The bill is designed to amend a hotly debated bill passed last year. That bill, LD 35, allowed private workers to keeps guns stowed in their vehicle. This proposal, LD 1603, sponsored by Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls, would broaden the law to include state employees.

The current proposal was introduced as an emer...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120130_00001380

LD 1603, sponsored by Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls, was modeled after a contentious bill that passed last session that gave similar rights to private-sector employees.

The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on t...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120130_00001379 ELLSWORTH The theme of the 25th annual Camden Conference Feb. 17-19 will be whether the United States is prepared to compete in today's economic and global climate.

The keynote address, "The U.S. in the 21st Century World: Do we have what it takes?" will be delivered by Bill Richardson, a former congressman and governor of New Mexico.

Richardson's speech, as well as that of the other conference speakers, will be live streamed at The Grand Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.

...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120129_00001361

"Really?"

"That's right."

"You mean my kids could walk across the campus and be in a college class just like that?"

"Yup."

"You mean they could start taking college courses while still in high school, right next to their high school?"

"Yes. As easy as walking next door."

That was the conversation I had one day with my Cushing neighbor, Alan Hinsey, who first told me about Many Flags, and it's where and when I got excited about the idea.Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120129_00001362

Sen. Brian Langley, R-Ellsworth, got the unanimous support of the ten elected leaders of the legislature to introduce the bill after deadline. He said a recent case in Hancock County led to the measure after a middle school pri...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120128_00001363

LePage.

The governor raised his hand at least three times and requested to speak. After the final time, Appropriations Committee co-chairman, Sen. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport, invited...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001372

In a written response to the Democratic leads on the Legislature's budgetary committee, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services confirmed that legislative action was not a consideration in whether the agency will grant a waiver from the federal health care law.

C...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001371 Dozens of advocates packed the small State House Welcome Center to announce their intention to get a question on the statewide ballot in November. In 2009, Maine voters overturned a law passed by the Legislature to allow same-sex marriage.

"This denial of marriage continues ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001368

Dozens of advocates packed the small State House Welcome Center to announce their intention to get a question on the statewide ballot in November. In 2009, Maine voters overturned a law passed by the Legislature to allow same-sex marriage.

"This denial of marriage...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001367

Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, and Rep. David Burns, R-Whiting, co-chairs of the Government Oversight Committee, asked the committee to have the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability take up a housing authority invest...

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Keliher's appointment follows an endorsement last month by the Maine Lobstermen's Association.

In a letter written on behalf of the MLA's board of directors to the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee, MLA Executive Director Patrice McCarron said the organization "overwhelmingly" supported Keliher after consid...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001365

Early last summer, the board was asked to approve the scoring criteria housing authority staff uses to determine what affordable housing proposals will get tax credits and approval.

Poliquin recalled looking through 45 pages of criteria, wondering why extra points were awarded to projects that included solar hot water he...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001364 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120127_00001369

In a written response to the Democratic leaders on the Legislature's budgetary committee, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services confirmed that legislative action was not a consideration in whether the agency will grant a waiver from the federal health care law...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001377 For advocates of victims, it was one more hopeful sign of the momentum that's driving efforts to stop domestic assaults and murders in Maine.

"It gives an entirely larger audience to listen to the message," said Arthur Jetti, who heads the Maine Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children. "I think he's genuine in his desire to ...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001381

Former executive director Paul Violette is scheduled to plead guilty to felony theft on Feb. 6. He faces up to five years in prison as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

Unlike many states, Maine does not have a pension forfeiture law to penalize public employees convicted of violating the publ...

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Ex-executive director Paul Violette is scheduled to plead guilty to felony theft on Feb. 6. He faces up to five years in prison as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

Unlike many states, Maine does not have a pension forfeiture law to penalize public employees convicted of violating the pub...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001370

Ex-executive director Paul Violette is scheduled to plead guilty to felony theft on Feb. 6. He faces up to five years in prison as part of an agreement with prosecutors. . .

Unlike many states, Maine does not have a pension forfeiture law to penalize public employees convicted of violating the...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001375 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001374

Some of the cuts are needed to help with the Medicaid shortfall lawmakers are trying to close.

"There is $3.2 million in savings in that bill for this year and we have assumed that in the budget we ar...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001373

Gov. Paul LePage nominated Keliher to the post earlier this month about six months after his original DMR commissioner abruptly resigned.

Keliher, who was approved by the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee earlier this week, has been the department's deputy commissioner and director of the Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat sinc...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120126_00001378

Ex-executive director Paul Violette is scheduled to plead guilty to felony theft on Feb. 6. He faces up to five years in prison as part of an agreement with prosecutors. . .

Unlike many states, Maine does not have a pension forfeiture law to penalize public employees convicted of violating t...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120125_00001385

He also met his critics head on, particularly those who have opposed his proposed cuts to the state's Medicaid program, and said in order for Maine to succeed, "we must put politics and gridlock a...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120125_00001390 "We need more jobs. We need more careers to pull our state out of poverty. We need good-paying careers that will offer benefits, security and job satisfaction," LePage said, drawing one of several standing ovations from both Republicans and Democrats.

The 50-minute speech in the House chamber touched on LePag...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120125_00001386 "That was Governor LePage's best speech ever," said Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta. "He was passionate, clear in his vision and direct about his priorities."

Democrats praised LePage for his tone one day after they held a press conference to express dismay about negative comments he has made recen...

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Lawmakers, educators and Maine's education commissioner were among those to attend.

It was a showcase of all the school choices Maine kids have, including charter schools. Last year lawmakers passed a bill to make Maine the 41st charter school state in the nation.

Lawmakers say school choice is a plus for all students, e...

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"Our goal is to build a system that is built around kids," he said. "You are going to hear from us very shortly an announcement on digital learning, we want to do some things related to that. All the states are struggling to figure out how digital l...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120125_00001382 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120125_00001387

The governor spent much of his approximately 50-minute speech focusing on his proposed cuts to the Department of Health Human Services. LePage said the proposal, which is sharply opposed by Democrats, is difficult but necessary.

Local Republicans agreed.

Rep. Dale...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20120124_00000044_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120124_00001388

I am here tonight to update the Legislature on the condition of our great state. However, before I begin, I want to recognize and thank a few people.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife Ann, and family who have been so supportive, I appreciate all you have done and continue to do.

Master Sergeant Chad E. Smith, the Military Herald this ...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120124_00001389

LePage spoke for an hour, and the attached video is the first 16 minutes of that speech.

Below is the complete text of his speech.

President Raye, Speaker Nutting, Chief Justice Saufley, members of the 125th Legislature, distinguished guests, and my fellow citizens.

I am here tonight to update the Legislature on the condition of our great state. However, before I begin, I want t...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120124_00001391

It's been seven months since Steven Lake shot and killed his estranged wife Amy, and their two children, Coty, and Monica before turning the gun on himself.

The incident has shined a light on the issue of domestic violence in Maine. Family and friends of the victims are doing their part to keep domestic violence awareness on everyone's mind. ...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120123_00001394

"The china shop bully act is really getting old," said Rep. Chuck Kruger, D-Thomaston. "This governor doesn't seem to understand how our state government operates, and doesn't seem to care. A governor can't simply close schools without the Legislature and municipalities involved in the decisi...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120123_00001360

This insulated agency deprives property owners and residents of the unorganized territory the right of self-determination and local accountability, an alien condition which is no longer acceptable.

We,...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120123_00001393 About a year or so ago, some dentists in Maine started noticing that insurance plans were cutting back on preventive coverage for kids. Instead of paying for the two fluoride treatments a year recommended for most children by dental associations, many insurers would only cover one. This has dentists like Whitney Wignall riled up--and taking the fight to restore coverage for fluoride treatments to the State House . . .

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120123_00001395

Sen. Dawn Hill, D-York County, nominated Carr for the position and Senate president Kevin Raye, R-Washington County, made the appointment.

All 35 senators present supported the selection.

The Maine Legislative Y...

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In a Jan. 10 letter to the Maine Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, LePage adviser Carlisle McLean said the governor recommends a new $4-per-ton fee of construction and demolition debris (CDD) put into Maine landfills, along wi...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20120122_00000045_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120122_00001359

During the past session, the new legislative majority took bold steps to put Maine on a new path toward prosperity and opportunity. The primary focus was on creating more jobs and economic activity.

Despite unprecedented economic difficulties and a $900 million budget shortfall, we were able to apply common-sense solutions to Maine's short-term problems, while adopting significant reforms that...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120122_00001397 This year is a little different.

Gov. Paul LePage will deliver his first State of the State on Tuesday evening in the midst of a budget crisis and a stalled economy.

He is sure to use the opportunity to prod lawmakers to move forward, quickly, with his controversial proposal to cut spending for health and human services. He has said that if the Legislature doesn't trim about $121 million...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120121_00001398

Even fellow Republicans said Friday they don't think LePage means he literally will shut the schools down.

"Right now, in order to continue the way we are, I will close schools May 1 and use that money, because that's where we are," LePage sa...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120121_00001399

Can the governor make good on such a promise, which he made while fielding audience questions at a Capitol for a Day event in Lewiston?

The answer, according to the Maine Constitution, politicians and others, is no with one caveat. Thou...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120120_00001356 Executive Director Paul Violette was charged in connection with his use of turnpike gift cards and credit cards for personal travel, meals and other expenses exceeding $10,000 in value, the attorney general's office announced Thursday. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a spo...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120120_00001400 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120120_00001401

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling concluded that matching funds allowing candidates to receive extra public money to match what their opponent has raised are unconstitutional.

If the state does nothing, that court ruling automatically would apply to Maine, but a bi...

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Adrienne Bennett, the governor's spokeswoman, said the governor is scheduled to make a major education announcement next week, but would not confirm any details.

It's likely that school choice will be a part of either that announc...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120120_00001355 The state Attorney General's Office said Thursday that Paul Violette was charged with unauthorized use of the turnpike authority's gift cards and credit cards for personal travel, meals and other expenses exceeding $10,000 in value. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Violette was executiv...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120120_00001354 AUGUSTA Governor Paul LePage is proposing legislation to close a loophole in ethics laws that has allowed high-level state officials not to report millions in state payments to organizations run by themselves or their spouses.

The Governor's legal counsel said the bill was prompted by a Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting story last week that revealed that between 2003 and 2010 the state paid almost $235 million to such organizations.

Dan Billings, who drafted the legisl...

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Adrienne Bennett, the governor's spokeswoman, said the governor is scheduled to make a major education announcement next week, but would not confirm any details.

It's likely that school choice will be a part of either that announcem...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120120_00001402 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120119_00001404

Most of the funding $7 million which comes from the U.S. Forest Legacy Program, will go toward preserving 11,800 acres of Plum Creek's working forest on and around Crocker Mountain in Carrabassett Valley, according to the Maine Department of Conservation. . .

The state will continue to harvest timber on the Crocker Mountain property, which should provide area jobs and future rev...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120119_00001403 And they declined to pass judgment on the matter Wednesday, a day after a Democratic lawmaker asked the attorney general to determine whether the activity violates the Maine Constitution.

"I'm not a lawyer. It's in the hands of the attorney general," said House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland.

"I guess I'd defer...

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Some Republicans lamented what they called an unwillingness by Democrats to nail down savings, while Democrats bristled at the prospect of cutting services for the needy while tax cuts are on the table.

"We have to start looking for how we're going to pay for this," said Rep. Kenneth Fredette, R-Newport. "Quite frankly, ...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120118_00001413 Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen, presenting the 35-page report at a news conference at Capital Area Technical Center, said that test scores, graduation rates and post-secondary education enrollment rates show that Maine's schools are falling short.

To ensure ...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120118_00001412 The issue of financing for natural gas infrastructure is especially pertinent now as Portland-based Kennebec Valley Gas Co. attempts to secure about $86 million for the construction of 120 miles of main and distribution lines through central Maine.

"I just think that t...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120118_00001414

The caucus is affiliated with Pray USA, an initiative of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation Inc., which seeks to "preserve the Judeo-Christian heritage of our nation and protect American religious liberty."

More than 150 people, including about 50 legislators - mostly Republicans and a few Democrats - participate...

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More than two dozen legislators, including Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, and Speaker of the House Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, and Attorney General William Schneider also signed the paper, designed to resemble the nation's early documents such as the Declaration of Independence.

By signing the document...

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Members of the Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Wednesday heard from three of its members who attended a recent gambling conference in Las Vegas. All three said online gambling, including online poker and Internet sale of lottery ticket...

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Maine's Tree Growth Tax Law has been popular since it was adopted in 1972, comprising more than 11.2 million acres and functioning as a conservation tool while bolstering the state's forest products industry.

However, some municipalities have complained that some landowners are using the pro...

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MHPC filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for thirteen years of Housing Authority budget documents, according to McCormick. She says that the first material provided was a list of vendors to whom the Author...

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The first Real Life, Real People, Real Social "REAL" event is being hosted and co-sponsored by The Village at Rockport on Thursday, January 19th, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Maine Senator Chris Rector will be speaking at 6:00 pm and there will be wine and gourmet hors d'oeuvres throughout the evening. The Village at Roc...

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The proposal, LD 1644, sponsored by Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, is designed to facilitate natural gas expansion to a state that has been historically dependent on oil to heat homes and businesses. While the bill is receiving broad public support, it could face behind-the-scenes opposition from the Maine Energy Marketers Association, the industry...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120117_00001418

It took members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee two meetings to even decide in which form they should begin to consider the list of proposed LURC reforms. And they barely touched upon the meat of the recommendations from a task ...

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As passed Tuesday, the proposal would use unexpected general fund revenue first to increase the income tax brackets and then to reduce the highest income tax rate gradually, eventually reaching 4 percent.

