By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial One of the chief complaints Gov. Paul LePage has lodged against a popular state land protection program in recent months is that its benefits accrue mainly to the wealthy. “We ask the taxpayer — which is not the rich people — to sell bonds and give Read More
State House Watch
Working for legislation to protect Maine’s environment is an essential part of NRCM’s mission for the people of Maine. During the legislative session, we are at the Maine State House, just a block from our office, to work for new safeguards and also to defend existing legislation that protects Maine’s land, air, water, and wildlife.
52 House Republicans Kill the Land for Maine’s Future Program
By George Smith Bangor Daily News column Today legislators had to decide which was most important: the will of the people, or the willfulness of the Governor. Twenty five Senators voted with the people, overriding the Governor’s veto of Senator Roger Katz’s bill to allow bonds for the Land for Maine’s Future program to be Read More
Whimper, Not Bang, Ends 2015 Maine Lawmaking Session
By Scott Thistle, LSJ State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA — An often tumultuous first half of the 127th Maine legislative session came to a nondramatic close Thursday more than six months after it started — making it one of the longest in recent state history. Beyond a smattering of official sentiments honoring Read More
LePage Prepares Bill to Save Conservation Bonds, but Critics Wary of Motive, Legality
Steve Mistler, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage announced Wednesday that he’s submitted legislation that will extend the lifespan of $6.5 million in voter-approved conservation bonds that are set to expire in November. Details of the proposal are not yet public, however, the administration said the newly drafted bill Read More
Legislature Wraps Up Business with Final Debates
News Center Maine news story AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — The Legislature on Thursday worked to finally finish business for the year, and adjourn, but not without some last- minute drama. Lawmakers were back in Augusta for a one day session to deal with a handful of vetoes from Gov. Paul LePage. The biggest of Read More
Legislative Override Would Make Governors Accountable to Voters
by David Trahan Portland Press Herald op-ed On June 11, the Maine Senate and House voted by overwhelming, veto-proof majorities to stand with Maine people when it comes to honoring their will as expressed at the ballot box. On Thursday, they should stand firm again. The issue is Gov. LePage’s continued refusal – for unrelated Read More
Legislature Overrides Veto of Bill Calling for PUC to Develop Solar Policy
Vote shows bipartisan support for helping Maine catch up on solar NRCM news release AUGUSTA, ME – Today, the Maine House (119-28) and Senate (32-3) voted to override Governor LePage’s veto of a Resolve aimed at developing a comprehensive solar policy for Maine. LD 1263, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gideon of Freeport, was amended to Read More
Lawmakers Must Hold Firm to Put Land for Maine’s Future Back on Track
Bangor Daily News editorial Lawmakers have taken strong stands on two important issues in recent weeks, pushing back against an obstinate governor to put two programs — Land for Maine’s Future and Efficiency Maine — back on track. We’d like to see lawmakers continue to stand firm against a governor who is demonstrating no interest Read More
Bill Passed by House and Senate would Force LePage to Sell Conservation Bonds
The bill, sponsored by a Republican senator, is a response to the governor’s decision to withhold bonds from a state conservation program as leverage with lawmakers. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — A bill that would force Gov. Paul LePage to sell voter-approved bonds received strong bipartisan support in Read More
