AUGUSTA — A bipartisan group of advocates of bringing passenger rail to Lewiston-Auburn urged state lawmakers Tuesday to approve putting a $25 million bond package before voters this year. The money is meant to upgrade rail lines connecting the Twin Cities to Portland. Among those backing the bond proposal being sponsored by Sen. Nate Libby, […]
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Posted inMaine
Libby’s blight bill passes key legislative committee
AUGUSTA — A bill enabling cities and towns to better address blighted and abandoned properties gained the unanimous support of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. “Because of abandoned properties in my hometown, we are faced with blight, public safety hazards, theft, vandalism and demolition costs at the taxpayers’ expense,” Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, said […]
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Bill aimed at helping cities fight blight hits roadblock
AUGUSTA — A bill that seeks to give Maine cities and towns more power to deal with abandoned and blighted properties is held up in a legislative committee because of opposition from bankers. The bill, LD 1203, sponsored by state Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, places a host of new requirements on financial institutions once they begin […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Lewiston lawmaker wants to limit cash withdrawals of welfare benefits
LEWISTON — A Lewiston Democrat is offering a bill that would limit the amount of cash welfare recipients could withdraw on state-issued electronic benefit transfer cards to 25 percent of their monthly benefit amount. The bill, LD 1097, proposed by state Sen. Nate Libby, also would restrict the use of Maine-issued EBT cards to Maine […]
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Bill aims to target blighted property problem in Maine cities
AUGUSTA — A bill meant to help municipal government in Maine more quickly deal with abandoned and blighted properties is picking up solid support in the Legislature. The measure, LD 1203, sponsored by state Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, is scheduled for a work session and possible vote before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee on Monday, April […]
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New law directs Maine schools to hold lockdown drills
AUGUSTA — Schools will have to hold lockdown drills under a new Maine law. Democratic Sen. Nate Libby’s bill went into law last week without Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s signature. It directs the Maine Department of Education to rewrite it rules to require schools to hold lockdown drills in addition to fire and other emergency […]
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Bill to keep younger students in school gets committee approval
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers on the Legislature’s Education Committee on Tuesday agreed to change the state’s truancy laws in an effort to help school districts improve attendance for students under the age of 7. The bill, LD 311, offered by state Sen. Nathan Libby, D-Lewiston, was meant to address concerns from Lewiston Schools Superintendent Bill Webster […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston gives riverside park work plan a boost
LEWISTON — Money set aside to help build a wheelchair-accessible playground downtown will instead help pay for the construction of a small amphitheater and build river access at Simard-Payne Memorial Park, councilors agreed Tuesday. Councilors voted 4-3 to put $75,000 — originally allocated to help build a playground at Marcotte Park — toward Riverfront Island […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Lewiston senator polishes French in advance of Franco day
AUGUSTA — A Lewiston lawmaker will play a prominent role Wednesday as the Legislature celebrates Maine’s Franco-American heritage during the 14th Annual Franco-American Day at the Capitol in Augusta. State Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, has been tapped to serve as Senate president for the day, welcoming dignitaries from France and Canada and leading the Senate […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Lewiston lawmaker helps lead charge for bill on standardized test opt-out
AUGUSTA — A Lewiston lawmaker is helping lead the charge on a bill that would make it easier for parents to keep their children from taking standardized tests in public schools. State. Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, said Thursday the bill he’s c0-sponsored with state Rep. Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, is simple and straightforward and makes it […]