During the last session, the Republican-controlled Legis...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120116_00001419 Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120115_00001420

"I think we will be spending a lot of time with the Attorney General," said Sen. Debra Plowman, R-Hampden. "There are so many changes and policy decisions that we have to make. There is so much happe...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120114_00001421

The loophole, which shields high-level state officials from mandatory reporting of state payments to their employers and/or organizations run by themselves or their spouses, was the focus of a recent Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting story. That story re...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120113_00001422

Among the honorees were state Senator Christopher Rector, R-Thomaston, and state Representative Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, who have worked hard to ensure that state policy reflects that dental care should...

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Trahan, of Waldoboro, talked about this case a few days after resigning from the Legislature. Trahan recently began working as the executive director of the Sportsman...

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The statement says Democrats "can no longer ignore this fiscal mess."

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Temperatures are rising as Maine lawmakers continue to deliberate a state budget plan that calls for deep c...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120112_00001352

Courtney, who serves as Senate Majority Leader and as Senate Chairman of the Regulatory Fairness and Reform Committee, replaces David Trahan, who resigned from the Maine State Senate last year.

"Senator Courtney will be an outstanding Senate Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation," said Senate President Kevin Raye, who appointed Courtney to the committee. "Hi...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120112_00001349

This year's legislative heroes are state Sen. Christopher Rector, R-Thomaston, and state Rep. Mark Eves, D-North Berwick. Also being honored are Waterville Pediatrics and Timothy Oh, founder of Cari...

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Gov. Paul LePage's budget seeks to eliminate health coverage for some categories, saying the state can no longer afford them. He also issued a press release on Wednesday that blames Democrats for expanding enrollment in the program, also known as MaineCare, by 80 percent in the last decade.

The statement says Democrats "can no longer ignor...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120106_00001345

"Senator Courtney will be an outstanding Senate Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation. His leadership and experience dealing with tax issues important to Maine f...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120106_00001347

"I am pleased to appoint Senator Garrett Mason to serve on the Government Oversight Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Senator David Trahan," said President Raye. ...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120105_00001346

College Goal Maine brings together financial aid professionals from Maine colleges and universities, along with other volunteers, to help college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form is...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120103_00001341 Officials held meetings around the state and hired workers to survey hundreds of the agencies as part of their effort to maintain "necessary medical services to this very needy population," according to an Oct. 12 letter from Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhe...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120102_00001342

"What we have going on now is that people are getting the help to pay rent from the circuit breaker program but they are behind on their rent and the landlord gets stuck," she said. "It's wrong and we should fix it."

Plowman sa...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120102_00001392 BLUE HILL The Board of Selectmen has scheduled a special town meeting on Friday, Feb. 3, at 1:15 p.m. to have residents vote on whether to allow Blue Hill to join the Maine Municipal Health Trust.

Selectman John Bannister said the meeting would be "a routine technicality."

Joining the trust would allow the town to buy health insurance for employees through the trust.

In other business at last Friday's selectmen's meeting, Union 93 Superintendent Mark Hurvitt gave board me...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120102_00001343

"We are reviewing that opinion and its impact on Internet lottery here in Maine," said Tim Poulin, acting director of the Maine State Lottery. "I think it's fair to say that we have no immediate plans here a...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111231_00001344 The year started with big news on Jan. 5, when Gov. Paul R. LePage became the first Republican to take the oath of office since 1991.

The year is ending with an issue that will make headlines well into the new year: LePage's proposal to cut Medicaid benefits for thousands of Mainers.

I...

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But the Republican state senator from Thomaston received considerable feedback from about 30 citizens that the proposed cuts in MaineCare should be avoided even if it requires higher taxes.

Rector met for more than 90 minutes Thursday night, Dec. 29 with the public at a forum organized by ...

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Three local legislators, Senator Chris Rector (R-Thomaston), Michael Thibodeau (R-Winterport) and Representative Chuck Kruger (D-Thomaston) were home for the h...

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The goal of the meeting is to discuss the impacts of the proposed $221 million in budget cuts on specific health care programs and discuss potential alternative ways to address the budget shortfall. Ci...

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"I am...

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"It seems fair and equitable to look at the entire budget, and that is what we want to do," said Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, the Democrat lead on the Appropr...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111227_00001329 Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon, is seeking to modify a controversial bill signed into law in June that allows those with a concealed firearm permit to store a gun in their vehicle at work, as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible.

Crafts has submitted new legislation, L.D. 1603, to extend the same right to state workers as those ...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111227_00001336

Kevin Raye says he wants voters to be able to weigh in on whether the Maine Educational Loan Authority--or MELA--should continue to have the authority to float bonds to fund its student loan programs.

Maine Senate President Kevin Raye is proposing that Maine voters choose whether the Maine Educational Loan Authority should continue to have the power to float bonds . . .

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111226_00001328

The state's budget problems may grow in January as shortfalls in other state agencies and potential reductions in federal funding are identified, according to lawmakers.

"It seems fair and equitable to look at the entire budget and that is what we want to do," sai...

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To learn more about the award recipients, go to www.famemaine.com.

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111223_00001332

"It will be more difficult for the state to procure the waiver than the governor is suggesting," Pingree said in an interview Wednesday. "I don't think it is a slam dunk that the state, no matter what action the Legislature takes, ... will automatically get approval for waivers."

On Tuesday, LePage said he is "absolutely conf...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111223_00001335 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111223_00001331

Yes, he could. "If you come across from New Hampshire at 8 o'clock in the morning, by 4 o'clock in the afternoon you will have subsidized housing in the state of Maine," the governor declared. "We need to change the rules."

Mr. LePage,...

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"I am pleased to appoint Di...

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It claimed its first victim Milton's Three Corners Variety at the end of November. With the installation of the "bridge closed" sign, hundreds of potential customers who were a two minute drive from Thr...

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In the fall, last-minute outside money was used to fuel the debate over Question 1, which dealt with whether to allow voters to register on Election Day. Mainers repealed a law that had ended the 38-year-old practice of same-day voter registration by a 60/40 vote.

Last year, the Virginia-based Republican State...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111221_00001326

Lowering energy costs is one of Gov. Paul LePage's top priorities and he already has pledged to do his part to expand the availability of natural gas.

The linchpin of that expansion could be a proposed pipeline through Central Maine that would bring gas to an ar...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111221_00001323 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111221_00001324 Word has gotten around that pilots flying to Maine need no longer fear the taxman, and aviation business is booming. This year's repeal of a notorious aircraft use tax that once targeted out-of-state visitors, along with adoption of full exemptions to taxes on aircraft parts and service, has begun to change lives.

In November, New Mexico A and P mechanic Lee Bitsilly's 13-month drought of aviation employment ended with a call from Oxford Aviation President Jim Horowitz.

...

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That doesn't mean politics should play a role in the authority's policies, said a co-chairman of the legislative committee that oversees the housing authority.

"I think it's important that housing policy remain above the political fray," said Sen. Christopher Rector, R-Thomaston.

The issue was discussed Monday duri...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111220_00001319

Yet, Portland-based Kennebec Valley Gas Co. wants pipeline communities to commit to a property tax rebate before they catch wind of the proposal.

State Sen. Roger Katz of Augusta has proposed legislation titled, "An Act to Expand the Availability of Natural Gas to Maine Residents."

The bill will increase the loan guarantee li...

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LePage has said repeatedly during his first year in office that the problem isn't necessarily that there aren't enough available jobs in Maine. Instead, the governor said business leaders often tell him they struggle to find people with the proper training to fill open positions.

...

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David Bateman of Portland-based Bateman Partners LLC is a member of a housing authority committee looking at getting cost-containment factored into the approval process. He noted that of the most recent new construction projects approved by the authority, six...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111220_00001318 That doesn't mean politics should play a role in the authority's policies, said a co-chairman of the legislative committee that oversees the housing authority.

"I think it's important that housing policy remain above the political fray," said Sen. Christopher Rector, R-Thomaston.

The issue was discussed Monday during a foru...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111219_00001311 But some groups, including those representing heating oil interests, are crying foul, saying the legislative proposal is unfair and amounts to the state underwriting a particular source of energy.

Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, said he sponsored the bill with the proposed Kennebec Valley Gas Co. pipeline in mind. Plans call for the $85 million pipeline to...

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So much so that Chris Kilgour has reorganized his international aircraft parts, service, leasing, storage and repair service to make Bangor his company's prime facility worldwide.

"It made sense for us because we had the facility and there are a lot of good people here. I find that the work ethic of people in Maine is really goo...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111218_00001314 But critics said LePage's numbers are wrong and are designed to win political support for cuts to programs that have nothing to do with welfare.

The governor said in his weekly radio address that Maine had 453,000 people receiving welfare benefits in 2010. At the same, ...

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"We need to change the configuration of the committee, the energy committee in the Legislature," he said in an interview. "I can't change the laws without the Legislature. If they choose not to fix it, there is nothing I can do."...

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The bad news: They might not have the money to keep their promise, Town Manager Jeff Gahagan said.

Main and West Main streets are littered with potholes and ridges along most of their length, particularly the sloping porti...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20111216_00000043_video

They also discuss the Forbes Magazine ranking that puts Maine at the bottom of the list of states that are best for business, the idea of a feasibility study for a North Woods national park, and some of the issues that may come up when t...

Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111216_00001310

The Maine Jobs Council leads, advises, and manages the effort to create a world-class workforce development system in Maine. The Council leads by focusing on the big picture, by setting a tone of collaboration, and by educating policy-makers and the public. The Council advises by making recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. As the Statewide Workforce Investment Bo...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111216_00001305 Under the agreement, Violette will pay the authority $155,000, a sum he has indicated under oath that represents his present net worth, according to the authority. Violette, a lawyer and a former Democratic state legislator who had been Senate majority leader, is unemployed. Two bonding companies, Travelers Casu...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111216_00001304 On Thursday, Wilson, who's 40, told Maine lawmakers that his life turned around after he was introduced to a state-funded case manager, who helped him keep his apartment and get medical care. "Literally, she saved my life," he said.

For the second day in a row, Mainers who rely on state support flowed through the State House to testify about the potential impact of proposed budget cuts totaling about $2...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111216_00001309

Maine Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley, chairman of the work group, said the final report was approved unanimously by the 13 members. It also was accompanied by draft legislation.

"The reform commission focused on what we all agreed on from Day One, and that commitment to find common ground is reflected in our final report," he...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111215_00001307 Nichols, 58, told an attentive group of lawmakers Wednesday that he never thought he would have to live at the center, but the progression of his disease took away his ability to get out of a wheelchair by himself. Now he's one of 152 people who live at the center, nearly all of whom rely on Medicaid to pay for the service.

Gov. Paul LePage is propo...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111215_00001306

They also discuss the Forbes Magazine ranking that puts Maine at the bottom of the list of states that are best for business, the idea of a feasibility study for a North Woods national park, and some of the issues that may come up when t...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111214_00001308

"We really need to take them off the street because the recidivism rate is so high," said Ellsworth City Councilor Matthew Boucher, a m...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111211_00001296 Television commercials, radio spots and newspaper ads started running this fall as part of a $2 million initiative aimed at reversing a decline in enrollment that stands in stark contrast to national figures.

In the past decade, enrollment at the system's seven schools has shrunk by about 3,000 students -- a drop of nearly 9 percent.

Over the same period, enrollment in the nation's public four-year universities has ris...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111210_00001288 Posted Dec. 09, 2011, at 1:13 p.m.

Throughout Maine there is a serious need for more affordable housing.

There are 6,500 Mainers on the Maine State Housing Authority waiting list for affordable housing. With federal, state and local governments facing ongoing shortfalls and hard-working families struggling to stay above water, taxpayers have every right to demand that we get the most out of every dollar that government takes from us.

We must...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111209_00001315

Diana Allen, who was recently hired to run new project development for the company, said the jobs are expected to be long-term positions. Currently, Oxford Aviation employs about 45 people. . .

Allen said experience working on aircraft is not necessary for potential hires. The company is look...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111209_00001297

The 3.2 percent decrease, announced late last month, was expected to reduce premiums in the insured market by about $6.1 million per year. Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa said Friday the 3.8 percent decrease should save Maine companies an additional $7 million in 2012.

Cioppa, who has been...

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The right-to-know advisory committee is made up of media members, lawmakers and other state officials representing the areas of law enforcement, schools, courts, counties, municipalities and the public.

In a 10-5 vote, that comm...

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Dozens of community water suppliers around the state competed to see who had the best drinking water.

Madison Water District, which serves several towns about 20 miles from Kingfield, squared off against Kingfield in the finals. Madison Water District topped the categorey for the tastiest...

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The UMaine Hutchinson Center created the Midcoast Leadership Academy in 2006, led by the its visionary found...

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Commissioner Pattie Aho said the reorganization would put DEP employees into bureaus based on the type of work they do in the three main areas of resource protection, environmental assessment and resource administration. The DEP is now organized into three main bureaus: Air Quality, Land an...

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Thirty-five fellows from 21 states representing all regions of the country will become members of a peer learning community and engage with the nation's leading early childhood research and policy experts. The Fellows include newly elected legislators from 2010 as well as legislative committ...

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The growth represents the largest increase in enrollment over a single year since charter schools were founded nearly two decades ago. In all, more than 500 new charter schools were opened in the 2011-12 school year. And about 200,000 more students are enrolled now than a year before, an incr...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111206_00001284 With unsustainable federal debt, high taxes, high unemployment, and state budget challenges, we need to continually search for ways to stretch our limited resources and create jobs.

Recent press accounts have begun focusing on questions that have been raised about the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA), particularly the lack of fiscal oversight and how it may contribute to unreasonably high per-u...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111206_00001302

Gov. Paul LePage's plan is designed to plug a new $120 million shortfall in the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services. The plan the governor released Tuesday would result in a major overhaul of the state's MaineCare system and cut $220 million over the biennium...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111205_00001287 PORTLAND, Maine Maine's first foray into a new model for employer-based health care has attracted more interest than the program can accommodate.

Known as MaineSense, the program allows employers to join forces to offer health insurance through a "captive," which is a member-owned insurance company that does not offer policies to the public.

