Lawmakers found themselves in an unusual position this year – having to decide what to do with a projected surplus of $1.2 billion.
maine legislature
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Sovereignty falls short, but state-tribal relations move forward
Though it’s disappointing that Maine failed to recognize the inherent rights of the Wabanaki Nations, there is hope that it could come soon.
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Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Police must get on board with expanded Maine Good Samaritan legislation
Expected to be signed by Gov. Mills, the law’s expansion makes clear that saving lives, not making arrests, should be the focus at the scene of an overdose.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Legislature votes to approve rural public defender office
It will be the first public defenders unit created in Maine. The five attorneys will travel to areas where there are few lawyers available to defend indigent defendants.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Gov. Mills, lawmakers find common ground
Last minute compromises on utility regulation and the Good Samaritan law make Maine better able to meet its challenges.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Jim Fossel: Good Samaritan compromise got in the way of good policy
The original version of L.D. 1862 could have saved Mainers’ lives without making government any bigger. What was wrong with that?
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Historic tribal sovereignty bill falters, while sports betting advances
The Legislature’s budget committee failed to allocate $44,650 in funding needed to send the sovereignty bill to Gov. Janet Mills, who was expected to veto it, but officials say negotiations are ongoing.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Maine lawmakers to vote on bills awaiting funding
The more than 200 bills that were approved by the Legislature would cost more than $1.6 billion to implement.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine lawmakers missed chance to fix indigent legal aid
While the state clings to its unique criminal defense setup, people are being denied their constitutional rights.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
House Democrats reverse course and Legislature passes utility accountability bill
A day after delivering a major setback to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills’ efforts to hold utility companies more accountable, House Democrats reversed course and approved a slightly modified version of the bill Wednesday.