One bill de-emphasizes family reunification, a win for the governor, and others allot more than $21 million to add as many as 40 positions in the DHHS and increase pay for caseworkers.
maine legislature
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
LePage urged to apologize for ‘disrespectful’ outburst at Republican lawmaker
In an unprecedented letter to the governor, the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee says his actions – including calling a state senator a ‘repugnant human being’ – were undignified and disrespectful.
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Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Lawmakers back several LePage bills to fix flaws in child protection system, but not others
A committee recommends adding staff, raising wages and giving caseworkers more access to police records, but rejects shifting the system’s focus away from family reunification. Votes on the bills are expected Thursday.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
LePage urges employers to seek repeal of ‘mud season’ layoff benefits rule
The new measure eases work-search requirements for unemployment benefits when workers experience temporary layoffs, such as those that are common in Maine’s logging and construction industries.
Posted inMaine, Politics
As critics question LePage’s plan to overhaul child protection system, its cost is pegged at $21 million
Bills submitted by the governor call for a series of changes, winning some praise but also drawing skepticism that extensive reforms are really needed.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
LePage submits bills to overhaul Maine’s troubled system for protecting children
The proposals include adding 18 positions, raising workers’ pay and reducing the emphasis on family reunification, but the overall cost of the reforms remains unclear.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Westbrook lawmaker accused of misconduct with students resigns his House seat
Democrat Dillon Bates has been accused of having inappropriate relationships with female students while teaching at Maine Girls’ Academy, an allegation he and his lawyer have repeatedly denied.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Watchdog committee votes to subpoena another LePage administration official
The panel, which is reviewing state use of federal welfare funds, votes to compel a DHHS witness to appear after the governor says ‘no’ because of ‘the inevitable politics.’
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Republican lawmaker calls for committee probe into allegations against Dillon Bates
The two-term Democratic lawmaker from Westbrook and former teacher and coach is accused of inappropriate behavior with students.
Posted inMaine
Lawmaker accused of misconduct with students resigns coaching position at Massabesic High
Dillon Bates of Westbrook, a Democrat who faces allegations of inappropriate relations with female students, has informed RSU 57 that he won’t coach the cross-country team at Massabesic this fall.