Advocates push for fixes to Maine’s financing of 42 facilities for the homeless as demand grows.
Steve Mistler
Panel wants lawmakers to have final say on any plan for Keno in Maine
Gov. Paul LePage has backed off adding the gambling game this year, but the state’s lottery bureau now has the authority to add it without legislative approval.
Legislative panel backs bill to restrict out-of-staters’ role in Maine petition drives
The unanimous vote raises the odds of passage for the bill, which could affect the initiation of potential bear-baiting and marijuana ballot questions.
Maine legislator apologizes for Facebook remarks about Obama and terrorists, but remains under fire
Sen. Michael Willette says that he failed to ‘show restraint,’ and that other posts about immigrants were not racist, but Democrats want the Republican punished.
LePage backing off plan to add Keno to Maine lottery games
The announcement follows criticism from state lawmakers that the game would transform restaurants and convenience stores into mini-casinos.
LePage jeopardizing land-conservation projects by withholding funds as a political tactic, critics say
They say he’s breaking his word by refusing to release the voter-approved bond money, using it as leverage in his fight for more timber-cutting on public lands.
Some Maine legislators try to block state’s plan to add Keno to lottery
An agency official says the game is similar to instant tickets and would raise revenue, but some legislators see too many negatives and submit a bill to stop it.
Maine bill restricting cellphone use to hands-free mode while driving divides committee
The Transportation Committee votes 7-6 to defeat the measure, but one member says he could change his mind.
Republican leaders’ response to LePage reveals rift on tax initiative
The governor has steadily increased his criticism of lawmakers who have not fully embraced his proposed overhaul.
LePage says he’ll campaign against lawmakers who oppose his tax overhaul
He tells a crowd of conservatives that he expects legislators to block his proposal this year, and vows he’ll be ‘going after’ those who don’t buy in.