A US House budget bill would eliminate federal financial aid for part-time students, which could have major repercussions at community colleges, although a Senate version of the bill walks back those limits.
Politics
Local, statewide and national political news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Republican effort to overturn state budget with people’s veto falls short
The effort to overturn the $11.3 billion continuing services budget approved in March could have forced a government shutdown.
Maine lawmakers’ home addresses pulled from state websites after Minnesota killings
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the addresses for legislative candidates were removed from her office’s website ‘out of an abundance of caution.’
Maine Republicans, red flag opponents want to give voters another referendum option
A proposal unveiled Tuesday for a competing measure on the November ballot would make changes to the existing yellow flag law and include funding for mental health services.
Maine lawmakers advance bill to limit police cooperation with federal immigration authorities
A bill from Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, would still allow law enforcement to work with federal law enforcement on criminal investigations, as long as the primary purpose is not immigration enforcement.
Maine Senate supports exclusive rights to online table games for tribes
A bill sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, faces a round of final votes in each chamber before it can be sent to Gov. Janet Mills, whose administration opposed the proposal earlier this year.
Maine likely to remain in compact to choose presidents based on national popular vote
The Senate voted 18-16 against having Maine leave the multistate compact it joined last year pledging to give all of its electoral votes to whichever presidential candidate wins the popular vote nationwide, if the compact is enacted.
Lots of passion, not much policy at summit of New England, Canadian leaders
While American leaders, including Gov. Janet Mills, emphasized the vital role of Canadian tourists, Canadian premiers said they’re telling constituents to ‘travel around Canada.’
Latest Maine budget compromise would end free community college for 2026 graduates
The program was a signature policy win for Gov. Janet Mills, who had proposed making it permanent in her budget.
Maine Senate blocks last transgender sports bill
The bill sponsored by Rep. Richard Campbell, R-Orrington, would have prevented transgender athletes from competing in school sports consistent with their gender identity and had been the only anti-transgender bill to clear a chamber this session.