The governor’s response to questions about unemployment benefits echoed her predecessor, and that’s not good.
legislature
In rapid sequence, Legislature approves $76 million budget package geared toward pandemic
The measure includes $38 million more for Maine’s public schools, funding for coronavirus response and dozens of other new initiatives.
Lawmakers urged to repeal provision allowing secrecy in police use of surveillance tools
Two legislators introduced the measure after the Maine Sunday Telegram reported that state police are using a provision in Maine law to conceal whether they are using technologies capable of mass surveillance of citizens.
Bill would nearly double Maine’s governor’s pay, from $70,000 to $135,000
The legislation that went before the State and Local Government Committee on Monday also would boost pay and reimbursements for state lawmakers and judges, who, like the governor, are the lowest paid in the nation.
Lawmakers endorse forming commission to study reforms to child protection system
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham, said he wants to ensure that discussions continue, and that the public gets input.
Citing coronavirus, Mills urges voters to uphold Maine’s new vaccine law
Maine’s governor uses her weekly radio address to attack a citizens’ veto effort that would overturn the state’s new law to eliminate non-medical exemptions for childhood vaccines.
Maine lawmakers take up bill to ban ‘deepfake’ political ads
Supporters say the measure would protect election integrity and prevent deception of voters, but some lawmakers raised free speech concerns.
Our View: State must fill growing gap in affordable housing
A bill now before the Legislature could double the units built every year in Maine.
Maine will double its rebate on certain heat pumps for homeowners
Rebates from the Efficiency Maine trust will increase from $500 to $1,000 for the first heat pump installed in a home if it meets the criteria for high performance and efficiency.
Mills vetoes bill to legalize sports betting in Maine
The bill, 1 of 3 the governor vetoed, was among 40 she had held since the close of the session in June. She allowed 24 to become law without her signature, and 13 others were recalled for changes by the Legislature.