Latest news with #JanetMills
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New law lets Maine prescribers keep their names off abortion pill labels
Jun. 2—Gov. Janet Mills has signed a new law that allows health care providers to remove their names from labels when prescribing abortion pills. The law, LD 538, was introduced by state Rep. Sally Cluchey, D-Bowdoinham, who said she has heard from prescribers who say they have been threatened or harassed for prescribing mifepristone, an abortion medication that is increasingly used for abortions. Medication abortions account for 63% of all abortions in the United States, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a national abortion-rights nonprofit. In a previous interview with the Press Herald, Cluchey said that health care providers who have prescribed abortion medication "have faced harassment through phone calls, test messages and online threats" and have been "stalked, targeted with bomb threats and harassed in their homes." However, abortion opponents, including Rep. Marygrace Caroline Cimino, R-Bridgton, said the real reason for the bill is to shield abortion providers from criminal charges from other states. "The purpose of this bill is clear — to protect doctors from criminal prosecution when prescribing these (drugs) to patients in other states where abortion is restricted," Cimino said in May. New York passed a similar bill this year days after a New York physician was charged with prescribing abortion pills to a pregnant girl in Louisiana. Maine is one of a several states that also has passed "shield laws" that provide health care workers with legal protection from charges filed by other states for prescribing abortion medication or providing abortion care. Abortions were legal nationwide for five decades until a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned Roe v. Wade, paving the way for states to ban abortion. Thirteen states have passed total abortion bans since the 2022 decision, while Maine has expanded abortion rights, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Maine previously outlawed abortion at fetal viability — typically considered to be between 22 and 24 weeks, with exceptions for the health and life of the mother — but removed the ban in 2023. Abortion rights advocates said that the vague wording of the law made it difficult to obtain abortions in Maine even when the health of the mother was in question, and the new law leaves the decision between doctors and their patients. Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gov. Mills signs law designating Jan. 6 as 'day to remember'
Jun. 2—AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has signed a new law creating an annual "day to remember" honoring democracy on the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the U.S. Capitol. The law, signed Thursday, will require the governor to issue a proclamation each year on the date "honoring the resilience of democracy" and encouraging people to use the day to reflect "on the values of democracy, civic responsibility and the importance of protecting constitutional governance." The annual proclamation would also encourage educational institutions and libraries to observe the day with discussions, events and programming to educate people about the importance of civic engagement and the rule of law. Mills condemned the Jan. 6 attacks at the time, saying that leaders across the country should denounce the violence and defend democracy, and that all Americans should work to restore honor and decency. Ben Goodman, a spokesperson for Mills, said Monday that she signed the new law "to honor the courage and sacrifice of law enforcement — particularly the Capitol Police, some of whom lost their lives due to the events of that day — and to remind Maine people that American democracy and the rule of law — which she strongly champions — is fragile and must be protected." Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer, died after being assaulted and collapsing during the attacks. Four other police officers who responded to the attacks died by suicide in the following weeks. The law was sponsored by Rep. Rafael Macias, D-Topsham, who said last month that he brought it forward as a way of preserving the truth about what happened during the attacks perpetuated by Donald Trump's supporters after he lost the 2020 presidential election. "Jan. 6, 2021, is a day I will never forget," Macias said during a floor debate in the House of Representatives. "I'm so glad it will be remembered for what it was — a rebuffed coup attempt that was completed four years later. We should write down how it really happened, otherwise it will be remembered how (rioters) want our descendants to believe it. This bill puts that day on the record." The bill generated heated debate in the House before being approved 74-65. Republicans argued the proposal was only fueling division and presenting a one-sided narrative around the events of Jan. 6 while Democrats said the day of remembrance is important for documenting history. It later received final approval by a 19-14 margin in the Senate. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Maine Republicans say Democrats broke law by denying hearing on 'red flag' gun initiative
