AUGUSTA, Maine -- The 127th Maine Legislature concluded its work in the wee hours of Saturday morning, bringing an end to a frequently contentious session that pitted Republican Gov. Paul LePage against Democrats -and Republicans- whom he blamed for passing legislation that makes Maine uncompetitive.
Still, lawmakers were able to advance dozens of initiatives including a landmark solar energy bill that proponents say will increase the state's utilization of clean, renewable solar energy and lower electric rates. Another measure counts firefighters among the public safety officials against whom an assault constitutes a class C crime. Lawmakers also approved bond proposals including one that provides $100 million in funding for construction, repairs and maintenance of the state's transportation infrastructure.
Another bill provides a $13 million bailout for the biomass industry that proponents say will save 1,000 logging jobs in hard-hit rural Maine. "We in the legislature get the option of giving people hope all the time,"said assistant Senate minority leader Sen. Dawn Hill, of Cape Neddick, "Sometimes we don't quite achieve it enough. But here is a chance to really do it. They are not asking for a handout, they are asking for a hand up."
A welfare reform bill was also passed. The bill bans the use of welfare cash to buy alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets and other products that don't help low-income families pull themselves out of poverty.
The evening was punctuated by lengthy delays that prompted some mischievous lawmakers to start passing notes around the House on each other's stationery -- resulting in a warning from House Speaker Mark Eves. "It's funny until it's not --so I'll leave it at that, for those who are sending notes that cross lines...stop it." Eves said.
As the newly approved bills from Friday's session arrive on the governor's desk, LePage has 10 days to sign them into law, allow them to become law without his signature or veto them. Lawmakers are preparing to return to Augusta Wednesday to act on any potential line-item vetoes the governor might sign. They will then adjourn until April 29th to either override or sustain any remaining vetoes.