The Legislature will now create a process for evaluating bills for impacts on historically disadvantaged populations.
Scott Thistle
Scott Thistle is the State House reporter for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He has covered politics and government in Maine since 2006. Prior to that he served as the State House reporter for the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, Minnesota. A Maine native, Thistle has worked in journalism since 1990, when he got his start at a weekly newspaper in rural Oxford County, Maine. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an active volunteer with the National Ski Patrol. He resides with his wife, Amy and his two sons Finn and Kai, in Auburn, Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill would seal records of convictions for minor marijuana offenses in Maine
Convictions for minor marijuana possession that is no longer illegal would be sealed from the public and others, and that’s drawing opposition from public access advocates.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill to lower Maine’s voting age to 16 faces ‘steep hill’
Passage is unlikely, in part because the change requires a constitutional amendment, but advocates contend a debate over lowering the voting age would be beneficial.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Capitol Police chief still on sidelines, 2 months after social media posts surfaced
State officials say they are still reviewing whether Chief Russell Gauvin violated state policy with Facebook posts that, among other things, questioned the validity of the presidential election.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Legislation that would silence foreign companies in Maine ballot campaigns gets first look
Three bills before the Maine Legislature would prevent companies like Hydro-Quebec from spending money to influence statewide ballot questions, including one in November on a controversial power line.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
In late-night deal, lawmakers agree on budget bill providing tax relief to Maine businesses
An agreement to add $8 million to the state’s rainy day fund and study the impact of extending tax cuts on income from exporting products tied to intellectual assets helped shore up Republican support in the House.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Senate passes budget bill with tax exemption for business relief loans
Two Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the measure, which would exempt businesses from paying state taxes on federal Paycheck Protection Program loans, but it faces a stiffer test in the House.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Maine not alone in finding fault with human resources software firm
Some lawmakers are calling for an investigation of the state’s contract with California-based Workday Inc., which was hired to update Maine’s antiquated employee benefits system but walked off the job last month.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine may seek $21 million refund from human resources software contractor
California-based Workday walked off the job last month after a dispute with the state. Meanwhile, Maine’s finance commissioner told lawmakers it may take $8 million more to get the new system up and running.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Deal on state tax exemption implodes as Republicans balk at supplemental budget
Democrats support a bill to reduce tax liability for businesses and individuals who received federal COVID-19 relief loans or benefits, but Republicans are pushing for more.