Randy Billings

3 days ago | yahoo.com | Randy Billings

Jun. 3—AUGUSTA — Maine farmworkers could soon be covered by the state's minimum wage law for the first time after lawmakers voted this week to extend the law to the state's agriculture industry. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, is similar to one proposed last year by Gov. Janet Mills. That effort fell short after lawmakers passed an amended version of the bill and Mills vetoed it.

4 days ago | yahoo.com | Randy Billings

Jun. 2—AUGUSTA — Republicans are accusing Democrats of breaking state law by refusing to hold a public hearing on a citizen initiative that would make it easier for police to confiscate firearms from people who are in crisis. Gun safety groups have collected signatures for a fall referendum on a so-called red flag law, which would allow family members to directly petition a court to temporarily confiscate firearms from someone who is a danger to themselves or others.

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Randy Billings

Jun. 1—Some of the thorniest and most divisive policy issues of the session stand between Maine lawmakers and their plan to adjourn on June 18. While the biggest outstanding item on the agenda is finalizing a two-year state budget, other major issues remain unresolved, as well. Here's a look at what lies ahead.

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Randy Billings

Jun. 1—Maine's legislative sessions is scheduled to end in just over two weeks, and many of the biggest issues remain unresolved. Lawmakers still must close out a two-year state budget that could include tax increases and spending cuts to settle thorny policy issues ranging from transgender athletes to immigration enforcement to child-care funding. Finalizing the budget is going to be the biggest hurdle and likely will come down to the wire after some marathon days of negotiation and debate.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Randy Billings

May 27—AUGUSTA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday resoundingly supported a plan that would replace an abandoned rail line connecting Portland and Auburn with a multiuse trail. While lawmakers endorsed the plan in a preliminary 118-26 vote that indicates it will be approved, the project would still need to be funded before any work could begin. Opponents said it would cost about $1 million per mile.