"The interest is just off the charts," said Joseph Edwards, president of the Maine Wellness Association, a nonprofit employer group that cha...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111204_00001317

After reading Douglas Rooks' latest missive in the Nov. 27 Sun Journal, in addition to others he has written attacking Gov. Paul LePage, I am left wondering if he has truly followed the work of the governor, or if critical thinking has merely been replaced by constant criticism.

Rooks' latest attack was based on, of all things, job creation. Noticeably absent from his column were official un...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111202_00001303 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111129_00001283

In a party-line vote, lawmakers on the Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 7-5 to simply strip the Maine Clean Election Act of a matching funds provision that allowed publicly funded candidates to receive more money to counter spe...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111129_00001282

If the full Legislature does the same early next year, the move could have implications for every state House and Senate race in 2012.

This summer, U.S. District Court Judge George Singal ruled that the matching funds provision of Maine's law was invalid. His deci...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111129_00001281

Members of the Streamline and Prioritize Core Government Services Task Force wrapped up their work Monday by agreeing to a series of cuts across a variety of departments.

The approved cuts range from a $20,606 reduction for school-based health centers, a 20 percent decrease, to a $3.1 million reduction in reimbursements to acute car...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111129_00001290

If the full Legislature does the same early next year, the move could have implications for every state House and Senate race in 2012.

This summer, U.S. District Court Judge George Singal ruled that the matching funds provision of Maine's law was invalid. His deci...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111129_00001289

In a party-line vote, lawmakers on the Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 7-5 to simply strip the Maine Clean Election Act of a matching funds provision that allowed publicly funded candidates to receive more money to counter spe...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111128_00001279 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Scott K Fish - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111128_00001278 "We are very pleased that the Streamlining Task Force has turned down the proposal to close Down East Correctional Facility as part of its recommendation for budget savings," said the delegation in a prep...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111128_00001293

Now, the retired bricklayer must move.

The state is taking Bonsant's home and 1-acre property as part of the project design to improve access to Interstate 95's Exit 113 in north Augusta.

The road improvements will carry Route 3 across the interstate to Rou...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111128_00001292 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111128_00001291

Members of the Streamline and Prioritize Core Government Services Task Force wrapped up their work Monday by agreeing to a series of cuts across a variety of departments.

The approved cuts range from a $20,606 reduction for school-based health centers, a 20 percent decrease, to a $3.1 million reduction in reimbursements to acute car...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111128_00001276

"To the best of my knowledge, it has never been done here in Maine," said Corrections Commissioner Joe Ponte. "I don't know why it has not been used even though it has been available to a limited number of inmates."

The ...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111127_00001294

"To the best of my knowledge, it has never been done here in Maine," said Corrections Commissioner Joe Ponte. "I don't know why it has not been used even though it has been available to a limited number of inmates."

The ...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111126_00001277

Although now may seem like a bad time to revisit the long-standing debate given today's economic challenges, one lawmaker said he believes now is the perfect time.

Sen. Doug Thomas, R-Ripley, has sponsored a bill, approved for next year's second regular session of the 125th Legislature, that ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111125_00001275

A recent BDN article stated that deer hunting attracts more than 150,000 participants and supports a hunting-based economy valued at more than $200 million. It went on to outline some of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's views on why Maine's deer herd has dec...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111124_00001274

That ranking was confirmed in August, but beyond that there has been no word from Augusta on the status of funding or anything else about the project.

On Monday, State Sen. Jonathan Courtney and John Nass, a senior policy adviser for Gov. Paul...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111124_00001295

That ranking was confirmed in August, but beyond that there has been no word from Augusta on the status of funding or anything else about the project.

On Monday, State Sen. Jonathan Courtney and John Nass, a senior policy adviser for Gov. Paul...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111123_00001272

"Because of the working group's affirmative action, my primary duties related to the State Planning Office have been completed," he wrote in his letter of resignation to Gov. Paul LePage. "Governor, I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you in your administrat...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111118_00001270

The Legislative Council voted 8-2 to admit state Rep. Seth Berry's bill aimed at software programs that falsify electronic sales records to enable businesses to underreport the totals and lower their sales tax bills.

Berry, D-Bowdoinham, told...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111118_00001269

After all, they rejected the bill 5-5 the first time around. He needed to change only one mind.

The first-term independent, like many other legislators in the room, had never been through the bill appeal process before. They each had two minutes -- not a second more -- to ma...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111118_00001268

"When I looked at the bottom line, down $12.6 million for the month, I was concerned until I got the detailed explanation and analysis of what happened in October," said Finance Commissioner Sawin Millett. "I...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111117_00001280 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111117_00001260

GUSTA, Maine A proposal to outlaw so-called tax zapper computer programs that enable businesses to cheat the government by underreporting sales tax figures will be considered by the Legislature next year, legislative leaders decided Thursday.

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The sponsor, state Sen. Doug Thomas, who serves on the Transportation Committe...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111116_00001261

The tour began in Belfast with the Head of Tide Preserve, stopped by Bald and Ragged mountains, and ended in Beech Nut, the historic stone hut at the top of Beech Hill in Rockport.

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111115_00001264

If employees do their part to lower costs, it could in turn lower the cost of anticipated toll increases in 2013, MTA Director Peter Mills said Monday.

"It's just that things have crept into the contracts over the years, and we are trying to fig...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111115_00001262 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111114_00001263

The bill, held over from last session, would require voters to show photo identification at the polls. The measure had more than 80 Republican co-sponsors, support that would seem to suggest that Mainers should brace for a debate over voter fraud and disenfranchisement like the one that dominated the months leading up to la...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111112_00001265 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111111_00001266

The Korean War veteran had returned to his hometown to attend a dedication of the new honor roll which lists the names of the 333 men and women, including Carr's five brothers, who enlisted from Abbot to serve the country during conflicts.

"It feels good to be able to be here today," Carr said as he worked to steady himself with his cane. "I'...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111111_00001267

The four-year degree is in the planning stages and is envisioned as a multidisciplinary effort to be housed in the School of Management and Human Service. For about a year, university leaders and industry professionals have been meeting on the concept.

Last week, USM's facu...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111110_00001271

The clear rejection of Questions 2 and 3 on Tuesday has also led to a renewed call for Maine to take a comprehensive approach to considering future gaming proposals.

Voters rejected Question 2, which would have allowed new harness racing tracks with slot machines in Biddeford and Was...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 Scott K Fish - Office of the Senate President http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111028_00001259

The Streamlining Task Force is charged with recommending $25 million in savings for the FY 2012-13 biennial budget. During its meeting Friday, a majority of memb...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 Scott K Fish - Office of the Maine Senate President http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111005_00001258 AUGUSTA - Maine Senate President Kevin L. Raye (R-Perry) has appointed Wayne Wright, of Ellsworth, to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Affordable Housing. The Commission was established during the First Session of the 125th Legislature to study affordable housing policy, review the status of Maine housing, develop a plan to maximize investment of available resources and best meet the housing needs of Maine people.

"I am pleased to appoint Wayne Wright to the Affordable Housing Commission....

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20111004_00001257 The Bow Tie Boys is typically hosted by Senator Tom Saviello and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Chandler Woodcock.

In this episode, Senator Saveillo talks with Maine Senate President Kevin Raye in the President's office at the state capitol.

Senator Kevin Raye represents Maine Senate District 29 which includes all of Washington County and the Hancock Co...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110927_00001256

The plan adopted today was originally proposed by Republican members of the Reapportionment Commission in early August, but was initially rejected by Democratic negotiators who objected to Waterville being included in the...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110925_00001252

"Early information indicates that we will continue on target for September, but we won't know for certain for a couple of weeks," Millett said. "The sales tax area is one that bears a real close watching as we see the September numbers."Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110925_00001253

Richardson, and many other political leaders, felt the handful of large corporations that owned most of Maine's North Woods were putting profits ahead of public interest. The largest contiguous forest east of the Mississippi and the 10.4 million acres of what's known as unorganized territory in Maine may be largely privately owned, he said, but it was ultimately a state resource tha...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110923_00001255 Contact: Scott K Fish, Communications Director

Scott.Fish@Legislature.Maine.gov

287-9908 or 458-7185 (cell)

RAYE RECEIVES DIRECTOR'S AWARD FROM UM COMPOSITES CENTER

[Photo attached]

Maine Senate President Kevin L. Raye (R-Perry) [right] is presented the 2011 Director's Award by Professor Habib Dagher, Director of the University of Maine AEWC Advanced Structures and Composites Center in Orono. Dagher praised Raye as this year's outstanding state leader f...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110923_00001254 Doug Jones, hospital CEO, told the gatherers that out of the experience came "a new culture where every patient is important; we're a better organization for the lesson." Board Chair Dr. Eric Burke said that the tragedy has led the...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110920_00001251

That was 1998 and I was just elected to my first term in the Maine House. I wrote a bill and put it in the hopper. You already know the outcome; we still fall back and spring ahead the bill died. The Bangor Daily News included my proposal on its list of "most foolish ideas introduced" th...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110905_00001250 Share

Augusta No one in state government all the way up to the governor denies the state is failing to regularly inspect Maine's potentially hazardous dams.

Most, though, don't expect to do much about it, even though state law requires regular inspections.

Instead, some say there's no risk in the current situation. Others say they are placing their faith in assura...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110901_00001246

On Friday, LePage, Senate President Kevin Raye and House Speaker Robert Nutting released the names of the 12 people on the panel, including Washington County Commissioner Christopher Gardner; Donald White, president and CEO of Prentiss and Carlisle and president of the Maine Forest Products Council; a...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110831_00001238

But a GOP leader said Wednesday he'd like to avoid that route, which would likely provoke a Democratic lawsuit, and expects the two sides will resume negotiations leading to a consensus plan before the Legislature meets Sept. 27 to take up the matter.Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110831_00001242 The recommended plan is not expected to get the two-thirds majority votes it will need in the Legislature to become law. Many expect further negotiations will be necessary before a special legislative session in late September.

The 15-member Reapportionment Commission comprises seven Democrats and seven Republicans...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110831_00001243

The question came during an Appropriations Committee discussion of recurring audit findings in the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Labor and Transportation. The committee reviewed a few areas of concern in each department -- many have been identified for at least four years -- and ta...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110830_00001248

LePage and the House and Senate leaders announced the appointments Friday to the 12-member commission that will advise the Legislature on how to overhaul land-use regulation in the 10-million-acre territory.

Legislation earlier this year sought to abolish the state's Land Use R...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110830_00001247

Tuesday's 8-7 vote came after the commission chairman, political independent Michael Friedman, sided with a compromise plan advanced by Democrats.

That plan leaves Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, York and part of Kennebec counties in the 1st District and the rest of Maine in the 2n...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110830_00001244 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110830_00001245

Cook made the accusation against Raye during Tuesday's public hearing on congressional redistricting. It's the latest in a series of conspiracy theories she's floated about individuals who, in her eyes, appar...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110829_00001249

Environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers on Monday criticized the makeup of a task force that could help decide the future of the Land Use Regulation Commission, the state agency that has handled planning and permitting in Maine's Unorganized Territory for t...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110829_00001239 STEUBEN For the large gathering of people who assembled in the auditorium of Steuben's beloved Parish House Aug. 20 for a centennial celebration, 100 years swept by in 60 minutes of joy and pride.

A crowd of over 100 listened as each speaker shared thoughts about the Parish House that shaped them, guided them and was a beacon for learning and growth in Steuben.

The event began with a welcome by Board Chairman and Centennial Celebration Committee head Donna Salisbury and end...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001232 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001236 The sale of five acres and three houses in Thomaston for $175,000 has since been declared void. Attorney General William Schneider found last month that it violated a law that prohibits state employees from having a financial interest in state contracts....

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001234 After questioning all of the parties involved, members of the Government Oversight Committee said that the perceived conflict of interest was actu...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001233

She said she and another prison official raised a question about it in an email to the Maine Bureau of General Services in order to make sure the deal had the "utmost transparency."

The committee questioned several state officials and a real estate broker in Augusta as part of i...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001231

Tuesday folks turned out in Augusta to honor a man who spent more than 30 years in service to the people of Maine.

Flags in Augusta flew at half staff as well as in Fairfield, the hometown of Dan Gwadosky who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last week. At a service at the Augusta Civic Center friends remembered Gwadosky. A man who dedicated more than half his life...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001229

"I was intimately aware of the scrutiny" the sale of the 5-acre property could draw, Barnhart told the Government Oversight Committee. S...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110816_00001237 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110815_00001224

Democrats unveiled their Vassalboro plan first. It would simply move Vassalboro from District 1 into District 2. That means 4340 voters would switch districts.

Under the Republican plan, more than ...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110815_00001223 Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has lived on the island of North Haven since she finished college and has represented her community in public office for nearly 20 years. She was elected to serve Maine's First Congressional Distric...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110813_00001228

Rather than celebrate the historic bipartisan reforms we made together, he highlights a litany of issues that were either obscure, received no support from legislators of either party or that he completely mischaracterizes. He accuses Republicans of revis...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110813_00001226

The last piece came in the form of a $1.2 million grant from the federal government. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, announced the award Friday while standing at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, one of the MaineGeneral facilities motorists will find easier to access via the new ramps.

Next door while Collins spoke, earth was being moved for MaineGeneral M...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110813_00001227 The last piece came in the form of a $1.2 million grant from the federal government. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, announced the award Friday while standing at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, one of the MaineGeneral facilities motorists will find easier to access via the new ramps.

Next door while Collins spoke, earth was being moved for MaineGeneral Medical Center's ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110812_00001220 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110812_00001221 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110811_00001212

Upon arriving at the field, I quickly realized there was going to be more to this story than the students' field trip. More on that later.

The trip was a joint effort of the Le...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110811_00001213

To qualify for the refund, taxpayers without a spouse or dependents must have a 2010 income of $64,950 or less. Taxpayers with a spouse or dependents must have a 2010 income of $86,600 or less to qualify.

