Gov. Paul LePage’s announcement last week that he was willing to consider expanding government-funded health insurance to 55,000 low-income Mainers has created a new debate among Republicans about the federal health care law.

A proposal to divert $300,000 from the attorney general to the executive branch may violate state law; the concealed-weapons permits info ban bill is scheduled for a work session Thursday; Rep. Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, is throwing his weight behind a proposal that would crack down on people who exploit elders; Democrats have to admit Gov. Paul LePage has a decent sense of humor; budget hearings continue throughout the week; and the governor will be the guest of honor at the 10th annual Spring Paving Seminar.

Gov. Paul LePage’s administration sought exposure for LePage and his pro-gun stance on conservative national and regional talk shows as a public frenzy exploded about requests for the names of Maine concealed-weapon permit holders.