Pressure's on to reverse school vote
But the three Portland councilors who declined state aid for a new building stand by their positions.
Private schools brace for state funding cuts
Maine helps many towns send students to private schools, but that money will be cut drastically.
Baldacci proposes new, safer bridges
State House: His bill aims to raise $160 million over four years and ramp up repairs and replacements.
Collins wants Iraqis to take responsibility
ANALYSIS: During the war hearing Tuesday, she avoids placing any blame on U.S. Policies.
Late season worries maple syrup industry
In northern Maine, snow as deep as 3 feet still covers sap tubes, putting a crimp in production.
Editorial:
Worse ideas still infect Dirigo funding debate
Using sin taxes or general fund revenues to fix an already-bloated health-care system is unwise.
Columns:
Heather PerryWhere are promised savings from school regionalization?
The governor said there was $200 million-plus to be saved, but somehow most of it vanished.
Bangor Daily News
Veto sets stage for renewed battle over school consolidation law
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The governor’s veto of the changes to the school consolidation law on Monday and the quick vote in the Senate that sustained that veto have left some in Augusta and beyond scratching their heads. It also has set the stage for another battle over changes to the law as the legislative session winds down.
Baldacci reveals bridge initiative
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Nearly five months after a report recommended a significant increase in funding for bridge replacements and repairs in Maine, Gov. John Baldacci on Tuesday unveiled legislation to raise $160 million over four years to fix and preserve Maine’s bridges.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud and state Rep. John Piotti of Waldo County believe the time is long overdue to begin allowing heavy trucks on interstates in Maine.
Editorial:
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
When someone can list as their residence the address of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office where they are applying for a license and be issued a driver's license the system clearly is broken.
Editorial: Consolidation wind
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The point of school consolidation legislation, which strongly won legislative support last year, was to reduce administrative expenses for both property tax relief and to direct more money toward instruction.
Column:
I recently learned that funding for the Dirigo Health program is in trouble and that House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree has submitted a bill to stabilize funding and preserve the program.
Kennebec Journal
HALLOWELL: Along the river
HALLOWELL -- City councilors Monday approved plans proposed by the Waterfront Advisory Committee to complete a new boardwalk at the downtown waterfront park at an estimated cost of $50,000.
HALLOWELL: Along the river
HALLOWELL -- City councilors Monday approved plans proposed by the Waterfront Advisory Committee to complete a new boardwalk at the downtown waterfront park at an estimated cost of $50,000.
Collins treads cautiously at Iraq hearings
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins carved a middle path during Tuesday's Capitol Hill hearing on the war in Iraq, neither criticizing nor praising last year's troop surge and offering no opinion on its success or failure.
Forward thinking
What's good for the Kennebec River in one spot can flow through the rest of the river as well.
Morning Sentinel
KIBBY WIND PROJECT Adviser: Tax break plan to boost economy Franklin County expects to use money to bolster tourism, pay for improvements
FARMINGTON -- Road improvements, tourism, economic development, public safety and even mapping trails in Franklin County's unorganized territory are some projects that could be funded through a tax break program proposed for the Kibby wind farm project, a consultant told county commissioners Tuesday.
Collins ambiguous on Iraq issues
WASHINGTON -- Maine Sen. Susan Collins carved a middle path during Tuesday's Capitol Hill hearing on the war in Iraq, neither criticizing nor praising last year's troop surge and offering no opinion on its success or failure.
Editorials:
Taking on the cyber-bullies
Bullying by children and teens is mean, it's ugly and it's frightening.
Private interest versus public obligation
Maine elected officials are squeaky clean when compared to the antics of government officials in Rhode Island and other states to our south and west. Nevertheless, there's housecleaning that must be done in the Legislature, where for the umpteenth time, lawmakers are considering a mild but essential series of ethics reforms that will strengthen the wall between their private interests and their public obligations.
Columns:
GEORGE SMITH : Legislative wrap-up: Truth and consequences
Every government action has consequences, some planned, some unanticipated. It's the surprises that hurt because they are often negative.
Sun Journal
Hannaford yanks ads from TV station
PORTLAND (AP) - The Hannaford supermarket chain says it's pulling advertising from WGME-TV.
Maine lab finds toxins in toys
PORTLAND (AP) - The Alliance for a Clean & Healthy Maine has found high levels chemicals that can cause health problems in children's toys and products.
Baldacci plan targets bridge renovations
AUGUSTA (AP) - Nearly five months after a report recommended a significant increase in funding for bridge replacements and repairs in Maine, Gov. John Baldacci on Tuesday unveiled legislation to raise $160 million over four years to fix up and preserve Maine's bridges.
Editorials:
A power beyond the state
Few things are more frightening than dangerous chemicals that are everywhere, invisible, almost unpronounceable and near-impossible to spell. Few things are more difficult to legislate and regulate, too.
Letters: Cost and effect
While we are being forced to pay attention to the proposed increase in the cigarette tax, two competing measures are moving through the Legislature that would increase doctors' bills by imposing a 1.8 percent tax.
MPBN
Lawmakers Reject Sick Leave Measure
Mainers who get sick, but have no sick leave benefits, face tough choices. A proposed law would have required employers to grant employees an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. But opponents said it would make things harder for Maine businesses, and the bill died in Augusta today. Murray Carpenter reports.
Prominent Political Operatives to Spar During Casino Campaign
He is a former gubernatorial press spokesman whose public relations firm has turned back repeated efforts to expand casino-style gambling in Maine. She is the Maine Greens' two-time gubernatorial nominee and the party's most recent national candidate for vice-president of the United States. Now, Dennis Bailey and Pat LaMarche are poised to go head-to-head over a proposed casino for Oxford county as both prepare to roll out campaigns designed to persuade Maine voters in November. A.J. Higgins reports.
"Lemonade" Economics
Irwin Gratz talks with Karen MIlls of M-M-P Group about the impact of the recent slowdown on the Maine Economy and the opportunity it presents to position the state for the future.
PolitickerME
Tick tock: Statutory adjournment date looms as lawmakers push to get work done
Collins questions Petraeus, other Maine politicians respond
‘I missed the vote’ (for family reasons)
