A legislative committee has recommended keeping forest rangers and giving them Tasers.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently covers state politics, the Maine Legislature and environmental/natural resources issues. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Carissa, and their dog.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers look to block LePage’s plan to increase timber take
Since the governor took office, harvests on state-owned lands have risen by 34 percent.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers: Science unclear on cellphone health risk
The bill is part of an ongoing debate about the risks of exposure to radio frequency radiation.
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics
Maine solar energy advocates stand behind incentives
But critics say a Freeport lawmaker’s proposal, setting ambitious goals in the next seven years, would cost ratepayers too much.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Tighter rules for General Assistance in Maine divide crowd at hearing
One bill would prohibit cities and towns from aiding asylum seekers and immigrants without visas, while another suggests the state take over the welfare program.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Republican Senate leaders decide to co-sponsor religious freedom bill in Maine
Similar measures have generated strong backlash in other states, including Indiana, with critics saying they open the door to discrimination.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
DHHS defends using former police to inspect marijuana caregiver operations
It says it lacks staffing to follow up on complaints, as some question whether the agency even has inspection authority.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Battle revived over alewives in St. Croix River
Lawmakers will debate the passage of alewives amid concerns they threaten the smallmouth bass fishing industry and river ecosystem.
Posted inNews, Politics
Democrats unveil tax reform counter-proposal to LePage plan
The plan from party leaders would target more tax relief toward Maine’s middle class but supports other aspects of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s tax overhaul proposal.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Members of legislative panel disagree on income tax cuts, sales tax increases
But the Taxation Committee does endorse some of the governor’s reforms, such as not taxing military pensions and applying the sales tax to more goods and services.