The proposal, which would create a day honoring democracy in light of the Jan. 6, 2021 riots, generated heated debate before passing 74-65 in a party-line vote.
maine legislature
Posted inNews, Politics, Schools and Education
Portland charter school would serve multilingual, disabled students — if lawmakers don’t intervene
The Legislature’s education committee has unanimously approved lowering Maine’s cap on the number of charter schools. It could spell trouble for a new middle and high school specializing in vulnerable populations.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine crime victims could lose ‘safety net’ of services without major state investment
Resources like 24-hour hotlines, emergency shelters and legal advocacy could all be at risk if Maine doesn’t figure out how to make up for millions lost in federal funding for victim services.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Advocates urge state to shore up Maine’s child care system
Funding for the system has been caught up in a budget fight between Gov. Janet Mills and Democratic lawmakers.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Could Maine finally create a statewide system for tracking rape kits?
A proposal died when the Legislature ran out of time last year. While there’s more support for the effort this year, lawmakers wonder if they will have the funding.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Dam safety reforms considered by Maine lawmakers
The measures include bolstering the state’s enforcement actions, expanding mapping efforts and updating the pay scale for Maine’s chief dam inspector.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
15 state attorneys general condemn Rep. Libby’s censure as ‘attack on Legislature’ in letter
The group, led by West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey, charges that the Auburn Republican’s censure impedes the Legislature’s ability to function and represent Mainers.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmaker, advocates say Maine needs new Office of the Child Advocate
If approved, the office would be an independent watchdog agency and work with state departments overseeing health and human services, education, law enforcement police and corrections.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Emotional debate on transgender rights, girls sports draws hundreds to Maine State House
The hearings Thursday come as the Trump administration has sued Maine over its policy allowing transgender athletes to participate in girls sports, adding to the intensity of debate at the State House.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News, Politics
Emergency bill would restore full MaineCare payments to hospitals
House Democrats tried to bypass the usual committee review process to fast-track floor votes on the bipartisan measure — a shortcut that drew Republican criticism and jeopardized the bill.