Maine Morning Star

Maine Morning Star is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that provides coverage of state policies and political matters, focusing on their effects on the residents of Maine.

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A look back at some notable action in the Legislature this week

6 days ago | mainemorningstar.com | Lauren McCauley

Ongoing conflict over the state’s protections for transgender people is threatening to thwart the decades-long effort to pass an Equal Rights Amendment, which had been a major focus of late South Portland Rep. Lois Reckitt. Though LD 260 passed the House with a majority of support, it will require two-thirds of lawmakers to back the measure for it to appear on the ballot.
Sen. King gives urgent warning on 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride

6 days ago | mainemorningstar.com | Lauren McCauley

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere famously rode through the streets of Massachusetts to warn residents about the approach of British troops, which culminated in the Battle of Lexington and Concord that kicked off America’s war for independence. Now, 250 years later, Sen. Angus King is giving his own warning over what he sees as the imminent collapse of American democracy under President Donald Trump.
Community members request Wells Police terminate contract with ICE

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | Emma Davis

After federal immigration authorities accepted Maine’s first police department into an official partnership earlier this month, some community members are now requesting police terminate the contract. The crux of the rift between the community and police: uncertainty and disagreement over how they expect the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program will operate in practice.
Maine lawmakers reject bill that would bring back strict limits on needle exchanges

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | Eesha Pendharkar

The Maine Legislature rejected a bill this week that would bring back limits on syringe services, following the recommendation of state public health experts and medical professionals. LD 219, introduced by Rep.
Lawmakers want to create tax credits to incentivize employers to provide child care

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | Emma Davis

Lawmakers are eyeing tax credits to help businesses provide child care to attract and retain workers. Both Minority Leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) and Rep. Tavis Hasenfus (D-Readfield) presented proposals to the Taxation Committee on Wednesday to create income tax credits for employer-supported child care, though to slightly varying degrees.
With tractor parade, Maine farmers protest USDA cuts that could leave many in debt

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | Eesha Pendharkar

by Eesha Pendharkar, Maine Morning Star April 16, 2025 Steve Sinisi of Old Crow Ranch in Durham was among dozens of farmers who paraded through the streets of Augusta on Wednesday on tractors bearing signs like “Support Farmers, Not Billionaires” and “Compost Trump.”The more than 100 farmers and supporters were there to protest the millions of dollars in federal cuts to agricultural grants and programs and raise awareness about the impacts they would have on their farms and livelihoods.
Auburn lawmaker leads Maine’s continued bipartisan resistance to Real ID

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | AnnMarie Hilton

A little more than a quarter of driver’s licenses or identification cards issued by Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles meet the federal requirements for what’s known as a Real ID. The federal government has said people will need Real ID compliant credentials starting May 7 to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.
U.S. Department of Justice sues Maine over transgender athlete policy

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | Lauren McCauley

This story will be updated. The Trump administration announced Wednesday it is suing Maine over the state’s transgender athlete policy, which the U.S. Attorney General said violates federal anti-discrimination protections. “The state of Maine is discriminating against women by failing to protect women in women’s sports, pretty basic stuff,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said during a press conference, adding that it is an issue of women’s sports as well as safety.
Maine takes another shot at joining New England peers with proposed food waste ban

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | AnnMarie Hilton

by AnnMarie Hilton, Maine Morning Star April 16, 2025 Maine is trying again to catch up with its regional peers by introducing legislation to prioritize donating and recycling food waste, rather than throwing it away. The Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee is holding a public hearing Wednesday morning for a bipartisan bill from Sen.
Maine Legislature advances bill to tweak provisions of 2021 transmission line referendum

1 week ago | mainemorningstar.com | AnnMarie Hilton

by AnnMarie Hilton, Maine Morning Star April 16, 2025 Lawmakers on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted to advance a bill that would modify the law born out of a 2021 referendum question requiring the Maine Legislature to approve any new high-impact transmission lines. The committee voted 7-4, along party lines of those present, to recommend the passage of LD 810 with some small changes.