Democrats and Republicans said they will have ongoing conversations before final votes on the budget in 2 weeks, though areas of compromise seemed hard to come by.
Maine Legislature
Posted inMaine
Cities push Maine lawmakers for more revenue-sharing cash
Hoping for more aid to cope with rising budgets, municipalities eye possible increases in revenue sharing rates
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Posted inMaine, Politics
Republican lawmaker dissents over bipartisan deal on Maine budget
A $121 million supplemental budget proposal was approved 11-0 by the Legislature’s budget committee, but Rep. Ken Fredette wants his party to oppose it because it does not include emergency housing limits and MaineCare reforms.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News, Politics
Legislative committee recommends rule changes for Maine teens facing adult charges
The Legislature’s criminal justice and public safety committee approved the bill, with some amendments, on Wednesday.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Is your neighbor’s dog too loud? Maine bill would clamp down on excessive barking
Supporters say it would help address neighborhood disruptions, while opponents say it could prompt overreactions and that it’s an issue best left to municipalities.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Regulators seek approval to cut bills for Mainers who use electricity during off-peak hours
It would take years to establish the new rates, Maine’s top utility regulator told the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools & Education
Lawmakers question Maine educational officials on poor math and reading scores
Department of Education staff said the national scores released last week don’t accurately assess Maine’s innovative teaching methods or locally controlled curricula.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Bill would allow Maine pharmacies to set up drug dispensing sites in rural areas
The proposal is aimed at improving access to prescription medications amid a decline in the number of pharmacies and other health services in rural Maine.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine lawmaker wants to open intraparty meetings to public
Sen. Rick Bennett said closed-door party caucuses at the State House are increasingly being used to make legislative decisions, and that his bill would provide more transparency into how lawmakers are conducting business.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News, Politics
Effort to create Maine missing persons database draws concerns from state police
The new bill would require Maine State Police to maintain an online list of all missing people in the state, similar to a national database.