In addition to the income requirements, property taxes for 2010 must be greater than 4 percent of the taxpayer's 2010 income or rent pai...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110811_00001214 In a release distributed Wednesday, Sen. David Trahan, R-Waldoboro, said he has asked Attorney General William Schneider to investigate how the newspaper learned that a pending report shows the alliance may have had inadequate financial controls and documentation, but finds n...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110810_00001215

They also said the leak was designed to cast both organizations in the best light possible before the formal release of the full investigation next Tuesday.

The legislators were referring to a story in Wednesday's Portland Press Herald headlined "Pr...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110807_00001216

Gov. LePage had, through the biennial budget, already set up a commission to cut spending by $25 million. Last week, he ordered his commissioners to find $100 million in cuts.

Beyond setting the target, the governor set the right tone. "We have to prioritize, we have to live within our means and we have to use our resources ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110805_00001218

A 12-member state task force already established to find $25 million in cuts will be asked to look at the additional proposals, LePage said. When the Legislature approved a $6.1 billion, two-year budget in June, it included a $25 million shortfall for fiscal year 2012-2013, ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110805_00001217 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110804_00001219 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110804_00001211 Trahan, a Republican from Waldoboro, wants to keep his Senate seat until December so he can continue to work on the Legislature's Taxation Committee. Trahan is Senate chairman of the committee, which has been authorized to meet this summer a...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110803_00001210 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110802_00001207 Governor Paul LePage appointed a bipartisan team of seven of the twelve-member task force. Members include: George Kerr, a former Democratic lawmaker and Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee chair; Joe Bruno, former House Republican Leader and President of Community Pharmacies; Sue Charron, Director o...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110801_00001206

The discovery came after Downeast Construction on July 20 voluntarily ceased its work in Wilton, after a federal agency reported finding high levels of the harmful building material asbestos at the complex of v...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110801_00001209

"Over the last two months, it has gotten out of control quickly and as bad as anything I can recall in my nearly 29 years in law enforcement," Gastia told assembled city officials, emergency workers and politicians at a special workshop assembled at the Bangor City Council chamber...

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The 12-member panel will analyze state departments and agencies with the aim of prioritizing services, consolidating functions and eliminating duplication and inefficiencies, LePage announced Monday.

When the Legislature approved a $6.1 million, two-year budget in June, it included a $25 million hole fo...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110801_00001205 Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110731_00001204

I was pleased, in the case of LD 1237, to take part in a very thorough, thoughtful, fair and bipartisan public hearing process. Our committee, guided by the committee chairs Rep. David Richardson, R-Carmel, and Sen. Brian Langley, R-Hancock, listened to hours of public testimo...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110729_00001202

This is the 14th year for the festival.

The John Hall is a Maine boat that arrived at the bay for the second year in a row.

State Senator Richard Rosen joined other representatives in welcoming the navy men.

Rosen says the Bucksport Bay Festival is the perfect opportunity to showcase the area's waterfront. . .

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The two-year budget included a $25 million hole to be filled by recommendations of the Streamline and Prioritize Core Government Services Task Force, made up of a mix of legislators, former lawmakers and members of the business community, according to the Bangor Daily News. The task force members include: Sen. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport; Sen. Dawn ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110729_00001200 The recent piece by House Minority Leader Rep. Emily Cain entitled "Democrats stood up for working people last session" is rather puzzling. Rep. Cain is typically a consensus builder who works well with others. Rather than celebrate the historic bi-partisan reforms we made together, she uncharacteristically wrote a piece attacking Republicans with words and phrases like "extreme agenda," "undermine the rights of working people," "extreme environmental rollbacks," "slash...

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U.S.-Korea Partnership: Growing Jobs Across America is a national series of forums highlighting the importance of trade and investment between the United States and Korea, the benefits and opportunities of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), and for supporting American jobs and economic growth. Ambas...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110729_00001203

But as easy as it sounds, there remains one significant complicating factor: politics.

"We're dealing with a relatively small imbalance and that should be an easy fix, but anytime politics gets involved, it's going to get messy," said Mark Brewer, a political scientist at the University of Maine.

Redrawing th...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110728_00001195 But for all its smallness, the little room has become more than a place to mail letters. It helps define the village that it serves. And if it closed, as has been proposed, people fear the community would never be the same.

"We would lose so much," resident Jan Murton said during a meeting Wednesday to brainstorm ways to save the post office. "We find out all the news of the ...

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Finance Commissioner Sawin Millett will chair the Streamline and Prioritize Core Government Services Task Force and will be joined by four legislators who were named on Wednesday: Sen. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport; Sen. Dawn Hill, D-York; Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake; and Rep. Denn...

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Rep. Ken Fredette, R-Newport, organized the forum after the June 13 murder of Amy Lake, a kindergarten teacher at Ridge Lake Community School, and her two children by her estranged husband, Steven, who later took his own life.

One of th...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110728_00001196 But for all its smallness, the little room has become more than a place to mail letters. It helps define the village that it serves. And if it closed, as has been proposed, people fear the community would never be the same.

"We would lose so much," resident Jan Murton said during a meeting held Wednesday to brainstorm ways to save the post office. "We find out all the news of...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110727_00001194 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110727_00001192

When he resigns his Senate seat to take the executive director's position at the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, he'll do so at the top of his legislative game, with a real sense of accomplishment. The list of his legislative achievements this session is impressive.

After a tough three-year battle, Trahan delivered a free saltwater angler registry in response to a federa...

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The governor's executive order will create a 19-member task force to study and set the stage for changes. The governor chooses 15 members, representing K-12 and post-secondary education, teachers and education associations. The other four members will be legislators.

The task force wi...

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U.S.-Korea Partnership: Growing Jobs Across America is a national series of forums highlighting the importance of trade and investment between the United States and Korea, and the benefits and opportunities of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and for supporting American jobs and economic growth. S...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110725_00001190

At his town hall last week in Dover-Foxcroft, LePage told the crowd that his daily briefing book included a letter from the feds saying that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will face significant cuts. LePage said last year, Maine spent $58 million in heating assistance, but ...

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The authority, which oversees more than 100 miles of turnpike in Maine and collects $100 million annually in tolls, has been under fire over the alleged actions of Paul Violette, the agency's director from 1988 through May of this year.

A civil lawsuit filed by ...

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Their choice of Richard Rosen and Pat Flood to head the important Appropriations Committee is a prime example. Both men are measured, open to debate and highly respected by their peers. They also refused...

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Nearby were a spa, dog boutique, gift shop, antique shop and tavern. But there, next to the ocean on Route 1, was this old wreck.

"It was incongruous to Main Street. It was neglected," he said. "There was all this vibrancy and life except this building. I said, 'If I [renovate th...

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Bad enough that residents have been speaking out about the condition after suffering in silence in recent years. About 20 businessmen and farmers signed a petition last month about the deplorable condition of the road, with its bumps, dips and cracks, and sent ...

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And last year's run by District 3 champion Bangor, which became the first Maine District 3 team to reach the championship game, has given the event a significant bump financially.

Aruba South Little League beat Bangor East/West 8-1 in the title game in front of a huge crowd. The game was televised on ESPNU as will this year's cham...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110721_00001185 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110721_00001183

"Needless to say, we are very disappointed," Robert Peacock, president of the city council, said Thursday morning.

City officials were stunned by the decision, not having a clue that Mar...

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The two most repeated words of the day were "rain" and "dry."

Growers from Prince Edward Island to Quebec to Down East are struggling this season with heavy rain during pollination season when they don't want it and not enough rain this month when they do.

The result could be a harves...

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Caylee's Law, named after two-year-old Caylee Marie Anthony of Orlando, FL, was initiated in Florida in response to the high profile case involving Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony. Casey Anthony did not report her daughter's disappearance until after 31 days had elapsed. Caylee's remains were found five months later.

In a case that drew internatio...

Read complete article and hear audio online.]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110720_00001182 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110720_00001176 The Legislature's Government Oversight Committee reviewed a preliminary report Tuesday from the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability. Director Beth Ashcroft presented a timeline of events in the sale of five acres and three houses...

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Millett came before the Legislature's Government Oversight Committee to answer questions about the land deal and outline the policy his department and the Bureau of General Services will use when selling state-owned property in the future.

D...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001179 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001178 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001174 Retirees won't receive cost-of-living increases for at least a year, future increases will be capped at 3 percent instead of 4 percent, and the increases will apply only to the first $20,000 of annual retirement income.

New hires and workers with less than five years of...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001166

The expedition Col. Jonathan Eddy led at Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia, in 1776 was by no means a success. But when Eddy and 19 others petitioned the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for land nearly a decade later, lawmakers were grateful that the little band had been part of the effort to keep some...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001164 The authority's interim director, Peter Mills, said Monday that the turnpike authority expects to take legal action against Paul Violette as early as today. Mills would not say how much money the authority will seek.

Violette's attorney, Peter DeTroy of Portland, would say only that he expect...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001163 The Maine Elevator and Tramway Safety Board voted unanimously Monday to back legislation that could make Maine the first state to license the mechanics who maintain and repair chairlifts. While elevator mechanics need licenses in Maine and other states, ski safety experts said they kno...

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The authority's new executive director, Peter Mills, said Monday that the authority expects to take legal action as early as today, though he would not say how much the agency would be seeking to recover.

Violette's attorney, Peter DeTroy, would say only that h...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001161 The Maine Elevator and Tramway Safety Board voted unanimously Monday to back legislation that could make Maine the first state to license the mechanics who maintain and repair chairlifts. While elevator mechanics need licenses in Maine and other states, ski safety experts said they kno...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110719_00001160 The Republicans stepped up, acquitted themselves well after a somewhat rocky start, and can be justifiably proud of what they accomplished. . .

We voters are notorious for short memories, but remember why the elections of 2010 were a Republican sweep. Democra...

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The controversial sale happened in June, and has since been declared "null and void" by the Attorney General. The AG's staff and an attorney for the warden are now in the process of "unwinding the sale," according to the Department of Finance and Administrative Services.

But legislators say the sale it should ne...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110718_00001165 Following the death of two-year-old Caylee Anthony and the murder trial against her mother, Casey Anthony, a Maine state legislator is looking to make it illegal to not report your child missing or dead.

The bill is modeled after a similar proposal in Florida called Caylee's Law.

Republican Senator Michael Thibodeau from Winterport says he wants to create the law which requires parents...

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Modeled after Caylee's Law, a bill recently submitted in Florida's legislature, Thibodeau's proposal will require parents and primary caregivers to report a child under the age of twelve as missing or deceased. Under current Maine law, failure to report a chi...

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Modeled after Caylee's Law, a bill recently submitted in Florida's legislature, Thibodeau's proposal would require parents and primary caregivers to notify authorities if a chil...

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Sen. Michael Thibodeau said Monday his proposal is modeled after Caylee's Law, a bill recently submitted in Florida's legislature in response to case of Casey Anthony, who did not her report her 2-year-old daughter's disappearance for a month. Anthony was arrested after telling police a series of lies, but was acquitted...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110717_00001157

Retirees won't receive cost-of-living increases for at least one year, future increases will be capped at 3 percent instead of 4 percent, and the increases will be applied only to the first $20,000 of annual retirement income.

New hires and workers with less than five years of servic...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110717_00001158 Retirees won't receive cost-of-living increases for at least a year, future increases will be capped at 3 percent instead of 4 percent, and the increases will apply only to the first $20,000 of annual retirement income.

New hires and workers with less than five years of...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110717_00001175 Retirees won't receive cost-of-living increases for at least one year, future increases will be capped at 3 percent instead of 4 percent, and the increases will be applied only to the first $20,000 of annual retirement income.

New hires and workers with less than five years of service w...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110717_00001167

LURC was launched in 1971, and its 40th birthday has not been a happy occasion. Gov. Paul LePage took office pledging to abolish the agency, but the real energy behind...

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The weekend began July 15, with a free street dance, antique car rally and the ninth annual Artists of St. George Art Show Opening.

Festivities on July 16 began with a pancake and yard sale to benefit Trekkers. Morning events also included a children's half-mile fun run and the Marshall Point 5K Lighthouse Loop.

The Jackson Memorial Library Book Fai...

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"This is what the level is in 47 other states," LePage said in an interview. "We should not be more generous than these other states, but we are and we have been and it needs to stop."

He said he is worried that if the s...

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"There are all kinds of people who want to start charter schools," Jones said. Some want to conve...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110714_00001156 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110714_00001155 R-District 3

Thursday, July 14, 2011

In 2009, Republican legislators stood on banks of the Kennebec River to pledge our commitment to leading Maine in a new, more prosperous direction if given the chance to govern. We promised to create a state government that is caring, responsible, efficient, affordable, transparent, and effective. Last fall, we were given a historic opportunity to deliver on our promises when both the Maine House and Senate changed hand...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110713_00000042_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110713_00001152

Kielty said July 12 the two are cooperating to take whatever actions are necessary.

The state had previously sold the houses and about five acres of land to Barnhart and Gallagher for $175,000, whi...

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"It seems the revenue forecasting committee was a little conservative," Finance Commissioner Sawin Millett said Wednesday. "To me, it is a very good turnaround in...

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Between receptions and banquets, these leaders will play golf and tennis and discuss...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110713_00001150 Where: Belgrade Public Library

What: Story Time with Senator Tom Saviello

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I refer you to The Captain, that snarling, steely-eyed prison-camp warden in the 1967 movie classic "Cool Hand Luke."

After angrily knocking a ne'er-do-well Paul Newman headlong into a ditch for running off at the mouth, The Captain looks out uneasily at the rest of the squirming prisoners and proclaims in his whiny Southern drawl, "What we got here is ....

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Whether in 1893 or today, "things have changed but human behavior is the same people like to fish in a beautiful body of water," William Marceau, Clearwater Lake Improvement Association president, said.

