AUGUSTA — Refinery officials say a federal mandate on blending ethanol into gasoline is impossible to meet and they want the Environmental Protection Agency to relax the rules for 2014. The mandate requiring that gasoline sold in the United States must include 10 percent ethanol will cost refiners more than $700 million, which will more than likely be […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
It’s official: Michaud wants to be governor
PORTLAND — Democratic U.S. Rep Mike Michaud ended speculation about his run for governor Wednesday when his campaign confirmed that he’s entering the campaign with a formal announcement Thursday in Lewiston. The five-term congressman, who has said he wants to restore civility to the Maine State House, has been raising money to challenge Republican Gov. Paul […]
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LePage wants Democrats to cap bond package at $150 million
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that he and legislative leaders are “all pretty much in the same place” on the importance of what has been a contentious bond package following a meeting in Senate President Justin Alfond’s office Wednesday morning. LePage told reporters that he will support a borrowing package of up to […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage says he kept department heads from hearing
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage on Wednesday said he barred his department chiefs from making themselves available at a Tuesday meeting of the Appropriations Committee. “The state is not going to be run by committees, it’s going to be run by the chief executive of the state,” LePage told reporters outside the State House. LePage […]
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Maine budget committee members voice frustration over snub by LePage agency heads
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers on the state’s powerful budget-writing committee Tuesday repeatedly voiced disappointment and frustration that representatives of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s administration would not answer their questions in person. Four departments, including the state’s largest agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, had business before the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee but […]
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LePage and legislators continue to spar over bonds
Gov. Paul LePage’s statement on his $100 million transportation bond AUGUSTA — State lawmakers and Gov. Paul LePage continued a political battle over how much Maine should borrow to fix roads and bridges and when voters should be asked to approve that borrowing Tuesday as the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee met for an […]
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Maine lawmakers to begin bond discussions
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine lawmakers are gearing up to begin negotiations on several bond proposals. The Appropriations Committee on Tuesday will start working on bonds carried over from last session, among other issues. Democratic Rep. Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston, chair of the committee, said lawmakers will hear from officials from Maine’s financial review office and […]
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Switch to third-party vendor leaves MaineCare patients without rides
LEWISTON — A change in the way MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, provides transportation for clients without vehicles has left many stranded or missing appointments in recent weeks. On Monday, Tracy Bennett of Bethel said she’s been stood up for a ride at least 10 times in the last week. Bennett, who is being treated […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine gets 2-year waiver on No Child Left Behind
AUGUSTA — The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that Maine’s application for a waiver under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been granted, allowing the state to implement another school accountability measure separate from the A-through-F grading system unveiled earlier this year. The two-year waiver means that Maine is exempt from the strict […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
State police say they can’t process concealed weapons permits in time required
AUGUSTA — Thanks to inadequate staffing, crushing demand and strict legal requirements, state police say something needs to change in how Maine issues permits to carry concealed weapons. State law dictates that new permits must be issued or denied within 60 days of the application date, and renewals must be decided within 30 days. But […]