The 2-year spending package includes many, but not all, of the initiatives proposed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, and lawmakers from both parties speak of a new level of civility in Maine government.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently covers state politics, the Maine Legislature and environmental/natural resources issues. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Carissa, and their dog.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Mills’ vetoes of CMP bills survive override votes in House
The 2 bills sought to give local officials or voters more say in whether electric utilities could build transmission lines through their municipalities.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects giving towns ‘local control’ over guns in polling places
The legislation would have allowed towns to set their own policies regarding whether guns could be carried at public meetings or in polling locations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
New Maine law will allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with medication
Gov. Janet Mills acknowledges a ‘moral dilemma’ as she signs the bill to legalize medication-assisted suicide.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
In reversal, Maine House endorses national popular vote bill
But the measure faces more votes to determine whether Maine should join other states that hope to drop the Electoral College in choosing the president.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Senate passes bipartisan prescription drug reform bills
One bill would allow Maine to negotiate to purchase drugs from Canada, while others would increase drug pricing transparency.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills signs bill to expand access to abortion services
The legislation, which Maine’s Democratic governor had introduced, will allow physician assistants and nurse practitioners to perform abortions or prescribe pregnancy-ending drugs.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects proposals barring non-citizens from voting
Opponents said the 2 proposed constitutional amendments were unnecessary because state law already says only U.S. citizens can vote in ‘any election’ in Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Tribal sustenance fishing bill headed to Gov. Mills’ desk
The legislation would tighten Maine water quality standards in certain waterways with the long-term goal of protecting tribal members who exercise their sustenance fishing rights.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Wardens help evacuate ill AT hiker
The 25-year-old hiker was suffering a “medical emergency” along a remote stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Piscataquis County.