The Maine Legislature’s Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted down a bill that would have compelled Maine not to cooperate with law enforcement from states that have banned gender-affirming care who are investigating people who have sought such treatment here. LD 1735, a bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Laurie Osher of Orono, was a top priority…
Gov. Janet Mills last week signed a bill to increase the low pay of lawmakers — a reform that advocates believe will help diversify who is able to run for office in Maine. As Beacon previously reported, the bill signed by Mills (LD 1155) will raise lawmakers’ pay to $25,000 for the first year of…
The Maine Senate on Tuesday gave final approval to a measure to increase the paltry pay of lawmakers — a reform that advocates say is crucial to diversifying who is able to run for office. The measure, passed by the Senate in a 17-10 vote, now heads to the desk of Gov. Janet Mills. Along…
Despite being a proven tool against overdose deaths, people in recovery, advocates and lawmakers said at a press conference on Thursday that they know it will be a difficult path to passing their top legislative priority this session: Harm reduction health centers where people could use previously-obtained illicit drugs under medical supervision. “We did just…
The state’s medical community is uniting behind a package of bills intended to improve the lives of transgender residents that are currently making their way through the Maine Legislature. In a public hearing late last week, representatives from the Maine Medical Association, the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Maine Psychological…
Lawmakers on Tuesday heard testimony on a bill that would raise the pay of Maine legislators, which is paltry compared to many other states, in order to improve the quality of life for those serving and increase the chances that people from diverse backgrounds can run for office. The bill, LD 1155, is sponsored by…
The Maine Legislature’s Democratic-controlled Taxation Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to kill a bill that would have made the wealthiest Mainers pay a higher income tax rate, lessening the burden on middle- and low-income property taxpayers. One path to raising taxes on the wealthy remains open, however, but its likelihood of becoming law is unclear…
Becoming a member of the state legislature is viewed as an act of service, a chance to make a difference and work to pass policies that will improve Mainers’ lives. But that rosy narrative also begs the question: Who can actually afford to serve? In Maine, lawmakers are in office for two-year terms. But over…
With the new year has come renewed attacks on transgender kids in Maine. The assault is coming via bills introduced by Republicans in the state legislature and in the form of campaigns by conservative activists at the local level, including those behind a recall of officials in a western Maine school district who pushed for an…
Advocates and lawmakers gathered Thursday in Bangor to celebrate the 56th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and to support proposals before Congress that would expand the programs and make historic investments in health care and the economy. The event comes as negotiations are ongoing in Washington, D.C, on a budget package to address a litany…