Maine Legislature

Republicans are accusing Gov. Janet Mills and other Democrats of inflammatory rhetoric that they say puts people at risk. Democrats reject such charges, however, and say they're focused on ensuring that civil rights are protected.

After a statewide listening tour this summer, Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry unveiled a portfolio of child care bills today.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says she wants assurances that federal agencies won't engage in what she described as "lawless" behavior during immigration enforcement. But Republican lawmakers in Maine accuse the Democrat of jeopardizing public safety.

Javner, who represented Chester and parts of Penobscot County, was open about her battle with breast cancer.

Baldacci is a state senator, a former mayor and city councilor from Bangor and the brother of former governor and congressman John Baldacci. He joins four other Democrats who have already filed paperwork to succeed Congressman Jared Golden, a Democrat who is not seeking reelection.

The letter, which was signed by roughly 130 legislators from both parties, urges the Maine Department of Heath and Human Services to start a new process to find a contractor to provide MaineCare clients with rides to medical appointments.

They include codifying into state law that hospitals must give 120 days notice before closing a maternity unit. Currently giving such notice is voluntary.

While Democrats highlighted a suite of bills that they say will lower costs for Mainers, Republicans focused most of their press conference on allegations of fraud by a MaineCare provider.

Gov. Janet Mills has been holding the bills since the summer after the Legislature adjourned the 2025 session. She now has two options: either let the bills become law without her signature or veto them now that lawmakers are returning to Augusta.

Officers in the Maine Capitol Police force were informed this week that their unit would eventually be folded into the much-larger state police. But a union official said officers are surprised and concerned about the shift.