LePage: Let's eliminate Maine income tax - 05/20/2013
The governor says he'll focus on that effort if the people of Maine re-elect him to a second term, but he won't support the current bipartisan plan to cut the tax in half.

Maine Senate backs bill to expand Medicaid, pay hospital debt - 05/20/2013
The bill, fiercely opposed by Republicans, is designed to combine one of the Democrats' leading policy initiatives with Gov. LePage's payback plan.

Officials plan to act on Maine restaurant oversight - 05/21/2013
Legislators will look into fixes after the Sunday Telegram reported that the state's inspection program is one of the least rigorous in America.

Wind power’s grip on Augusta weakening - 05/21/2013
Rural Maine communities protest turbines, which they say deface 'God's country,' but wind developers say they've invested too much money to be shut out now.

Enhanced early voting? Maine a few votes short - 05/20/2013
The bill passed overwhelmingly, 90-50, but it still fell shy of the two-thirds majority it will need to go to a voter referendum.

Tea party looks to take advantage of moment - 05/20/2013
"This is the defining moment to say 'I told you so.' "

Gov. LePage silenced in visit to panel - 05/19/2013
His surprise request to speak is rebuffed in order to keep ‘politics’ out of talks to deal with his MaineCare cutoff warning.

State House Notebook: Republicans try to debunk Medicaid savings claim - 05/19/2013
Also: Gun-show bill remains in the Senate.

Washington Notebook: Snowe recalls offer to play Joan of Arc - 05/19/2013
The former senator promotes her book, 'Fighting for Common Ground: How We Can Fix the Stalemate in Congress.'

State House calendar, May 10, 2013 - 05/09/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Friday.

Hagel orders review of sex abuse prevention - 05/19/2013
The defense secretary orders recertification of thousands of service members involved in fighting sexual assaults.

Maine groups support universal pre-K - 05/17/2013
Educators testify in favor of a bill that aims for pre-kindergarten in all Maine districts by 2017.

Maine panel OKs Clean Election upgrade - 05/17/2013
But with Gov. Paul LePage critical and Republican votes against the bill, it faces an uncertain future.

Watchdog told Treasury officials of IRS program - 05/18/2013
The tax agency's ousted leader admits to 'foolish mistakes' but insists the activities were not political.

Maine panel rejects abortion-related bills - 05/17/2013
The ACLU cheers the legislative panel's votes on measures aimed at 'chipping away' at rights.

State House calendar, April 30, 2013 - 04/29/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Tuesday.

LePage to Democrats: Act now, or bankrupt DHHS - 05/17/2013
But Democrats accuse the department of mismanagement and say they won't approve funds until Commissioner Mary Mayhew answers 'tough questions.'

Maine committee deeply split on dental care bill - 05/17/2013
By authorizing hygienists to do more, the bill might benefit rural children, but dentists object.

Pickering subpoenaed to testify in closed session on Benghazi - 05/18/2013
The former co-chair of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board would not consent to a deposition.

Mainer tells Congress poverty can be beaten - 05/16/2013
The college professor, who grew up dirt poor, stresses the need to fund programs like Upward Bound.

Obama: Work on jobs not finished - 05/18/2013
The president tries to refocus on the economy, but partisan fighting follows him to Baltimore.

Maine abortion measures bring out passions - 05/16/2013
Testimony continues into the evening on bills proposed by lawmakers opposed to abortion.

Bill attacks 'epidemic' of military sex assaults - 05/16/2013
Co-authored by Maine's Susan Collins, the move to revamp the military's response to sexual assaults has bipartisan support.

Medicaid, hospital debate rages on in Augusta - 05/16/2013
'To do one without the other would leave the job half done,' Democratic leader Mark Eves says, but Republicans are reluctant to expand Medicaid.

Obama, Turkish leader pledge to keep pressure on Syria - 05/16/2013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been calling for more aggressive steps to topple Assad's government, but Washington remains reluctant to take the kind of action Turkey would like to see.

State House calendar, May 17, 2013 - 05/16/2013
Legislative work sessions and hearings for May 17, 2013

Maine Democrats meld Medicaid expansion, hospital payback - 05/15/2013
The Maine Hospital Association supports both concepts, but Republicans are angry about tying the two together and hospitals fear a LePage veto.

Maine panel opposes guns for school employees - 05/15/2013
But four members of the public safety committee were absent, and they still could vote on the measure.

Obama ousts IRS chief over targeting of groups - 05/15/2013
A visibly angry president says 'I will not tolerate this kind of behavior' and vows to also hold others who were involved accountable.

Ethanol bill fuels debate in Maine Legislature - 05/15/2013
The chambers disagree on a bill that would – depending on other states' actions – ban ethanol.

Lobster promotion fees debated at State House - 05/16/2013
Augusta may allocate another $1 million for the ad effort.

State House calendar, May 16, 2013 - 05/15/2013
Legislative hearings and work sessions for May 16, 2013.

Maine Senate considers exercise requirement for kids - 05/15/2013
The Senate also upholds Gov. Paul LePage's veto of a bill that sought to change the school budget approval process for school units known as alternative organizational structures.

