While the 7-5 vote indicates the bill has an uncertain fate in the full Legislature, there is growing optimism about a compromise ‘red flag’ bill crafted by a bipartisan group.
Politics
Local, statewide and national political news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Workers’ comp reform bill moves out of committee to full floor
A legislative committee voted along party lines to endorse a bill that would increase available benefits to injured workers and raise costs.
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Posted inHealth, Maine, News, Politics, Religion and Values
Maine House passes ‘death with dignity’ bill by 4 votes
Tuesday’s vote marks initial approval of the measure, which would make Maine the 8th state to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with prescribed medication.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
New law to make Maine first state with paid sick time that covers more than getting sick
The law, effective Jan. 1, 2021, will require businesses with 10 or more employees to give their workers as much 40 hours of paid time yearly for illness or family emergencies.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Mills nominates energy veteran to chair Public Utilities Commission
Former state Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett is an attorney and former chairman of the Maine Democratic Party.
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Trump in Japan: Pomp and tense circumstance
The president said he was not bothered by North Korea’s launching of short-range missiles while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called it a ‘great regret.’
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Hefty donation to Trump’s inaugural committee comes under scrutiny
Federal prosecutors are looking into Franklin Haney, whose $1 million contribution came as he was seeking financial support from the government in buying the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Alabama.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine cities and towns may get the chance to collect local sales taxes
The Legislature’s Taxation Committee narrowly approved a bill to let municipalities add a 1 percent tax on sales of meals and lodgings.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Committee’s split shows details will be key to legalizing sports betting
Debates are likely on the floor of the Legislature over a bill to allow online wagering, set a 2-tiered tax rate and allow on-premises betting at 11 locations.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Lawmakers seek to track, reduce schools’ use of restraint and seclusion
A recent report by the nonprofit Disability Rights Maine found that use of physical restraint or seclusion jumped 60% in 4 years in Maine schools.