A virtual party-line House vote was expected on the $1.9 trillion package, which includes cash for individuals, businesses, states and cities.
Politics
Local, statewide and national political news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Across U.S., some local Republican leaders use conspiracies, lies to build the base
The bitter, combative rhetoric is helping the officials grow their constituencies on social media and gain outsize influence in their communities, city councils, county boards and state assemblies.
Conservative gathering to feature Trump’s false fraud claims
Some of the nation’s leading conservatives are gathering at a conference in Florida that will endorse former President Donald Trump’s continued dominance in Republican politics and promote his false claim that he lost the election only because of widespread voter fraud.
Maine Senate confirms nomination of DEP commissioner
Melanie Loyzim has worked in a variety of roles in the DEP, including acting commissioner.
Minimum wage increase must be stripped from COVID relief bill, Senate arbiter decides
The proposal would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 over 5 years, well over the $7.25 in effect since 2009.
Secretary of State Bellows touts Maine electoral practices to congressional panel
The former Democratic state senator, testifying alongside Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams, says voting should be ‘equal and safe and secure all across the country.’
United States attorney for Maine stepping down, at Biden’s request
Halsey Frank, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump as the state’s top federal prosecutor, says his resignation will become effective Sunday.
House votes to expand legal safeguards for LGBTQ people
‘I’ve proudly advocated for this bill for years, and I’m thrilled to see it pass the House today,’ said Rep. Chellie Pingree, 1st District, who is vice chair of the House LGBTQ Caucus.
Republicans form wall of opposition to Democrats’ virus relief package
Democratic leaders were poised to push the sweeping package through the House on Friday, and hope the Senate, where changes are likely, will act quickly.
Maine’s congressional delegation asks Biden to protect lobstermen from proposed rules to save right whales
The two senators and two representatives say the proposed rules could be a ‘death knell’ for the industry.