Maine panel endorses labels for genetically modified food - 05/14/2013
Agribusiness giants like Monsanto will likely sue and have deep pockets, the AG says, but lawmakers still recommend passage.

LePage's superintendent residency veto stands - 05/14/2013
Because of the veto, cities and towns can require superintendents to live in their district. Numerous Republicans changed their votes to support LePage.

Maine panel opposes marijuana legalization - 05/14/2013
Opponents see it as a danger to society and in conflict with federal law, but the plan isn't dead yet.

Minnesota governor signs gay marriage bill; 12th state to approve - 05/14/2013
Cheering spectators filled the south lawn of the state Capitol, with American and rainbow flags fluttering in a sweltering breeze.

LePage not happy with bipartisan energy bill - 05/14/2013
The governor wants more money for homeowners switching heating systems.

State House calendar, May 15, 2013 - 05/14/2013
Legislative work sessions and hearings for May 15, 2013

Democrats take steps against virtual Maine charter schools - 05/14/2013
Those on the education panel say the state should not subsidize the for-profit entities.

LePage: Union lawyer lied about shutdown - 05/14/2013
But the leader of the state employees union stands by the claim that plans are being made for one.

Maine legislators turn down a ban on tar sands - 05/14/2013
Committee members instead endorse a bill that would require more study of issues related to the fuel.

Snowe back to fight for middle ground - 05/13/2013
Olympia Snowe argues for a return to the days when compromise was possible on major issues.

State House calendar, May 14, 2013 - 05/13/2013
Legislative hearings and work sessions for May 14, 2013.

Maine bill to slash energy costs goes to panel - 05/14/2013
The package melds numerous ideas and would partly use Maine Yankee settlement funds to boost efficiency.

Bill to limit food stamp purchases: Is it junk? - 05/12/2013
LePage says no, don't let recipients buy candy and soda, but the plan falters, and the public seems split.

Sen. Collins: IRS scrutiny of conservative groups 'chilling' - 05/12/2013
The Maine senator also says a decision to drop terrorist references from the Benghazi talking points was a political one.

Statehouse Notebook: Junk food, grades, abortion on Augusta agenda - 05/12/2013
Also, the Government Oversight Committee opens an investigation into possible improprieties at the Maine Center for Disease Control.

Snowe presses for bipartisanship in new book - 05/12/2013
In 34 years, the parties have become more interested in making each other look bad and focusing on re-election than doing what's best for the nation, she says.

State House calendar, May 13, 2013 - 05/12/2013
Legislative hearings and work sessions for May 13, 2013.

Benghazi attack spurs political jockeying - 05/12/2013
Conservatives say the Obama administration's response leaves Democrats vulnerable.

Washington Notebook: Olympia's List gives Sen. Collins $10,000 for 2014 - 05/11/2013
Sen. Collins to appear on CNN / Snowe book release Tuesday / Michaud raises money / Missile defense in Aroostook?

Bill Nemitz: Schools off to see the wizard - 05/12/2013

Obama hails courage of nation’s police officers - 05/11/2013
In a White House ceremony honoring some of the bravest, he said America need look no further than the Boston Marathon bombings to know what police are made of.

Maine tax overhaul proposal meets stiff opposition - 05/11/2013
Critics focus on provisions that would either remove sales tax exemptions or increase excise taxes.

Maine bill would make more 911 info secret - 05/11/2013
Maine is already one of only a few states to keep 911 recordings fully confidential, and it also places restrictions on transcripts of the calls.

LePage bill for school choice hits resistance - 05/09/2013
He wants some religious schools to be partly funded by the public, as well as allow an unlimited number of publicly funded charter schools.

Collins, Pingree join urgent talks on military rape - 05/09/2013
White House officials are also at the meeting, called to explore solutions to the growing problem.

Bold Maine tax reforms would affect many - 05/10/2013
Mainers would see a drop in property taxes – and tax credits would help low- and middle-class residents – but the bipartisan plan faces stiff opposition.

Bill Nemitz: Capital idea sprouts at Maine State House - 05/10/2013
On a snowy day last winter, Rep. Craig Hickman stood on the balcony of the Maine State House, closed his eyes and dreamed of food . . .

Maine Regulatory Fairness Board to meet in Presque Isle - 05/10/2013
The board is hearing from businesses owners and managers about specific state rules and regulations that may unreasonably impede business sustainability and growth.

Maine legislators vote to restart climate change planning - 05/09/2013
“I think the committee understood how much we all stand to lose if we don’t plan for the future,” said Pete Didisheim, advocacy director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Minn. House approves gay marriage; would be 12th state - 05/09/2013
Lawmakers approved it 75-59, and the Senate and governor could make it law as early as Monday.

Bipartisan group OKs emergency aid for Lewiston victims - 05/09/2013
Lewiston will be allowed to disburse $30,000 in state funds to aid more than 200 residents displaced by fire.

Lawmakers seek to reverse money-in-politics decision - 05/09/2013
A group of Vermont lawmakers on Thursday called for a national constitutional convention similar to the one that convened in Philadelphia in 1787 to write the original Constitution.

