The director of the state’s nonpartisan watchdog agency said he received a whistleblower complaint from someone in a position to know about financial problems, but no details were disclosed.
maine legislature
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State finds $2.6 million to boost pay for lawyers who represent indigent defendants
The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services says it will increase its reimbursement rate from $80 an hour to $150 an hour after state officials realized money to pay attorneys had not been carried over from an “orphaned” account it last used in 2019.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine officials believed relief checks were tax exempt – but never asked the IRS
Lawmakers who negotiated the payments say they believed the pandemic-era aid would be tax-free, but a Maine Revenue Service official says no such assurance was made.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
To-go alcoholic drinks may be here to stay
Despite objections from public health advocates, a legislative committee voted Wednesday in favor of permanently legalizing the pandemic-era practice of to-go cocktails, wine, and beer.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
More information needed on legality, feasibility of bill that would repeal recovery residence exemption in fire code, lawmakers say
A bill before the Legislature could reclassify recovery residences and force some to close, worsening an already difficult housing situation in the state, some lawmakers fear.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Advocates lobby Maine lawmakers for paid family leave
Supporters are pressing for a law to establish a statewide benefit that would typically be used for the birth of a child, to care for a sick or elderly relative, or when a worker falls ill and needs time to recover.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Legislative committee votes to approve free state park access to Indigenous people
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine could become 12th state to enact paid family leave
Advocates will descend on the State House on Tuesday to lobby for the benefit as the Legislature takes up the proposal.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Coalition to promote paid family leave this week at Maine State House
Family and medical leave allows workers to take paid time off for the birth of a child or to care for a sick or aging relative.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Maine lawmakers renew push for faster work permits for asylum seekers
Efforts dating to 2015 have failed to gain traction in Congress, stalling in the polarized debates over immigration reform and border security.