Over the past 100 years, members of CLIA have worked to ensure that fishing, swimming and boating continue in the cle...

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LePage said the suspension will give the state time to develop polices for selling surplus property, allow for the Attorney General's Office to review any pending sales and for a real estate professional to certify that any proposed sale ...

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The land was bought from the state by the warden of the Maine State Prison --- but no one else had a chance to bid on it. The property includes three houses and five acres of land, facing the St. George River. Prison warden Patricia Barnhart lived in one of the houses, as did her predecessor.

Last year, the Baldacci Administr...

Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110711_00001145

The land was bought from the state by the warden of the Maine State Prison --- but no one else had a chance to bid on it. The property includes three houses and five acres of land, facing the St. George River. Prison warden Patricia Barnhart lived in one of the houses, as did her predecessor.

Last year, the Baldacci Administr...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110711_00001143 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110711_00001144

The sale in question involved three separate pieces of land at 22, 26 and 30 Ship Circle that were offered to Warden Patricia Barnhart and another buyer, Sheehan Gallagher.

According to published reports, Barnhart and Gallagher paid approximately $175,000 for the parcels well below the...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110709_00001141

The Legislature's Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability is gathering documents related to the sale and will report its preliminary findings to the Government Oversight Committee on July 19.

The committee...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110708_00001140 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110708_00001142

In total, $6.3 million in state funds will be shifted. Although much of the shift will benefit districts in northern and eastern Maine, one of the biggest winners is in Cumberland County, as is one of the biggest losers.

Maine's largest school district, Portland, w...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110707_00001138

I'm sending a hearty thank you to Sen. Roger Katz for his June 26 Maine Compass about the budget that pleases almost everyone. The Goldilocks explanation was clear and precise.

Katz represents his constituents like all other legislators should; the law works best when it works together.

I'm happy Katz is my representative in this debate.

Joan L. Giroux

Augusta

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But both parties were silent when it came to the law's little-known provision that sets the stage for Maine to become the first state in the nation to change how employers can provide health insurance coverage.

The new law, PL 90, includes a section allowing employers to band together and offer health insurance through so-called captives, insurance companies that are allowed to fina...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110706_00001135

Maine House Democratic leader Emily Cain says a bond package focusing on roads and bridges and infrastructure would have benefited Maine's economy and created jobs.

The Democratic leader in the Maine House of Representatives says by failing to send a bond package to voters, the Legislature missed an opportunity to create jobs. Rep. Emily Cain, of Orono, says anyone driving on Maine's roads knows they're in need of repair.

"I'm confident that we could have str...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110706_00001136

In their te...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110706_00001133 Maine pays its judges less than almost every other state, according to new statistics from the National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit organization that tracks judicial information. . .

In hard numbers, Maine ranked 47th in the United States in 2010, paying its state judges about $112,000 p...

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Patricia Barnhart, the current prison warden, and Sheehan Gallagher paid $175,000 to the state to buy a Ship Street Circle parcel of land that includes three houses and more than five acres of property extending down to the St. George River, according to Maine Bureau of General Services Acting...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110706_00001137 (Media-Newswire.com) - Augusta, Maine - A bill signing ceremony was held Monday at Shead High School in Eastport where Governor Paul LePage signed LD 1274 prior to his participation in the Eastport Independence Day Parade.

The bill, "An Act to Restore Equity in Education Funding" was spons...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_radio/radio_page.php?story_id=20110705_00000051_radio Read complete article and hear audio online.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110705_00001130

"This place and this school are emblematic of schools across the state that will finally get a fair shake," Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, who sponsored the legislation, told a group of onlookers.

The bill, LD 1274, reforms the state's controversial Essent...

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A federal judge has ordered the Legislature to complete its work redrawing the line between Maine's 1st and 2nd Districts by Sept. 30 to reflect population changes in the 2010 census. If the Legislature fails to do so, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has until Nov. 15 to finish the reappo...

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A federal judge has ordered the Legislature to complete its work redrawing the line between Maine's 1st and 2nd Districts by Sept. 30 to reflect population changes in the 2010 census. If the Legislature fails to do so, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has until Nov. 15 to finish the reapportionm...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110704_00001127

Crocker, a West Gardiner comedian, community college lobbyist and ardent Moxie fan, told jokes in the House wearing a blaze orange shirt and holding a stuffed toy lobster. Crocker has been a House performer in years past, helping to pass the time as lawmakers wait for paperwork.

Over in the Senate, they created their own fun by ...

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Crocker, a West Gardiner comedian, community college lobbyist and ardent Moxie fan, told jokes in the House wearing a blaze orange shirt and holding a stuffed toy lobster. Crocker has been a House performer in years past, helping to pass the time as lawmakers wait for paperwork.

Over in the Senate, they created their own fun, ...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110703_00001126

AUGUSTA, Maine It was a remarkable journey, said Senate Majority Leader Jon Courtney, R-Springvale, who led a bipartisan committee of legislators in crafting a regulatory reform package in the session of the Legislature that ended recently.

"This didn't happen...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110703_00001125 "There's certainly some longtime Republican themes that got a voice this time," said independent Sen. Richard Woodbury of Yarmouth. "Cutting taxes would be one."

"We had discussions that we couldn't ev...

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The property was sold June 9 to Warden Patricia Barnhart and Sheehan Gallagher through a real estate firm, CBRE Boulos. The property includes a house that for years was provided to wardens, and two other buildings.

"It definitely raises some red flags," said Sen. Garr...

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"I'm very upset," Craven said. "Lewiston is losing about $27,000 and Lewiston has gained the most students," she said. Rural schools "are getting more money, and they're losing student population. They are the big winners in this case."

She criticized the sponsor of L.D. 1274, Senate President Kevin Ray...

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The property was sold June 9 to Warden Patricia Barnhart and Sheehan Gallagher through a real estate firm, CBRE Boulos. The property includes a house which for years was provided to wardens, and two other buildings.

"It definitely raises some red flags...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110702_00001124

"This is a different way to handle the liquor contract that will provide some new and ongoing resources," said Rep. Pat Flood, R-Winthrop, co-chairman of the legislature's Appropriations Committee.

He ...

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The property was sold June 9 to warden Patricia Barnhart and Sheehan Gallagher.

The property includes a house that for years was provided to wardens, and two other buildings.

"It definitely raises some red flags,'' said Senator Garrett Mason, Republican of Lisbon Falls. Ma...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110701_00001123 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Scott K Fish http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110630_00001114

"Today's enactment...

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Senator Jon Courtney, of Springvale, is the prime sponsor of LD 299, "An Act Regarding the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery," the bill that introduced the idea of fully funding the staff positions at the cemetery. The Legislature approved the measure in ...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110630_00001111

"I am extremely pleased that we were able to enact these small changes to the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula that distrib...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110630_00001112

The bill passed 17-15, mostly along geographical lines and with the help of some procedural maneuvering.

The bill was sponsored by Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, who has said the state's complex Essential Programs and Services funding formula has pulled money from rural schools while increasing funding ...

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The sponsor of LD 1274, Senate President Kevin Raye, calls the bill's passage a victory for rural education. The Republican says the bill has three provisions to make the state's education funding formula more equitable.

It removes a provision in existing law that subjects state reimbursement for school person...

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The sponsor, Senate President Kevin Raye, calls the bill's passage a victory for rural education. The Republican says the bill has three provisions to make the state's education funding formula more equitable.

It removes a provision in existing law that subjects state reimbursement for school personnel benefits to the...

Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110630_00001115

LD 1274, sponsored by Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, passed with ease in the House on Tuesday (84-56), but the vote was much narrower in the Senate on Wednesday (17-15).

Unlike many bills this session, the votes were not dictated by par...

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Fulfilling a campaign promise, LePage on Thursday signed the bill authorizing charter schools, which create innovative educational settings for students who don't fit into the public schools.

The bill he signed would allow no more than 10 public charter schools in the first decade. It would also limit the number of students who can attend them in the first three years to protect smaller noncha...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110629_00000040_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001098

The Senate voted 15-19 against the authorization, meaning the project will go to the voters in November, along with a proposal for a 1,500-slot-machine facility planned for Lewiston's Bates Mill No. 5.

Tuesday's vote saw several senators withdraw their preliminary supp...

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Supporters of the proposal to create two new racinos including one operated by the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Washington County fell three votes short in the Senate on Tuesday, despite months of intense lobbying.

But because the measure was an initiated bill, the proposal's ...

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After years of failed attempts, advocates for charter schools finally succeeded in receiving legislative support for allowing public schools that must meet state and federal academic standards but are given more flexibility in curriculum, budgeting and other areas.

Both the House and Senate voted without debate on Tuesday to approve a bill authorizing the creatio...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001102 Because the bill was initiated by citizens in a petition drive, its failure to win final passage, on a 19-15 vote, means it will go on the statewide ballot.

The measure, L.D. 1203, passed earlier this month, but some senators switched their votes because a bill to allow gambling in Lewiston was rejected.Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001103 The House dealt with five vetoes, which require a two-thirds vote to override, and the Senate voted on the other three.

Up first was L.D. 531, which would ensure that a senior appointed officer in the Office of Adult Mental Health Services is a licensed psychiatrist, according to LePage's veto message. He said the bill had an "understandable objective" and has asked his commissi...

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Making a major dent in the remaining workload before completing business for the year, lawmakers also let stand Gov. Paul LePage's vetoes of several bills and moved a bill to allow charter schools in the state a step closer to enactment.

They also made headw...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001105 Looking back, I feel honored to have played a role in fashioning a truly game-changing budget that will move Maine toward a brighter future.

The budget we passed is the result of over six months of work, hundreds of hours of committee hearings and work sessions, and the input of countless Maine citizens.

Although Republica...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001106 Because the bill was initiated by citizens in a petition drive, its failure to win final passage, on a 19-15 vote, means it will go on the statewide ballot.

The measure, L.D. 1203, had passed earlier this month, but some senators switched their votes because a bill to allow gambling in Lewiston was rejected....

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001107

After receiving the necessary two-thirds support from the Legislature earlier this month, the bill failed to reach that threshold during Tuesday's final enactment vote in the Senate.

A...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001108 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110629_00001109

But Republican Gov. Paul LePage, whose brash style and lack of legislative experience made him the wildcard of the session, generated a buzz on the last day when he thanked lawmakers while continuing to push aspects of his controversial ag...

Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110628_00001101

The issue of expanding gambling in Maine caused heated debate on the senate floor. Proponents of a bill that would allow racinos in Biddeford and Washington County said people in those areas need economic development. Opponents said Maine doesn't need more gambling. The majority of senators agreed, voting the bill down 19 to 15.

Senators unceremoniously pa...

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Legislative leaders originally had hoped to wrap up the 2011 session by June 8 to save money but ended up extending beyond the June 15 statutory adjournment date.

Republican leaders recessed on June 16 and will return on Tuesday for a session that ha...

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State Representative Kenneth Fredette, R-Newport, sponsored LD 656 to create a task force to gather basic data about the culture, such as how many Franco-Americans reside in Maine, where they live, their percentage relative to the population as a whole and how many speak French. He said he hopes the task force will produce informa...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110627_00001094

Being a rookie state senator is a humbling experience. It was even more challenging when I learned that I was appointed to the Appropriations Committee. Looking back, I feel honored to have played a role in fashioning a truly game-changing budget that will move Maine toward a brighter future.

The budget we passed is the result of over six months of work, hundreds of hours of committee hearings and work sessions and the input of countless Maine citizens. Alt...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110627_00001093

The law was also intended to give Maine towns and cities some justice. Back in 2003, voters passed a referendum that would have the state pay for 55 percent of the cost of education and reduce the burden on property taxpayers. But although...

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"The whole point is to get one definition for everybody," he said in January. His comments were made as he abolished a task force looking at employee misclassification. He said he was concerned that state definitions and rules have gone "too far" and ...

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With this year's session due to end this week, the Legislature has carried over more than 120 of the 1,587 bills that were introduced. By comparison, 88 were carried over from the first year of the...

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REGULATORY REFORM

A keystone measure for this session was L.D. 1, sponsored by House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, and Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry. The wide-ranging bill was the product of a Republican campaign promise to make Maine more business-friendly.

After some prop...

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A keystone measure for this session was L.D. 1, sponsored by House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, and Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry. The wide-ranging bill was the product of a Republican campaign promise to make Maine more business-friendly.

After some proposals by Gov. Paul LePage drew public opposition, a bipartisan group of lawmakers crafted a package of reforms that passed unanimously in the Senate and with just three dissenting votes in the ...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110626_00001090

The National Park Service in December 2010 transferred ownership of a small parcel to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. That land had been barred from ATV use, which prevented riders from connecting to the trail systems in the area.

The transfer allowed the state to give riders access around Eddy Pond, near the Saddleback Mountain ski resort. The...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110625_00001091

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department Marine Resources are responsible for virtually all ...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110624_00001095

Senator Courtney is the prime sponsor of LD 299, "An Act Regarding the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery," the vehicle which introduced the idea of fully funding the staff positions at the cemetery. The Legislatu...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110622_00001083 There remains some confusion about just what voters had in mind last November when they chose Republican Paul LePage as governor and elected Republican majorities in both houses of the Legislat...

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"We feel that we want to preserve voting rights in Maine," said Barbara McDade, president of the league. "For 38 years, people have been able to register to vote on the day that they vote. This p...

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Some of the most drastic ideas gutting environmental laws, ending collective bargaining, new protections for the "unborn" and major Medicaid cuts have not gained traction in the State House. . .

Ditto for the state budget, which was originally touted as a forum to remake state government by Republican legislative leaders. While there are n...

Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Ben Kelleher - Maine Senate Secretary's Office http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110622_00001086

"David Madore will be an outstanding Assistant Secretary of the Senate. Dave is respected and well-liked on both sides of the aisle and, as a former legislator, he has been an invaluable...

