Lawmakers complete work on the bipartisan budget several days before the Legislature’s scheduled adjournment, unlike 2 years ago, when political fighting led to a brief government shutdown.
maine legislature
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects bill to increase estate tax
The 70-75 vote against lowering the excluded amount from $5.6 million to $2 million comes after a short debate.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Proposal to study public power options for Maine moves forward
A bill to create a statewide, consumer-owned electric utility is carried over until next year, pending a study to be led by the Maine PUC.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Legislature approves new state budget of nearly $8 billion
The 2-year spending package includes many, but not all, of the initiatives proposed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, and lawmakers from both parties speak of a new level of civility in Maine government.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Saco Rep. O’Neil: We need a bold plan to combat the opioid epidemic
A small excise tax paid by manufacturers of opioids would help pay for addiction treatment and prevention.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Mills’ vetoes of CMP bills survive override votes in House
The 2 bills sought to give local officials or voters more say in whether electric utilities could build transmission lines through their municipalities.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House kills bill to require background checks for private gun sales
The measure would have required private gun sellers to obtain background checks on buyers from federally licensed firearms dealers.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Senate says ‘no’ to letting cities and towns levy their own sales taxes
But the House votes later Thursday to narrow the bill to allow only a 1% tax on lodging, in hopes of attracting additional Senate votes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects giving towns ‘local control’ over guns in polling places
The legislation would have allowed towns to set their own policies regarding whether guns could be carried at public meetings or in polling locations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Committee gives strong endorsement to state budget totaling nearly $8 billion
Gov. Janet Mills calls the Appropriations Committee’s vote on the 2-year spending package a forward-looking compromise.