While Gov. Janet Mills didn’t get the votes she needed for an emergency heating assistance package last week, she goes into a second term with a Democratic majority in the Legislature and projected budget surpluses.
maine legislature
Posted inLocal Government, News
Franklin County moves draft legislation forward to change voting process in the budget process
There is also draft legislation that would require the Maine Judicial Branch to help pay for supplies, cleaning, maintenance, heat and electricity at the courthouse.
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Posted inMaine, Politics, Uncategorized
Bill to provide heating aid and relief checks unlikely to pass before January
Citing the expedited process, Republicans in the Maine Senate blocked the emergency bill Wednesday, but it will come up again, likely when the Legislature reconvenes after the holidays.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Plan to provide heating assistance and relief checks fails in Maine Senate
Republicans in the Maine Senate rejected the bill, which fell short of getting a two-thirds majority needed to pass as emergency legislation and take effect immediately.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Rachel Talbot Ross becomes first Black speaker of Maine House
The new legislative session began on a historic note with the Portland Democrat getting sworn in 50 years after father became the state’s first Black lawmaker.
Posted inBusiness, Food & Dining, News
Maine Republicans want to strip tax benefits from businesses that boycott lobster
The lawmakers’ bill would penalize companies such as Whole Foods that refuse to buy Maine products because they don’t carry a stamp of approval from a third party.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes $450 relief checks as part of heating assistance package
Gov. Janet Mills and legislative leaders have been trying to find agreement on a relief package that can get bipartisan approval on Wednesday, allowing the aid to be sent to struggling Mainers this winter.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Negotiations continue over heating and energy aid for Mainers
While details were not released, another round of relief checks and additional rental assistance are being contemplated, along with direct heating and energy assistance.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Big issues await legislators in new session, starting with heating Mainers’ homes
When it begins work this week, the 131st Legislature will dig into its first big test: a bipartisan deal on energy relief.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Proposal to ban political spending by foreign governments heads to statewide referendum
Supporters said the measure headed toward a state referendum would close a loophole that allows foreign governments to spend on Maine issue campaigns.