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"It's a validation of the great work of the Appropriations Committee," said Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry. "It reflects the core values of (LePage's) original budget."

Raye said the budget includes "the largest tax cuts in the history of Maine," pension reform and welfare reform.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, ...

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The state, the defendant in the federal case, would leave open the details while it worked toward a resolution.

The plaintiffs, two residents of Cape Elizabeth, assume that a panel of federal judges will eventually make the decision.

The ...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110620_00000039_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110620_00001071

"By affording the minority party the respect of inclusion in the budget process we were able to work through our differences and secure a thoughtful budget that honors the core principles advanced by Governor LePage.

"With the largest ...

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The Democrats were first, and a more cheerful group would be hard to imagine.

It's impossible to tell how much of their glee was sincere and how much was spin, but House Minority Leader Emily Cain, D-Orono, and Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Commit...

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The Governor was joined at the signing by Senate President Kevin Raye, House Speaker Robert Nutting and other members of the Legislature.

Several reforms found in this legislation were introduced through "red tape" workshops held throughout the state by Governor LePage, where ...

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Instead, both dates have passed and lawmakers toil on.

Members of the Appropriations Committee will meet on Thursday to sort through the dozens and dozens of bills that require money for implementation. Then the full Legislature is scheduled to come back June 28 to finish leftover work.

Some ...

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Maine's Environmental Priorities Coalition, comprising 26 groups representing more than 100,000 people, praised the bipartisan efforts of lawmakers that defeated several proposals they opposed.

But the group does have concerns about some recently passed measures, said Mauree...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110620_00001072

Maine's Environmental Priorities Coalition, comprising 26 groups representing more than 100,000 people, praised the bipartisan efforts of lawmakers that defeated several proposals they opposed.

But the group does have concerns about some recently passed measures, said Mauree...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110620_00001073 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110620_00001074

"A lot of times we don't know that these chemicals are in there. We don't always know what they're putting in is harmful, so I feel like having the Kids Safe Product Act is so important because it gives us that information," Rice said.

When Governor Lepage proposed dozens of rollbacks to Maine Environmental and Public Health Laws, it included a repeal of the B...

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The budget, approved with bipartisan support of the Legislature last week, takes effect July 1, the start of fiscal 2012.

"The budget I signed today reflects a step toward fiscal responsibility and a change in the way we mu...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110620_00001079 "It's a validation of the great work of the Appropriations Committee," Raye said. "It reflects the core values of his original budget."

Raye said the budget includes "the largest tax cuts in the history of Maine," pension reform and welfare reform. Last Friday, LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett said LePage continued to have concerns about the welfare reform ...

Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110620_00001078

Mere hours after upending Maine's political identity as a Democratic state, Republicans gathered on Nov. 3 to celebrate gaining control of the House, the Senate and the governor's mansion for the first time since the 1960s.

"It is a new day in Augusta," Sen. Kevin Raye, a Perry Republican later elected Senate president, told the electric crowd in the State House. Raye said GOP leaders were thrilled and humbled by the victory, but added: "We hav...

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"They did cut taxes and they fixed the pension," LePage said in a brief interview. "But they did not do their job in welfare. They really fell short; they significantly fell short."

He said he signed the budget because of the tax cuts but that they are not enough in...

Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110619_00001067 Members of MaineToday Media's editorial board met with leaders of each party as the budget neared final passage and we were amazed to hear Democrats, who had no use for the budget's $153 million in tax cuts, and Rep...

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Mere hours after upending Maine's political identity as a Democratic state, Republicans gathered on Nov. 3 to celebrate gaining control of the House, the Senate and the governor's mansion for the first time since the 1960s.

"It is a new day in Augusta," Sen. Kevin Raye, a Perry Republican later elected Senate president, told the electric crowd in the State House. Raye said GOP leaders were thrilled and humbled by the victory, but added: ...

Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110618_00001064

After giving final approval to a $6.1 billion, two-year state budget, weary legislators debated a few more bills Thursday night before calling it quits until June 28.

The break is mainly to give l...

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The proposals were submitted by the Maine Democratic Party and Cape Elizabeth residents William DeSena and Sandra Dunham, who sued to challenge the state's current practice for redistricting. A third proposal, submitted by the state, was unavailable late Friday night.

In their lawsuit,...

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Also uncertain is the fate of a recently passed bill that would eliminate Maine's 38-year-old law allowing same-day voter registration, with at least one group vow...

Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001058

• Historic tax cuts to Mainers of all income levels, including dropping from the tax rolls those with the lowest incomes.

• Targete...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001061 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001063 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001062 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001055

  Lawmakers said the two-year spending package set the state on a new course with $150 million in tax cuts, and pension and welfare reforms. But even supporters acknowledged the budget contained som...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001056 Access to oral health care has an extraordinary impact on the overall health of an individual. It is indisputable that oral health directly affects physical health.

  Numerous diseases such as incidence of diabetes, ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110617_00001065

  The governor will tour several businesses in Knox County before attending a town hall meeting at Camden Hills Regional High School from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

  After leaving Camden, the governor headed to Dragon Products in Thomaston, where he received a tour and a briefing on the needs of the business from Pla...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001048

  Members of the House passed the $6 billion budget Wednesday afternoon 120-26 and the Senate followed suit by passing it 29-6 Wednesday night.

  All six amendments to the budget offered by Senate Democrats were defeated. A technical amendment did pass which will send it back to the House for another vote.

  If the House gives its final approval, the Senate will ge...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001051

  Language to kill a state sales tax imposed on certain airplanes bought outside Maine but used in the state on at least 20 different days within a year was initially proposed in two different bills sponsored during the current legislative session by Republican Senate President Ke...

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  The final package totals $6.1 billion dollars over two years, but some of the details are substantially different from what was originally proposed by Governor Paul LePage. That has left many in the Statehouse ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001052 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001050

  A lopsided, 34-1 vote in the Senate Wednesday morning belied the consternation some lawmakers felt as state officials in their quest to salvage two Katahdin Paper mills and hundreds of jobs prepare to potentially take over an aging landfill ti...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001049

  The House voted 120-26 for the package late Wednesday night, June 15. All local legislators except Rep. Andrew O'Brien, D-Lincolnville, voted for the budget.

  The Senate voted 29-5 early Thursday, June 16 for the package with all three Republican state senators supporting the deal.

  Sen. Chris Rector, R-Thomaston, said he supports t...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001047

  "It seemed like this day would never come," said Sen. Dawn Hill, D-Cape Neddick, before the Senate's 29-6 vote to pass the bill. The Senate vote and House tally of 120-26 earlier in the day were buoyed by a un...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001046 The spending plan, calling for major reforms to the state retirement system, cuts to taxes and limits in welfare eligibility, could reach Gov. Paul LePage's desk sometime today. LePage said last week that he wants to give careful consideration to the budget before deciding whether to sign it into law...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001054

  LD 325 sought to to set up a working group to find ways to help parents who might be unable to afford legal representation at special education due process hearings: These are court-like review proceedings available to school districts and students that seek to res...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110616_00001053 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001006 The governor called it a "good down payment" on transforming Maine's business climate, and a campaign promise kept. Senate President Kevin Raye said it would help "lift the burden that has shackled and held back Maine's job creators for too long."

  And Democrats hailed it as a bipartisan success story, in which members of the minority party were able to influence the bill...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001022

  "Many of the constituents I represent in Hancock County and Isle au Haut either earn their living on the sea or depend upon the catch brought in by our fishermen," said Senator Langley. "I recognize the importance of finding...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001007

  The bill's sponsor, Sen. Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon Falls, said charter schools will enable the state to have "schools of focus" that could help students who are particularly interested in subjects such as science and math, agriculture or performing arts.

  "Traditional public schools are great for most Maine children," h...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001008

  Senators voted 21-12 for L.D. 1418, which would let Hollywood Slots add table games as soon as the casino in Oxford County that Maine voters approved last year opens for business.

  "Like it or not, it's here, people. Maine is a gaming state; we've got to accept that," Sen. Nancy Sullivan, D-B...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001024

  I ran for the State Senate to help get Maine back on track and on the road to prosperity. We need to create new and better paying jobs, give relief to taxpayers, provide resources to those who need them, and create a stronger future for all of us. This requires a strong educational system that prepares students for the future. Improving the quality of public education is a priority of mine because it will benefit all of us directly or indirectly.

  Main...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001009 The bill's sponsor, Sen. Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon Falls, said charter schools would enable the state to have "schools of focus" that could help students who are particularly interested in subjects such as science and math, agriculture or performing arts.

  "Traditional public schools are great for most Maine children," he said. "This...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001030

  "The amount of public input to LD 1, to regulatory reform, is unprecedented," said Senate Majority Leader and Regulatory Reform Committee Chair...

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  The Maine House and Senate both voted June 14 to amend the state law that requires all communities to enforce the state building codes if the population is more than 2,000. The amendment, LD 1416, increases the population exempt from the building codes to 4,000.

  In the Midcoast, communities with populations between 2,000 and 4,000 are Thomaston, Ro...

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  Senators voted 13-20 against authorization and reasserted their decision last week to send the project to referendum. While the House of Representatives last week voted to approve the project, the Senate's decision Tuesday increases the chances that the Lewiston casino proposal will go to voters in November.

  That prospect didn't please back...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110615_00001011

  negotiating Tuesday to purchase two Katahdin region paper mills even as lawmakers and LePage administration officials scrambled to win support for a bill deemed critical to the potential sale.

  Dan Whyte, vice president of Brookfield Asset Management, the current owner of the two Katahdin Paper mills, told the Bangor Daily News that talks "are in progress" to sell the facilities to International Grand Investors Corp...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00001013

  The measure already passed in the Maine House last week but needs to go back there for an additional vote and then requires the governor's signature and local voter approval.

  Still, support in both legislative chambers likely means good news for the state's fi...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00000996

  The measure, L.D. 1, recently passed unanimously in the Senate and with just three dissenting votes in the House.

  "This bill is a down payment on what needs to be done to improve the business climate in the state of Maine," said LePage, a Republican.

  Promises of regulatory reform and a str...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00001004

  In a 21-13 vote, senators signed off on LD 1553. If finally adopted by the House and Senate and signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage, who supports charter schools, the bill would make Maine one of 41 states to allow the publicly funded alternative schools.

  The vote came after an hour-long debate during which supporters called the introduction of charter schools a n...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00000997

  Opponents say the late-session move will increase the role of special interest money and corporate influence in the next governor's race and immediately benefit the incumbent, Gov. Paul LePage.

  The bill, LD 856, was originally designed to increase the contribution threshold for county commissioner candidates. However, at the request...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00000998 Republicans and Democrats alike are hopeful that the law will help businesses cut through red tape that many feel hinders job creation in the state. LD 1 makes more than a dozen changes to current state law, but Governor LePage says the one thin...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00001003 Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00001002

  Debate over the measure was sometimes graphic, as senators described the differences between sex crimes against children.

  Sen. Debra Plowman, a Hampden Republican, said Mainers want the toughest of penalties for those convicted of sex crimes against children sometimes as young as infants. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00001001

  The Senate voted 21-13 to give preliminary approval to a bill that allows the state to create 10 charter schools over the next 10 years.

  The bill now heads to the House.

  Proponents say charter schools bring flexibility and innovation to Maine education, offering students and parents the choice of a private school-like education without having to pay tuition.<...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110614_00000995

  The 19-15 vote followed a debate in which supporters said L.D. 199 would improve the integrity of the voting process and opponents said it would disenfranchise voters.

  It followed a vote Friday in favor of a bill to end same-day voter registration in Maine.

  Sen. Nichi Farnham, R-Bangor, said college students and everyone who flies on airplanes ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000038_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000990 Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531

  Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul LePage signed into law Legislative Document No. 1 Monday during a ceremony at the Blaine House. Joined by Senate President Kevin Raye, House Speaker Robert Nutting, and other members of the Legislature, Governor LePage signed this important bill that helps to streamline government, cut through red tape and build our economy.

  Several reforms found in this legislation...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000988 House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, informed the House last week that there will be no session today, and that the rest of the week is anyone's guess. The budget will be the big item on the agenda, but there will be other bills to debate as well.

  The statutory adjournment day is Wednesday, and legislators' pay stopped last week.

  The Legislature rarely adjourns for the ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000989

  House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, informed the House last week that there will be no session today, and that the rest of the week is anyone's guess. The budget will be the big item on the agenda, but there will be other bills to debate as well.

  Statutory adjournment is Wednesday, and legislators' pay stopped last week.

  The Legislature rarely adjourns for th...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000991 Members of the Legislature's Transportation Committee are threatening to vote against the state general fund budget because it does not include the money for road and bridge repairs that they were expecting.

  Gov. Paul LePage had proposed $20 million from general revenues for highway fund programs. He reduced that to $10 million, and that was eliminated by the Appropriations Committee. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000992 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000993 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000999 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000994

  Senate Democrats denounced the legislation as potentially disenfranchising to voters and expensive to municipalities. But, unlike last week's hard party-line vote in the House, five Senate Republicans crossed the aisle Monday to vote down LD 199.

  None of the Republicans who voted against the bill Sens. Roger Ka...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00000985

  The governor on Monday will put his signature on a bill to streamline state regulations. The law will establish an environmental self-audit program, strengthen business assistance efforts, streamline permitting and trim the size of the Board of Environmental Protection from 10 to seven, among other things.

  Some of the pr...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00001000 The governor on Monday signed the bill that carried the distinction of being Legislative Document No. 1, the first bill submitted in the legislative session.

  The law establishes an environmental self-audit program, strengthens business assistance efforts, streamlines permitting and trims the size of the Board of Environmental Pr...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110613_00001005

  A few constituents have asked why I sponsored LD 563, "RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Use a Portion of the Sales and Use Tax for the Protection of Maine's Fish and Wildlife." In our deliberations, it is easy to focus on the issues that divide us. One issue, love of our environment and all the creatures that call our woods, waters and skies home, is not one of them. Without question, Maine's clean water, undevel...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110612_00000983

  A few hours later, the committee voted in major income tax cuts and an increase in the estate tax exemption from $1 million to $2 million.

