Author: The Maine Polis
Committee Divided on National Popular Vote Bill
Published Date: 04/07/2019
UPDATE: At least 100 people submitted testimony in early March to the Committee On Veterans And Legal Affair’s hearing for LD 816. Sen. Peter Jackson (D-Aroostook), whom sponsored the bill (co-sponsors), argued that because so many people feel left out of the political process, it’s important that every American’s vote should count equally.…
In Letter, Pingree Cautions USDA Secretary Against SNAP Work Requirements, Says Policy Caused Maine’s Food insecurity to Spike to 15.8 percent
Published Date: 04/03/2019
Pingree noted that when the state of Maine imposed a similar policy during the LePage administration it increased the state’s food insecurity to 15.8 percent and urged USDA not to pursue this course.
…On House Floor, Pingree Urges Maine Tribe’s Inclusion into 2019 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
Published Date: 04/03/2019
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today spoke on the U.S. House floor in support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2019.
…Governor Mills Announces Federal Approval of Medicaid Expansion
Published Date: 04/03/2019
Governor Janet Mills announced today that the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Maine’s State Plan Amendments to expand Medicaid (MaineCare) under the Affordable Care Act. CMS notified the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) of the approval today.
…Opposition turns to Legislature as CMP’s $950M transmission project enters a week of hearings
Published Date: 04/03/2019
On Friday, Maine Public Utilities Commission staff issued a 162-page Examiners’ Report recommending approval of Central Maine Power’s 145-mile transmission line New England Clean Energy Connect project. That review focused on public interest and public benefit standards. Reviews this week by Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Land Use Planning Commission will look more closely at environmental and land use issues.
…Governor Mills Signs Legislation to Restore Net Metering & Incentivize Growth of Solar Power in Maine
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Gov. Mills today signed into law a bill that will incentivize long-awaited growth of the Maine’s solar industry. LD 91 An Act to Eliminate Gross Metering, sponsored by Representative Seth Berry, will reset the state’s metering policy for solar and ensure that consumers who produce electricity from solar panels will be fairly compensated for supplying excess energy back to the electric grid.
…As poll shows public disapproval, foes of $1 billion CMP hydro project take fight to State House
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Central Maine Power’s $1 billion proposal to deliver Quebec hydropower to Massachusetts through a western Maine corridor looks to be sailing for regulatory approval, but it is deeply unpopular, according to a new poll from opponents.
…Pro baseball players are turning to this Maine company for bats
Published Date: 04/02/2019
The pictures on Paul Lancisi’s cellphone are a testimony to his love of baseball and his continuing connection to the game.
…Cianbro acquires Connecticut construction firm, expands Mid-Atlantic footprint
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Cianbro announced today its acquisition of A/Z Corp., a Connecticut-based engineering-construction firm providing diverse industry services including design, construction, maintenance, and energy management, with a focus on technology-oriented markets.
…Susan Collins and Angus King announced that GPCOG has received funding for a pilot program to increase transportation access for vulnerable populations in Greater Portland.
Published Date: 04/02/2019
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, announced that Greater Portland Council of Government has received $70,000 in federal funding for a pilot program to increase access to transportation for vulnerable populations in the Portland area.
…WalletHub: Maine has country’s third-biggest tax burden
Published Date: 04/02/2019
That puts Maine behind only New York state, which topped the list, and Hawaii, in a tally of all 50 states. Alaska came in last overall.
…Maine treatment plants scramble to meet state’s new sludge-testing edict
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Wastewater treatment plant operators across Maine are scrambling to meet a tight deadline imposed by the Mills administration to begin testing municipal sludge for so-called “forever chemicals” before the sludge can be used as fertilizer.
…Committee hears testimony on ending 100-megawatt cap on hydroelectric generators under the Renewable Resource Laws
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Rep. Jeff Hanley (R- Pittston) sponsored LD 1027 (co-sponsors) and testified before The Energy Utilities and Technology Committee that the rules were set up to promote growth of renewables and that growth has been achieved. Therefore, and because it’s a renewable energy, we should now allow large-scale hydro-electric facilities to qualify for the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.…
New England Congressional Delegation Condemns LIHEAP Cuts
Published Date: 04/01/2019
The New England Congressional Delegation issued the following statement regarding cuts to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in New England.
How Maine’s members of Congress voted last week
Published Date: 04/01/2019
Here’s a look at how Maine’s members of Congress voted last week.
…Maine will use your personal location data for transportation planning
Published Date: 04/01/2019
State agencies have subscribed to a program that uses personal GPS locations to analyze traffic patterns.
…Maine dealers anxious to restore lobster trade
Published Date: 04/01/2019
Both Chinese importers and Maine dealers want to see the tariffs end, in part to escape Canada’s growing influence.
…U.S. House Republican leader assails ranked-choice voting in Maine
Published Date: 04/01/2019
Republicans in Augusta and Washington are trying to stymie or repeal a voting method they say helps Democrats like Jared Golden.
…Bill banning Native American mascots in public schools passes in committee
Published Date: 04/01/2019
The Committee on Education and Cultural affairs voted 7-5 to recommend passing the legislation. It will now go before the House of Representatives.
…Bills on minimum wage stir debate in Augusta
Published Date: 04/01/2019
Labor and small business representatives were in Augusta to urge lawmakers to debate several bills that would lower the minimum wage, particularly ones that would create a lower wage for teen workers.
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