowa to campaign for Chris Christie
AUGUSTA — Republican Gov. Paul LePage was headed to Iowa on Monday to campaign for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination for president. LePage set out on the day of the Iowa caucuses, the first litmus test for presidential hopefuls. Christie, who is trailing in the polls in Iowa, […]