  As budget negotiations picked up speed, Democrats and Republicans compromised in certain areas to gain in others. In bipartisan votes, the committee approved reductions in...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110612_00000987

  "Will I vote for the General Fund budget?" said Sen. Ron Collins, R-Wells. "I am not sure yet. I am not happy with the way things worked out in reference to the highway fund."

  Gov. Paul LePage had proposed $20 million from general state revenues to help pay for Highwa...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110611_00000979 The Senate voted 17-14 to pass L.D. 1376, giving Republicans one of their biggest victories of the session. Gov. Paul LePage has said he will sign the bill.

  Democrats didn't make its passage easy.

  Infuriated by a Republican leader's published statements accusing the Democratic Party of stealing elections, Senate Democrats gave speeches for hours Fri...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110611_00000980

  It was the most heated debate in the Senate since the session began in January. At one point, Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick, was ruled out of order for shouting.

  Earlier in the day, opposition groups were so sure that L.D. 1376 w...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110611_00000981

  Two explanations have not been given: money and politics.

  Both factors could determine whether the Legislature approves the projects, and more importantly, whether either has enough momentum to budge Gov...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110611_00000982 The $6.1 billion, two-year plan that earned unanimous approval from the Legislature's 13-member Appropriations Committee late Thursday night represents a series of compromises designed to win the two-thirds support it needs in the House and Senate.

  The committee's House Chairm...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110611_00000986

  "Together, these bills allow all Maine patients to be aware of and control what happens to their highly personal, confidential m...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000037_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000954 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000967

  The decision followed the Senate's identical 17-16 vote to directly authorize a planned Biddeford racino and a partner facility in Washington County.

  Seven senators supported the Biddeford project but voted against the Lewiston proposal.

  Alth...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000966

  But the extent of those talks is unclear, as is whether the sudden disclosure of a deal influenced Thursday's preliminary House vote to repeal workers' 14-year-old right to organize.

  Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls,...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000984

  Lawmakers reached the compromise late Thursday. LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett said Friday the governor hadn't reviewed the details, but said the budget is encouraging at first blush.

  The bipartisan budget, adopted on a 13-0 vote, will go to the full Legislature early next week. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000977 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000968

  With vetoes expected from Gov. Paul LePage, who has said he wants voters to decide whether to expand gambling in the state, the citizens initiatives are likely to remain alive regardless of legislative action.

  Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, spoke passiona...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000969

  The party-line vote was 72-65.

  Maine is one of eight states that now allow same-day registration, and it consistently ranks near the top nationally for voter turnout.

  Republicans say L.D. 1376 is aimed at easing the Election Day burden on municipal workers and helping to prevent voter fraud. Democrat...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000965 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000970 With vetoes expected if the bills are sent to Gov. Paul LePage, who has said he wants voters to decide whether to expand gambling in the state, the citizens initiatives are likely to remain alive regardless of legislative action.

  Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, spoke passionately...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000971

  The decision followed the Senate's identical 17-16 vote to directly authorize a planned Biddeford racino and a partner facility in Washington County.

  Seven senators supported the Biddeford project but voted against the Lewiston proposal.

  Although bo...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000972

  Under the original proposal, introduced by Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, and backed by the Maine Civil Liberties Union, physicians and hospitals would have been required to give patients an opt-in form that they would need to sign to authoriz...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000973

  Legislators are expected to vote on the spending package next week, said Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, the ranking minority leader on the Appropriations Committee. The package, which the committee approved 13-0 late Thursday night, must gain support from two-thirds of lawmakers for final approval.

  ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000974

  Masardis itself is well out of the way, and on its own outskirts is an oddity of sorts a potato farm. And while potato farms aren't exactly rare in Aroostook County, this one is set apart from others by barbed-wire-topped chain-link fences and surveillance cameras that secure access to the fields. Inside the buildings are high-tech ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000976

  The panel took its final vote late into the night, adding dozens of compromises and changes in the last few hours, according to Capitol News Service.

  Negotiations continued right up until the final vote. Sen. Richard Rosen, a Bucksport Republican who co-chairs the panel, says lawmaker sought to craft changes that are "fair...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000978

  "Maine is dangerously addicted to oil - with massive impacts on our environment, economy, and national security. We applaud lawmakers for taking this first, important step to start to get Maine off oil," said Environment Maine Director Emily Figdor.

  Maine is the fourth most oil depen...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000955

  Senate President Kevin Raye issued this statement about the budget: ""Historic and meaningful tax cuts designed to create jobs and boost maine's economy, reforms to strengthen the state pension system, a strong commitment to education, and a balanced approach to welfare reform are among the hallmarks of this budget."

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000956 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000957

  But the extent of those talks is unclear, as is whether the sudden disclosure of a deal influenced Thursday's preliminary House vote to repeal workers' 14-year-old right to organize.

  Rep. Dale Crafts, R-Lisbon Falls,...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000958

  The decision followed the Senate's identical 17-16 vote to directly authorize a planned Biddeford racino and a partner facility in Washington County.

  Seven senators supported the Biddeford project but voted against the Lewiston proposal.

  Alth...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000959

  With vetoes expected from Gov. Paul LePage, who has said he wants voters to decide whether to expand gambling in the state, the citizens initiatives are likely to remain alive regardless of legislative action.

  Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, spoke passiona...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000960

  In a final vote Thursday, the House passed a Republican-backed bill to eliminate same-day voter registration and prohibit absentee voting in the two business days before elections.

  The party-line vote was 72-65.

  Maine is one of eight states that now allow same-day registration, and it consistently ranks near the top nationally for voter turnout . . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000961 With vetoes expected if the bills are sent to Gov. Paul LePage, who has said he wants voters to decide whether to expand gambling in the state, the citizens initiatives are likely to remain alive regardless of legislative action.

  Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, spoke passionately...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000964

  Senate President Kevin Raye issued this statement about the budget: ""Historic and meaningful tax cuts designed to create jobs and boost maine's economy, reforms to strengthen the state pension system, a strong commitment to education, and a balanced approach to welfare reform are among the hallmarks of this budget."

  He goes on to say: "Many said...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110610_00000975

  Legislators are expected to vote on the spending package next week, said Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, the ranking minority leader on the Appropriations Committee. The package, which the committee approved 13-0 late Thursday night, must gain support from two-thirds of lawmakers for final ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000935

  The Legislature rejected bills to require a 24-hour waiting period from when a woman first sees a doctor until she could get the abortion, require that women be provided counseling and offered alternatives to abortions before one could be performed, and require parental or guardian consent before a minor could get an abortion.

  The Senate voted 21-13 on June 8 to k...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000940 The Senate voted 29-6 against an amended bill that would shrink the protection zone from 250 feet around vernal pools to 150 feet.

  It then unanimously passed the original bill, L.D. 159, which would retain the 250-foot zone while reforming the way state agencies implement the rules.

  Last month, the Legislatu...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000941 The bill would affect those who have moved to Maine or have moved to a different town or city. Instead of being able to register the day of the election, voters would have to register by the end of business on the Thursday before the election.

  Supporters of the bill said it would alleviate the burden on municipal clerks and prevent voter ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000939 A few hours later, the committee endorsed major income-tax cuts and an increase in Maine's estate tax exemption from $1 million to $2 million.

  As budget negotiations picked up speed, Democrats and Republicans made concessions on some issues to make gains on others.

  In bipartisan votes,...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000938 The measure, L.D. 1376, sponsored by House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, also would prohibit absentee voting in the two business days before elections.

  Maine is one of eight states that allow same-day registration, and it consistently ranks near the top nationally for voter turnout.

  Supporters say L.D. 1376 is aimed a...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000937 Senators also rejected a measure that would have eliminated the ability of transgender people to sue based on discrimination if they are denied use of their preferred restrooms.

  And the lawmakers supported two bills and killed a third regarding where weapons may be carried.

  Without debate, the Senate killed three bills that would have required w...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000953

  In a floor speech delivered just before the Senate voted 34-0 to send the bill to Governor LePage, Raye praised the bill, saying "it reflects the very best the Maine Legislature has to offer when we work together in shared determination."

  Raye praised Senate Majority Leader Jon Courtney (...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000943

  Drafted with the support of the Maine Civil Liberties Union, one of the bill's chief provisions would require that the state's health information exchange, Maine HealthInfoNet, switch from an opt-out model of patient consent to an op...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000944

  "We have a little piece of art for the majority office," said Senate Majority Leader Jon Courtney before revealing the sign hanging on the wall. "It wasn't found by the side of the road."

  In March, Governor Paul LePage made good on...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000945 Lawmakers, this week, are expected to vote on two separate gambling bills. One would allow racinos in Biddeford and Washington County, the other would allow a casino in Lewiston.

  However, the governor has said he will veto the bills if they get to his desk.

  The bills have already been approved in the House of Represe...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000946

  The Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition has been holding public forums in an effort to seek the defeat of LD 1095, known as the "private prison bill." Meetings have already been held in Pittsfield and Dover-Foxcroft a...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000948

  The Sun Journal several weeks ago also heard these rumors. However, Quality Egg and Land O' Lakes would neither confirm nor deny that the two sides were in talks. Thursday afternoon Land O' Lakes spokeswoman Jeanne Forbis again declined to confirm any sale negotiations.

  "...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000949

  The bill, LD 1376, received the support of the House on June 6. The bill becomes law in September if the governor signs the legislation.

  The proposal has been met with sharp criticism. The Maine Civil Liberties Union has promised to look at ways to preserve the same-day registration and voting that has been the law of Maine for 38 years.

  The Civil Libe...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000950 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000951

  The bill would ban absentee voting and same day registration forcing people to register and cast their absentees two days before election day.

  Opponents say it would make it difficult for some 60,000 disabled citizens, as well as students, and othe...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000952

  The committee adjourned around 1 a.m. today and will continue work on items such as funding for the Maine Public Broadcasting Network and other outstanding issues throughout the day.

  The committee voted last night on merit pay and longevit...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000942

  The Senate voted 18-17 largely along party lines to approve changes that supporters insist are necessary to discourage voter fraud and to lighten the workloads of municipal clerks struggling to process new registrations and votes cast early by absentee ballot.

  But Democratic...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000936

  The lawmakers supported two bills and killed a third regarding where weapons may be carried.

  Without debate, the Senate killed three bills that would have required women who seek abortions to wait 24 hours, read state-issued information about the procedure and, if they are younger than 18, get parental consent.

  The House had voted aga...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00001017

  "Republicans promised to take Maine in a different...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110609_00000962

  The decision followed the Senate's identical 17-16 vote to directly authorize a planned Biddeford racino and a partner facility in Washington County.

  Seven senators supported the Biddeford project but voted against the Lewiston proposal.

  Although bo...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000924

  The Senate voted 29-6 against a floor amendment that would have reduced the current 250-foot buffer to 150 feet.

  The decision led to unanimous approval of LD 159, a bill reported out of committee with a...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000035_video

  "Republicans promised to take Maine in a different...

  Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000036_video

  The bill under discussion was LD 1203 (IB 2) "An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Deadline and Conditions for Municipal Approval of a Second Racino and To Allow a Tribal Racino in Washington County"

  Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000934

  He's also called for not less than 30 percent of the LURC's jurisdiction to be zoned for development, which would open up three million acres (or an area the size of Connecticut). He's also called for amending LURC statutes to remove the prohibition on approving projects unless "a...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000923 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000925

  Following similar action by the House a day earlier, senators voted 23-11 to kill a bill that said the state Human Rights Commission doesn't have to find unlawful discrimination when transgendered peo...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000926

  On Wednesday Senate Republicans unveiled a new version of the sign in the lobby of their office at the statehouse. This version is quite a bit smaller than the original which still has not been located. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000932 We call it the unorganized territories because the entire region has within it no organized towns, and we've managed its affairs since 1971 through a state agency, the Land Use Regulation Commission. . .

  A host of problems, including an overly burdensome bureaucracy and complexity...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000922 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000933 Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000927

  The Maine House voted 87-57 on June 6 to support LD 521. The Senate followed by rejecting the bill 23-8. The Legislature's Taxation Committee had recommended rejection of the bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Anna Blodgett, D-Augusta.

  On June 7, the House agreed to go along with the Senate to defeat the bill.

  The bill permits an employer ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000931

  Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, and House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Oakland, sponsored L.D. 1 in response to concerns from businesses.

  A bipartisan group of lawmakers spent weeks traveling the state to gather input from the public, then held a long public hearing and multiple work sessions to come to a final agreement.

  <...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000930

  Taxpayers cut $21,800, or 42 percent, from the street lighting budget during a close 43-39 vote during Town Meeting.

  It was the only cut made to the $2,853,833 town budget presented Monday that represented a 3.7 percent increase in taxes. The cut shouldn't have a significant impact on the $50 tax increase for the owner of a $100,000 h...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000929

  Maine lawmakers have approved a substantially modified regulatory reform bill championed by Gov. Paul LePage. LePage says he plans to sign the bill, according to Capitol News Service.

  The measure strengthens the business assistance office in the Department of Economic and Community Development and streamlines permitting at the Department of Environmental Protection. It also trims the size of the ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110608_00000928

  The Senate yesterday unanimously voted to pass LD 1, a bill initially submitted by Gov. Paul LePage based on feedback garnered from a series of statewide "red tape removal" hearings. The draft bill contained 63 regulatory changes, some of which were removed to be addressed separately or were modified by a legislative committee in April. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110607_00000034_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110607_00001016

  "The drive of Republicans this legislative session is attributed to the commitment we made to voters last year," said Senate Majority Leader Jonathan Courtney. "We promised the people of Maine th...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110607_00001035 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000908

  LePage's budget includes $59.3 million for the Legislature and its offices over the next two years, but legislative leaders are proposing to reduce that by $8.3 million.

