But the initiative did not get the large increase in annual support called for in the bill that the Legislature passed.
Maine Legislature
Committee endorses adjusted wind power bill
The House and Senate will soon vote on the measure, which would have the state develop a schedule for procuring 3 gigawatts of wind power, enough to power 900,000 homes.
Legislature moves closer to sending state flag question to voters
Lawmakers released a hold on the bill after determining that the referendum would not have additional costs. It faces a final vote in the Senate before being sent to Gov. Janet Mills, who is still considering the proposal.
Bill to improve farmworkers’ pay, conditions in Maine awaits action by Mills
L.D. 398 would legally define farmworkers as employees, making them eligible for the state minimum wage and protecting them from some overtime requirements.
Hospital facility fees to be investigated under new law
Legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills creates a task force to examine the fees, which also will be shared publicly.
Mills signs, hails ‘historic’ budget creating family leave program
Lawmakers also were expected to meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss the fate of 266 bills that have been passed but were not included in the budget and are competing with other bills for $10 million to $12 million in unallocated funding.
Maine’s new public defenders aim to close attorney shortage in rural areas
The five-member Rural Defender Unit is representing people in places like Aroostook and Washington counties, where many cannot afford – or find – a lawyer.
Maine has tacked left as nation lurches right in culture wars
Embracing the state motto – ‘I lead’ – Maine lawmakers led in a different direction, safeguarding and expanding access to abortion and gender-affirming care.
Budget approved by Democrats won’t go into effect until fall
Upset over being shut out of negotiations, Republicans vote against the state budget. It still passes, but without their votes, the newly added $800 million can’t be spent until October.
Maine Legislature finally wraps up session, sends abortion bill to governor
Lawmakers voted out the last of the pending bills late Thursday, including a hard-fought bill to expand abortion access that Gov. Janet Mills is all but certain to sign into law soon.