The Senate votes to repeal the voting method approved in a statewide referendum, but the House opts to leave parts of the law intact for primary voting and congressional elections.
Scott Thistle
Scott Thistle is the State House reporter for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He has covered politics and government in Maine since 2006. Prior to that he served as the State House reporter for the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, Minnesota. A Maine native, Thistle has worked in journalism since 1990, when he got his start at a weekly newspaper in rural Oxford County, Maine. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an active volunteer with the National Ski Patrol. He resides with his wife, Amy and his two sons Finn and Kai, in Auburn, Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Growing prospect of shutdown casts a pall over State House
Gov. LePage says he doubts there will be a budget deal by Friday as legislative negotiators remain stalled but intent on avoiding a ‘travesty.’
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As state’s budget clock runs out, lawmakers only inch closer to deal
Despite weekend meetings with Gov. LePage, Democratic leaders say division remains on next 2-year budget for Maine
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
LePage signs tip credit restoration bill
The measure allows tipped employees to be paid half the state minimum wage.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
State workers say much is at risk if government shuts down
The union that represents 12,000 workers says a shutdown would have a widespread impact on employees and the economy.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
House Republicans make counter-offer on Maine budget stalemate
Gov. LePage says he will sign a budget if it looks like the latest offer from House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, but Democrats balk.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Senate sets aside legislation to repeal ranked-choice voting law
It then approves and sends to the House a bill to amend the Maine Constitution to fix flaws in the law identified by the state’s highest court.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature votes to extend session to try to resolve budget impasse
Lawmakers remain gridlocked over the state’s next two-year budget and need more time to negotiate an agreement to avoid a government shutdown July 1.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature passes bill to prohibit use of hand-held phones while driving
Maine, which already has laws against distracted driving and texting while driving, would join 15 other states that have banned the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Budget breakthrough proves elusive for Maine lawmakers
Top leaders met over the weekend to avert a shutdown on July 1, but they couldn’t overcome a stalemate over education funding and taxes.