  The cuts would be achieved mostly by applying to the Legislature the same reduction strategies affecting state workers, such as suspension of long...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000920

  "The right to work is an important issue. It is an issue with which many Members of the Legislature agree," said ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000915

  The vote to "carry over" L.D. 309 until next year came four days after hundreds of union members crowded the halls of the State House to protest a so-called "right-to-work" bill they claim was aimed at weakening the state employees union and, therefore, organized labor in Maine.

  Republican leaders on the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Developmen...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000914

  Inkellis, a retired Washington, D.C. lawyer, flew in for the airport's first International Fly-In on Saturday, an event organized to show the facility off after decades of being off-limits to civilian pilots.

  But Inkellis wasn't alone. The potential of Brunswick a...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000913

  Senators voted 18-15 Monday against the bill following a lengthy debate. It seeks to create new crimes of murder, felony murder, manslaughter, assault, aggravated assault and elevated aggravated assault against a fetus. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000912

  Five Republicans voted with the Democratic minority to defeat the measure, 18-15. The bill now goes to the House for a vote.

  Proponents argued that the legislation is needed to bring justice to families that lose "unborn children" to acts of violence against women who are pregnant. But opponents said existing ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000911 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000910

  While both sides say progress is being made, there are still some sticking points. Committee members reached agreement on reforming the state pension system, but continue to battle over cuts in human services programs and tax relief proposals. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000898

  The former state senator stepped into the hot seat March 17 after the departure of former lon...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000894

  The former state senator stepped into the hot seat March 17 following the departure of former ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000895 "This actually is probably an historic legislative council budget," Majority Leader Jon Courtney, R-Springvale, said Friday evening. "This is probably the largest reduction from a previous year in, I would suggest, the history of the Legislature."

  The budget for the legislature and its offices is $59.3 million in ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000897

  Sen. Debra Plowman, R-Hampden, offered the amendment on a bill that would have increased contribution limits to county candidates. The measure was approved by the Senate.

  But the proposal to increase gubernatorial campaign limits wasn't part of the public hearing on the original proposal, L.D. 856, sponsored by Sen. Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, argued opponents.

  <...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000900

  The former state senator stepped into the hot seat March 17 following the departure of former longtime directo...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000909

  The bill, LD 1463, sponsored by state Sen. Debra Plowman, R-Hampden, would not apply to abortions performed with the consent of the mother or to doctors during "usual and customary" standards of medical practice. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000905

  The pensions compromise, which is subject to additional review, would eliminate higher contribution levels for state employees but would freeze and then cap cost-of-living adjustments for public sector workers and retirees.

  The ch...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00000906

  The state Legislature has given final approval to a bill that will eliminate those penalties, but it won't take effect until the 2012-13 school year.

  The Senate approved the bill Friday morning after House approval of the legislation on Thursday. The amended bill eliminates the penalty on those districts that fail...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110606_00001043

  "Approximately three years ago, the Legislature mandated that Lincoln County's and Sagadahoc County's property tax commitmen...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110605_00000902 The new lights have improved employees' morale and knocked $25,000 off the plant's annual electricity bill, enabling Formtek-Maine to stay competitive with companies in states where electricity costs less, says plant manager Joel Selwood.

  "With so much manufacturing going offshore, you have to be lean and me...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110605_00000899

  "This actually is probably a historic legislative council budget," Majority Leader Jon Courtney, R-Springvale, said Friday evening. "This is probably the largest reduction from a previous year in, I would suggest, the history of the Legislature."

  The budget for the Legislature and its offices is $59.3 mil...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110604_00000903 Some lobbyists are suggesting that the administration is misrepresenting the position of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on how a potential reduction of the required buffer zone around vernal pools would affect their federal regulation.

  After meeting Wednesday with...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110604_00000904

  The Maine House of Representatives on Friday unanimously killed a bill that would slice the current 250-foot buffer to 75 feet. But at the behest of Gov. Paul LePage, a 150-foot buffer is expected to be introduced next week when the Senate takes up another bill, LD 159.

  The original LD 159 retained th...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110603_00000880

  But labor advocates say the bill, LD 309, would tilt the scales against the Maine State Employees Association and other public-sector unions while repealing 50 years of settled federal and state labor laws.

  Both ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110603_00000893 Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110603_00000907 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000890

  The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Debra Plowman, of Hampden, was set for debate on Thursday but the Senate did not take it up. The Senate next meets Friday and the bill could come up then. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000887

  The committee reached agreement on some items, such as raising the retirement age. But Appropriations Committee Co-Chair Sen. Richard Rosen, of Bucksport, says things like worker contributions to the pension fund are still undecided. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000885

  The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Debra Plowman, of Hampden, was set for debate on Thursday but the Senate did not take it up. The Senate next meets Friday and the bill could come up then.

  It would create new crimes of murder, felony murder, manslaughter, assault, aggravated assault and elevated aggravated assault against an unborn child. Those crimes would not apply to an abortion to w...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000884

  LD 788 would have ended a provision that requires workers who choose not to join a union to pay a union dues. Supporters said the bill was about individual freedom, while opponents called it a ploy to weaken unions. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000883 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000882

  But the late-session proposal, which would double the maximum contribution amount, is drawing fire from Democrats and some observers of Maine's campaign finance laws who accuse proponents of seeking major changes to contribution limits without putting the issue to a public hearing.

  As originally introduced, LD 856 would have increase...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000919

  Sen. Farnham was the chief sponsor of the bill that facilitates the City of Bangor's ability to fund a replacemen...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000888

  The Senate had voted May 24 to increase the amount of an estate exempt from state taxes from the existing $1 million to $5 million.

  On June 1, however, the Senate amended LD 1147 by limiting the exemption to $2 million.

  The tax on estates worth more than $2 million and up to $5 million would be 8 percent. Estates valued at more than $5 million and up to $8 million would be ta...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00000886 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00001018

  Sen. Farnham was the chief sponsor of the bill that facilitates the City of Bangor's ability to fund a replacemen...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00001015

  "The right to work is an important issue. It is an issue with which many Members of the Legislature agree," said ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110602_00001028

  LD 228 deals with how residents who wish to be notified of pesticide applications by their neighbors shou...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110601_00000892

  The Senate refused to go along with the Maine House on LD 1092 that would have provided up to $1,000 off their state income taxes for individuals or couples -- with a gross income of $50,000 or less -- to offset the cost of tuition at a private school in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110601_00000891

  LD 1092, sponsored by Sen. Garrett Mason, an Androscoggin County Republican, would have allowed a tax credit of up to $1,000 to offset the cost of tuition at a private or religious school . . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110601_00000889

  The vote effectively kills the legislation, which was passed yesterday in the Maine House. The proposal, sponsored by state Sen. Roger Sherman, R-Houlton, was projected to cost about $25 million in lost revenue over the next two years. The Senate had previously voted against the measure and voted 21-14 to stick with their decision . . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110601_00000875

  The bill drew debate despite strong committee support for the measure, L.D. 277, sponsored by Rep. Les Fossel, R-Alna. It has been passed in the House and faces final votes in each chamber before it is sent to Gov. Paul LePage.

  "We have a democracy," Fossel said. "Democracy works when you shine the light of public ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110601_00000874

  This followed a vote opposing the bill, LD 1092, in the Senate last week.

  Local legislators were divided on the bill that would cover tuition for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade at private schools. The cost of lost tax revenues from the change is estimated at $13 million annual...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110531_00000878

  A task force will now be charged with examining all of the contentious issues revolving around LURC and report back to the legislature with recommendations no later than January 4, 2012.

  LURC is the planning and regulatory state agency for the 10 million acres of unorganized territories, what many of us think of as the North Woods.

  Landowners in the unorganized territories have railed against LURC f...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110531_00000877

  Lawmakers on the Legislature's budget-writing committee estimate they have settled 80 percent to 85 percent of the items contained within the $6.1 billion budget that will fund state government for the two-year cycle that begins July 1.

  <...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110531_00000879

  The bill, approved by a 78-66 vote, proposes to amend the state Constitution to combine the Senate and the House of Representatives. The unicameral legislature would have 151 members, who would be referred to as senators as they are in Nebraska, the only state with ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110531_00001029 "As a legislator who represents one of Maine's largest fishing areas, I have had numerous conversations in recent years with those concerned about how to continue their livelihood on the open seas," said Senator Rector. "Maine fish...

  Read complete article online.]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110531_00001033 "As a legislator who represents one of Maine's largest fishing areas, I have had numerous conversations in recent years with those concerned about how to continue their livelihood on the open seas," said Senator Rector. "Maine fish...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110530_00000871

  In 1990, Summer became the first-ever Republican elected to Maine State Senate District 31 (Scarborough, Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Dayton). He is also a Commander (Sel) in the United States Navy Reserve. He has served his country on the staff of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. He spent time...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110530_00000872 "It was like a slap in the face," said Ms. Snowe-Mello, who describes herself as a conservative Republican. "The doctors in this state are increasingly going left."

  Doctors were once overwhelm...

  Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110530_00000873 Read complete article online.]]> Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110530_00000870 Rep. Linda Valentino, D-Saco, is sponsoring the bill, L.D. 804. It would essentially eliminate the state Senate and create a one-body, 151-member chamber to consider all legislation. She said voters should decide whether they need two people -- a House member and a senator -- representing them in Augusta.

  "I just felt every time we turn around, we're looking to consolidate and stre...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110529_00000868

  The authors pointed out not only that there are many avenues for Maine's young women to become political, social and administrative leaders, but that a number of women, including U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and current legislative leaders Emily Cain and Debra Plowman all have served as role models.

  They mentioned the "pioneering efforts" of...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110528_00000865

  BELGRADE -- A Memorial Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. on the Cemetery Road with a service to follow.

  The Messalonskee High School Band will play, and students Arthur Conover and Matthew Dyer will perform T...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110528_00000867

  Unfortunately, the map was pulled from a 2007 State Bureau of Insurance report having little to do with the new health insurance reform law.

  The new law does not force people in rural areas to travel outside their local area to receive medical care. Speaking hypothetically, suppose I'm having ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110528_00000866

  Last week, Maine's 125th Legislature passed landmark health insurance reform legislation designed to make individual and small group health insurance policies more accessible and affordable for everyone.

  The May 17 Maine Compass, written in response by Rep. Sharon Treat, D-Hallowell, contained several inaccuracies, mischaracterizations and downright falsehoods.

  In full disclosure, Treat should have stated up front that much of her 19-plus years of ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00000862

  The bill increases the number of weekly hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work from 20 to 24, and increases the number of daily hours from four to six, according to Capitol News Service. However, lawmakers nixed extending the time limit minors can work on a school night from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., instead making it 10:15 p.m. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Debr...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00000863 LePage told the rougly 150 people in attendance that the state needs to cut the costs of energy, health care and taxes if it wants to attract business to the state. . .

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00000869

  LD 1569 adds many elements to the Maine Game Plan for Deer announced a few months ago by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

  The amendment to LD 1569 embodies many of the recommendations ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00000852 At least for now.

  Rather than eliminate the Land Use Regulation Commission and turn its duties over to counties, Republicans on the Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee passed an amendment Thursday that would form a group to study the matter and report back to the Legislature next year.

  While inte...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00000851 As they did in the House a day earlier, Democrats asked pointed questions about why L.D. 309 hasn't followed the traditional path of legislation. The Senate debate was testy and, at times, personal.

  "This is an emotional issue being taken up at the same time the (two-year state) budget is being ...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00001023

  Martin, who chairs the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, shepherded business through the 35 member Senate which included the processing of many bills to and from legislative committees of jurisdiction and the Maine House of Represen...

  Read complete article online.]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110527_00001019

  I am pleased to report that the 125th Maine Legislature has taken a very important step toward making health insurance more available and affordable for Maine families and small businesses. The goal is to make rates cheaper for everyone, while seeking to cover more of the 130,000+ Maine people who currently do not have health insurance. Earlier this month, LD 1333 passed the Maine Senate 24-10 with tri-partisan support and was signed by the Governor.

  Maine'...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000844

  The committee's chairmen have set next week -- possibly Tuesday or Wednesday -- as their target to finish work on the $6.1 billion, two-year budget that has been proposed, and twice amended, by Gov. Paul LePage.

  The committee has voted on some noncontroversial items, but all of the major initiatives have yet to be negotiated. Sen. Richard Rosen, R-Bucksport, the panel's Senate chairman, said the budget w...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000861

  The vote follows House action on Wednesday to refer the bill to the committee for a public hearing.

  Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry, took the unusual step of coming down from the rostrum to address the full Senate following questions about why the bill was going back to committee at such a late date...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000860 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_radio/radio_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000050_radio Read complete article and hear audio online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000843

  The bill, LD 1207, was slated for a preliminary House vote on two occasions this week but was delayed each time.

  To what extent, if any, the delay indicates waning support for the proposal is unclear. However, this week, a key Republican announced he would oppose the legislation ami...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000857

  The House voted 74-74 to indefinitely postpone a vote on LD 309. A tie vote, however, fails.

  Local legislators were split along party lines on the measure with Democrats voting to kill the bill and Republicans voting to keep it alive.

  Voting to kill the measure were Democratic Reps....

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000854

  At first glance, the Republican and Democratic proposals on the future of LURC appear similar. Both would create a 13-member study commission to recommend ways to improve planning, permitting and oversight on more than 10 million acres in Maine's Unorganized Territo...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000032_video

  First and foremost is the budget for the next biennium. Raye and Hobbins talk about the need for passage by a 2/3 majority, and what might happen if that threshold can't be reached. Th...

  Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000859 Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000858

  First and foremost is the budget for the next biennium. Raye and Hobbins talk about the need for passage by a 2/3 majority, and what might happen if that threshold can't be reached. Th...

  Read complete article online.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20110526_00000856

  Over the weekend, however, Senator Rector changed his mind after finding out more infor...