The House rejects a bill that would allow police to resume temporary detentions of juveniles for less serious crimes, with Democrats calling for more services to support at-risk youth.
maine legislature
House, Senate agree to let voters decide about new state flag
Gov. Janet Mills hasn’t yet weighed in on a bill that would ask voters this fall whether they want to replace the current state flag with one based on the design used until 1909 that is comprised of a pine tree and blue star.
Maine steps up use of yellow flag law to seize weapons from those in crisis
The law went into effect in 2020, but it wasn’t widely used until the state signed a contract to make the necessary medical opinions available via telehealth.
Commentary: Expand Mainers’ eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program
There couldn’t be a better time to provide justice to the thousands of older Mainers now struggling to make ends meet.
Commentary: The Legislature must limit future electric rate increases
Older Mainers stand to gain if our legislators reform the solar payment law now.
Our View: We must change the way we think about caregiving
Robust support for a proposal that would pay parent caregivers of children with special needs acknowledges just how badly broken our systems of care are.
Maine Compass: Stop underpaying state workers for providing services we all count on
Nearly one in six positions in state government is vacant due to the state’s inability to recruit and retain workers at the current pay rates.
Maine Voices: Ignoring need for caution, mining bill moving at speed of industry
The environment and human health are at risk under an amendment to L.D. 1363. It would allow the developer of a mineral deposit – like Plumbago North – to proceed under much-looser quarry rules.
Maine’s high court rules lawmakers may still enact citizen referendums
The decision likely only affects one question, which lawmakers say enjoys widespread support in the Legislature and across the state: Banning foreign spending on state referendum campaigns.
Minority Republicans notch a rare win for now on highway budget
Republicans successfully won permanent funding for the chronically underfunded highway budget. But it’s unclear whether the committee change will stick.