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Lawmakers Tackle Bills as Governor Submits Own Legislation

Lawmakers Tackle Bills as Governor Submits Own Legislation

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine lawmakers have returned to the Statehouse to consider funding over 100 bills and bonds.

The special session continued Wednesday.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage submitted bills to roll back the voter-approved minimum wage law and prohibit campaign contributions at voting places. He took to Twitter Wednesday to criticize Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon for tabling his bill to reform the municipal foreclosure process.

Lawmakers are considering bill packages calling for spending nearly $60 million in general fund dollars to address opioid addiction, lead abatement, school health centers, reimbursement for personal care aides and county jails. Lawmakers could tap $141 million in unappropriated surplus funds.

The Senate could also vote on legislation to hire about 100 staffers to roll-out voter-approved Medicaid expansion. Lawmakers are considering setting aside surplus funds for expansion.

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