maine legislature Archives - Centralmaine.com

Latest resignation leaves Maine ethics panel with only 3 of 5 seats filled

by Scott Thistle February 14, 2020February 14, 2020

The departure of Republican Bradford Pattershall has left the campaign-finance oversight panel shorthanded as a busy election season heats up.

Maine, News, Politics

Maine bill would replace federal funds lost in abortion ‘gag rule’ dispute

by Scott Thistle February 13, 2020February 13, 2020

The proposal would provide about $3 million for Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning, which lost federal Title X funding when they refused to accept restrictions on discussing abortion with their clients.

Health, Maine, News, Politics

Bill to give Maine DEP more authority over ‘forever chemicals’ advances in committee

by Kevin Miller February 12, 2020February 12, 2020

The bill is one of multiple measures that lawmakers will consider this year in response to growing concerns about PFAS contamination in Maine.

Op-Eds, Opinion

Troy Jackson: When it comes to health care, putting Maine patients first is long overdue

by Troy Jackson February 12, 2020February 14, 2020

The Patients First Health Care package clamps down on fees and puts an end to abusive billing practices.

Business, Maine, News, Politics

House votes to sustain governor’s veto of sports betting bill

by Scott Thistle February 11, 2020February 12, 2020

The vote Tuesday, which closes the door for now on legalized sports betting in Maine, comes a week after the state Senate voted to override the governor’s veto.

Maine, News

Maine lawmakers weigh bill to increase first responder death benefit

by Scott Thistle February 10, 2020February 11, 2020

Two Maine firefighters and 2 police officers have died in the line of duty since 2018, prompting a proposal to raise the state death benefit for survivors from $50,000 to $75,000.

Op-Eds, Opinion

Maine Compass: Don’t expect Maine ‘public power’ plan to deliver on its big promises

by Mark Dion February 10, 2020February 8, 2020

L.D. 1646 could keep CMP, as the private operator of the publicly owned utility – at higher rates.

Business, Maine, News, Times Record

Bill would prohibit a common property tax appeal by big-box retailers

by Edward D. Murphy February 10, 2020February 10, 2020

Large retailers have been pressuring Maine communities to lower their property taxes based on hypothetical arguments about the properties’ resale value.