'Unlawful command influence' at issue in sexual assaults in military - 05/10/2013
Some say the new military get-tough attitude toward sex assault cases may be interfering with justice.

Veteran Maine lawmakers honored at State House - 05/09/2013
Welcome Back Day includes a public recognition of the lawmakers, along with a luncheon in the Hall of Flags.

Furlough threat at Kittery shipyard subsides - 05/09/2013
A top Navy official tells senators that civilian workers – like those in Kittery – may need to be exempt to maintain military readiness

High hospital bills go public, but will it help? - 05/09/2013
The Obama administration hopes that releasing the information will lead to answers to the riddle of hospital pricing — and pressure some hospitals to lower their charges.

Over eggs, LePage talks debt and schools - 05/09/2013
Maine’s hospital obligation and the school-grading system dominate the menu for a breakfast discussion.

House committee advances Maine-linked sex-assault bill - 05/08/2013
The proposal is named for Ruth Moore of Maine, a Navy veteran who was raped while in the service.

Maine House OKs bills to limit ethanol sales - 05/08/2013
Opponents say that restricting the sale of 10 percent ethanol fuel would put Maine out of compliance with the federal Clean Air Act.

Maine bill proposes yearly check of hospital finances - 05/09/2013
Sen. Geoffrey Gratwick of Bangor, a physician, also wants to appoint a special panel to review the data.

Democrats propose their own evaluation plan for Maine schools - 05/08/2013
Meanwhile, state education officials spell out strategies for helping schools that received low grades.

A 'dire situation,' but LePage offers no funds to fire victims - 05/08/2013
The governor learns he does have $250,000 in contingency but suggests the Legislature find money for his hometown.

Senate OKs bill to selectively raise Maine interstate speeds - 05/07/2013
The bill authorizes raising the speed limit to 75 mph where it's deemed safe to do so.

Maine House upholds veto of car-fee increase bill - 05/07/2013
The vetoed bill would have allowed towns and cities to increase driver licensing and vehicle registration service fees.

NJ governor Christie had secret weight loss surgery - 05/07/2013
The Republican governor, who turned 50 in September, is running for a second term in 2013, and is often mentioned as a possible presidential candidate.

Sides clash on tar sands oil moratorium - 05/06/2013
Environmental groups want time to study the risks, but the industry says the bill’s effects would be harmful.

Sen. King still waiting for permanent digs on Capitol Hill - 05/06/2013
Currently he's working in a bunker-like office down the hall from former Sen. Olympia Snowe's large office suite.

President plans campaign on economy, jobs - 05/06/2013
Obama will make a series of quick trips to cities around the country to show focus on jobs.

Do the issues or politics rule tax reform debate? - 05/06/2013
Some at the State House predict the bill's failure before it has a public hearing.

Giffords gets Profile in Courage award - 05/06/2013

NRA leader: 'We will never surrender our guns' - 05/04/2013
More than 70,000 were expected to attend the NRA's annual convention in Houston.

Cutbacks fall most heavily on the needy - 05/05/2013
The elderly, disabled and low-income Mainers are bearing a disproportionate share of the pain from federal budget cuts.

State House calendar, May 9, 2013 - 05/08/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Thursday.

State House calendar, May 7, 2013 - 05/06/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Tuesday.

State House calendar, May 8, 2013 - 05/07/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Wednesday.

Governor's push for new prison still alive - 05/05/2013
The prison plan is part of Gov. Paul LePage's proposed budget for the upcoming two-year cycle.

Should food stamps fund junk food? - 05/03/2013
The bill advanced by Gov. LePage with bipartisan backing would prohibit food stamp recipients from buying soft drinks and junk food.

Disparate interests testify against Maine bill to legalize pot - 05/03/2013
The broad measure, sponsored by a Portland representative, would allow people 21 and older to possess 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana and six plants.

Maine charter school funding is a lesson in controversy - 05/03/2013
Some raise concerns as the Education Committee looks at making this a line item in the state budget.

State House calendar, May 6, 2013 - 05/05/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Monday.

Norquist puts down Maine tax reform package - 05/03/2013
The Americans for Tax Reform president says voting for the plan would violate its no-tax pledge.

Angus King: New strategy needed to fight lone wolf terrorists - 05/03/2013
Maine's independent senator says approaches like those used to fight the Cold War or al-Qaeda don't work when dealing with disaffected individuals.

LePage official blasts widely supported paint bill - 05/02/2013
The bill is sponsored by a Republican and supported by Democrats and the industry, but Melanie Loyzim testifies against it.

Hearing today on bill to legalize marijuana in Maine - 05/03/2013
The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will hear testimony on a bill modeled on laws in Washington state and Colorado.

Maine committee endorses gun-show background checks - 05/03/2013
The committee also shoots down a Republican bill that would allow Mainers to carry concealed weapons without permits.

Bill Nemitz: Like our governor, letter grades too simple - 05/03/2013
Slapping poorer communities with a D or an F and wealthier ones with an A only reinforces the obvious, rather than addressing the problem.

State House calendar, May 3, 2013 - 05/02/2013
Hearings and work sessions for Friday.