Under the legislation, employers could pay front-line direct care workers up to 140% of the state minimum wage, or $20.51 an hour.
Maine Legislature
Posted inMaine, Politics
Mills’ budget would increase cigarette tax, continue free community college
The $11.6 billion 2-year budget represents a 10% spending increase and also includes a number of changes in the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine lawmakers return to Augusta as session begins
Lawmakers are expected to meet in their respective chambers only one day a week through February, as work slowly ramps up to review hundreds — if not thousands — of bills submitted by lawmakers.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes creating a Maine department of energy
The proposal would elevate the Governor’s Energy Office to a Cabinet-level department if approved by lawmakers as part of the budget.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Mills administration warns lawmakers about looming budget gap
The governor’s budget office tells lawmakers that spending cuts, program changes and new revenues would likely be needed, but also warned against relying on rainy day funds or income tax increases.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Gov. Mills introduces bill to respond to severe weather fueled by climate change
The proposal would establish a new state office and a grant program to help Maine residents make investments to safeguard their homes against extreme weather.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine lawmakers move to restrict — but not ban — vague placeholder bills
A proposal informally endorsed by legislative leaders Monday would require the complete text of a bill to be publicly available online at least two days before a public hearing is held or the bill would die.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Supporters of a Maine voter ID law hand in signatures to force referendum
Organizers of the petition drive pointed to the more than 170,000 signatures they’ve collected as evidence of support for a voter ID law, but Secretary of State Shenna Bellows raised concerns with various aspects of their proposal.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
7 things to expect from Maine’s new Legislature
Democrats will maintain majorities in the House and Senate when lawmakers return Wednesday.
Posted inHealth, Maine
Maine health advocates’ 2025 priorities include higher tobacco tax, AI protections
Groups also hope to see legislation addressing the health care worker shortage and medical cannabis.