Posted inMaine

Brakey wants to make state parks free for Maine military families

AUGUSTA — State Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, is hoping to pass a bill that would allow spouses and children of active-duty military personnel free access to Maine’s state parks. Brakey’s bill would expand a program that allows active-duty military members free access to the parks but doesn’t allow family members to have access without the […]

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Legislature passes bill that removes permit requirement for concealed guns

AUGUSTA — A bill that removes Maine’s requirement that those carrying a concealed handgun first obtain a permit from law enforcement to do so passed the state Senate on a 23-12 vote Tuesday. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, now moves to Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who will have 10 days to veto […]

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Maine budget in full stall as lawmakers grapple for compromise

On Thursday, LePage again turned up the heat by going public about his displeasure with the state Senate’s Republican majority leadership. During an hourlong radio chat Thursday morning, LePage blasted Senate Republicans, again accusing them of siding with House Democrats in stymieing his efforts to lower and eventually eliminate Maine’s income tax. “The conflict is this,” […]

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LePage joins call for constitutional amendment to balance federal budget

AUGUSTA — Flanked by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Gov. Paul LePage said Thursday he would push Maine lawmakers to pass a resolution urging Congress to create an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require the federal government to maintain a balanced budget. LePage and Kasich, both Republicans, said the issue of balancing the federal […]

Posted inLocal Sports

Class A State Cheering Championships: Lewiston is back, with seventh title

AUGUSTA — Lewiston cheering has borne the burden of building and maintaining a dynasty at the conference, regional, state and New England levels. One pressure the Blue Devils hadn’t experienced in that steady climb and lengthy stay atop the pyramid: Redemption. They wore that motivation mind-bogglingly well Saturday. Lewiston erased the memories of last year’s […]

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Local lawmakers offering mixed reactions to LePage address

AUGUSTA — In reaction to Gov. Paul LePage’s State of the State address Tuesday, both Democrats and Republicans seemed to be keeping open minds to a pending budget proposal that many said is “bold and visionary.” Democrats, including state Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, were more reserved in their praise of LePage but still offered an […]

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LePage budget plan reforms Maine tax policy

AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage on Friday made good on his promise to “go after” Maine income taxes in his next two-year budget. LePage’s 2016-17 spending plan for state government includes sweeping reforms to Maine’s tax policy, dramatically changing the sources of state revenue from the income tax to a broader and higher sales tax. The […]