Mark Chasse, a retiree, pays close attention to bills under consideration in Augusta and doesn’t hesitate to offer his two cents’ worth at public hearings.
legislature
Maine redistricting thrown into confusion by census delay, constitutional Catch-22
The state’s process insulates against gerrymandering, unless one party has supermajority control of the Legislature.
Winthrop widow seeks more regulation of funeral home vehicles
After her husband died driving one in 2017, Marie Charest wanted to sue her husband’s employer, but soon learned that she couldn’t because workers’ compensation laws bar it unless a company does something that breaks the law.
Maine senator calls for crackdown on ‘snake oil and fine print’ payday loans
State Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford calls for limits on how much lenders can charge for short-term loans to hard-pressed Mainers.
Maine Democratic leaders pitch COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights
Lawmakers hold a public hearing on L.D. 1, which would waive all copayments for testing and vaccinations.
Next step for Maine’s climate goals: Proposed laws to make them reality
Dozens of ideas being promoted by lawmakers this year represent the next phase of state government’s aggressive effort to address a rapidly changing climate.
Legislature faces new costs with move to Augusta Civic Center
The use of the arena for House and Senate floor sessions to provide the space needed to meet physical distancing guidelines for COVID-19 will cost the state $4,025 a day.
George Smith: Elect legislators who will work together
In the past, lawmakers with different views could work toward a compromise. Not anymore.
Maine lawmakers urge colleagues to prioritize bills aimed at ending systemic racism
Reps. Rachel Talbot Ross and Craig Hickman want the Legislature to act quickly on bills held over from the March adjournment that would address racial disparity and discrimination.
Panel recommends ways for Mills to address racial disparities in Maine
The state commission is urging several steps, including using federal CARES Act funding to support a response to the COVID-19 pandemic for minority populations in the state.