Jun. 2—AUGUSTA — Republicans are accusing Democrats of breaking state law by refusing to hold a public hearing on a citizen initiative that would make it easier for police to confiscate firearms from people who are in crisis. Gun safety groups have collected signatures for a fall referendum on a so-called red flag law, which would allow family members to directly petition a court to temporarily confiscate firearms from someone who is a danger to themselves or others. But that proposal has drawn opposition, not only from Republicans and gun rights groups, but from Gov. Janet Mills, who worked with sportsmen to craft the state's current yellow-flag law. The existing law can only be initiated by police and requires a mental health evaluation before a court petition may be filed. Republicans oppose the red flag initiative and say state law and past precedent require lawmakers to hold a public hearing at the State House, which would give proponents and opponents a chance to make their case ahead of the November referendum. But Democrats argued that the Maine Constitution does not require a hearing and supersedes state law — a reading Republicans challenged at a press conference Monday. Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, said Friday that lawmakers didn't need to hold a public hearing, because sending it to the voters is "the appropriate path forward." She said the state constitution, which doesn't directly address the need for a hearing, supersedes a state law that says that every initiative "must be afforded a public hearing" unless waived by a vote of two-thirds of the Legislature. "The constitution is different than the statute, and I think the constitution actually takes precedence over the statute," said Carney, who added that the committee had discussed this course of action two weeks ago and Republicans did not object at the time. Rep. Rachel Henderson, R-Rumford, and a member of the Judiciary Committee, said Monday that failing to hold a hearing was "shameless display of abuse of power" and "a complete breach of the law." Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, said Monday that he flagged his concerns about the committee chairs not planning to hold a hearing with Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and urged her to follow state law and his reading of the constitution, which he said requires a public hearing if the initiative is presented while lawmakers are in session. "We're calling on them again to do the same thing, to do the right thing, to do the legal thing and schedule a hearing," Stewart said. "It's not that complicated. It's not that controversial. The pushback is coming from rogue committee members. The presiding officers need to get a handle on this." Laura Whitcomb, president of the Gun Owners of Maine, said her group was "exploring other legal avenues to assure the people of Maine get the public hearing they deserve." The Maine Gun Safety Coalition said Monday there is broad support for the red flag initiative and they welcome the debate. "Gun lobby -backed politicians in Augusta are clearly just trying to use this life-saving policy as a means to score political points, but regardless we welcome a public debate any time, anywhere, and would remind them that a majority of Mainers support this common-sense tool that empowers family members to get help when a loved one is in danger and may pose a threat to themselves or others," Executive Director Nacole Palmer said in a written statement. Carney and Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, defended their decision in a joint written statement, saying members of the public will be able to weigh in when they vote. They said the constitution requires the question to go to voters, unless lawmakers enacted it without any changes, which is unlikely. "Given this constitutional process, we do not believe it is necessary or timely to hold a public hearing or further work on LD 1378 during this legislative session, while we still have hundreds of bills left for the full Legislature to vote on over the next few weeks," they said. "We believe the best and most direct way to hear from the public on this issue is through the referendum process, where every Maine voter will have a say." Assistant Senate Minority Leader Matt Harrington, R-Sanford, speculated the Democrats want to avoid a hearing on the red flag proposal. "One would argue that Sen. Carney doesn't want to hold a hearing on this because she knows that there are going to be a lot of voices out there that are opposed to the legislation — many from her own side of the aisle," Harrington said. "Maine people deserve to have their input on this." Citizens initiatives that have qualified for the ballot first go to the Legislature. Lawmakers can adopt the proposal outright, send it to the voters in a referendum or send it to voters along with a competing measure. A different committee held a public hearing earlier this session on a different citizens initiative that would require residents to show a photo ID when casting a ballot and add restrictions to absentee voting. Attorney General Aaron Frey, a Democrat, would not comment on questions about the dispute sent through a spokesperson. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Five big issues looming over the final days of Maine's legislative session
Jun. 1—Some of the thorniest and most divisive policy issues of the session stand between Maine lawmakers and their plan to adjourn on June 18. While the biggest outstanding item on the agenda is finalizing a two-year state budget, other major issues remain unresolved, as well. Here's a look at what lies ahead. TRANSGENDER ATHLETES When Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, he issued two executive orders targeting people who are transgender, including an order prohibiting transgender girls from participating in girls sports. Those orders put Maine in the administration's crosshairs because the state allows transgender athletes to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity — a stand state officials say is consistent with Title IX, which grants equal opportunity to females in education and sports, and with the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. That dynamic led to a high profile confrontation between Gov. Janet Mills and Trump at the White House, efforts by the Trump administration to cut Maine's funding, the censure of Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Auburn, for a social media post identifying a transgender high school athlete, a U.S. Supreme Court intervention, and a hotly contested and emotional debate in the State House, where Republicans have offered a slate of bills that would restrict participation by transgender athletes and students. None of those have yet been taken up by the full Legislature. Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee deadlocked 6-6 on two bills that would eliminate funding from school districts that allow transgender girls to participate in girls sports. Democratic Rep. Dani O'Halloran of Brewer joined Republicans in backing LD 233, sponsored by Richard Campbell, R-Orrington, and LD 1134, sponsored by Sen. Sue Bernard, R-Caribou. Two other bills were voted "ought not to pass" by the committee, but still face floor votes. LD 868, sponsored by Rep. Liz Caruso, R-Caratunk, which would have required sports to be male, female or coed and required students to use restrooms and changing rooms consistent with their gender assigned at birth, was narrowly defeated in committee, 7-5. And LD 1432, sponsored by Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips, which would have removed gender identity from the Maine Human Rights Act, was opposed, 11-2. CHILD CARE The budget presented by Gov. Janet Mills proposes rolling back some recent investments in child care, including stipends to attract workers, but pending legislation would boost support for the struggling industry. Child care advocates presented a show of force early in the session, calling on lawmakers to protect the investments targeted by Mills. And while lawmakers are still negotiating the budget, additional standalone bills have been working through the Legislature. One of those bills, LD 1955, is sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick. It calls for $1 million a year in child care provider stipends, plus a onetime appropriation of $3.8 million and an annual appropriation of $2 million to help qualifying families pay for child care. HOUSING The affordable housing shortage in Maine has been front and center again this session. LD 1829, sponsored by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, aims to make it easier to build housing in communities by reducing minimum lot requirements, loosening regulations on in-law apartments or accessory dwelling units, streamlining municipal review for smaller housing developments, and allowing a single-story high bonus for qualified affordable housing. Lawmakers have also taken up bills that would provide funding to allow residents of mobile home parks to purchase those parks when offered for sale. Mobile home residents own their homes, but not the land underneath them. In recent years, parks have changed hands, leading to an increase in lot fees, and increasing the housing instability of of tenants. IMMIGRATION Immigration enforcement has been another focus of the Trump administration that spilled into the Legislature this year. Lawmakers are still considering bills that would define the relationship between federal authorities and state, county and local police. One bill, LD 1656, sponsored by Soboleski, would prohibit any restrictions from being placed on assisting with federal immigration enforcement. But two Democratic bills — LD 1259, sponsored by Rep. Ambreen Rana, D-Bangor, and LD 1971, sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland — take the opposite approach. Rana's bill would prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering into contracts for federal immigration enforcement, while Dhalac's bill would go further by adding additional restrictions on state and local law enforcement's ability to enforce immigration laws, while emphasizing the rights of detained immigrants. TAX BILLS With state revenues flattening, lawmakers are considering a range of proposals to support state programs and provide tax relief to families. One bill likely to come to the floor is LD 1089, sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell. It would create a so-called millionaire's tax to support K-12 education. Adding a 4% surcharge to incomes above $1 million could generate over $100 million a year, according to advocates who celebrated the positive committee recommendation. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Five big issues looming over the final days of the legislative session
Jun. 1—Some of the thorniest and most divisive policy issues of the session stand between Maine lawmakers and their plan to adjourn on June 18. While the biggest outstanding item on the agenda is finalizing a two-year state budget, other major issues remain unresolved, as well. Here's a look at what lies ahead. TRANSGENDER ATHLETES When Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, he issued two executive orders targeting people who are transgender, including an order prohibiting transgender girls from participating in girls sports. Those orders put Maine in the administration's crosshairs because the state allows transgender athletes to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity — a stand state officials say is consistent with Title IX, which grants equal opportunity to females in education and sports, and with the Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. That dynamic led to a high profile confrontation between Gov. Janet Mills and Trump at the White House, efforts by the Trump administration to cut Maine's funding, the censure of Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Auburn, for a social media post identifying a transgender high school athlete, a U.S. Supreme Court intervention, and a hotly contested and emotional debate in the State House, where Republicans have offered a slate of bills that would restrict participation by transgender athletes and students. None of those have yet been taken up by the full Legislature. Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee deadlocked 6-6 on two bills that would eliminate funding from school districts that allow transgender girls to participate in girls sports. Democratic Rep. Dani O'Halloran of Brewer joined Republicans in backing LD 233, sponsored by Richard Campbell, R-Orrington, and LD 1134, sponsored by Sen. Sue Bernard, R-Caribou. Two other bills were voted "ought not to pass" by the committee, but still face floor votes. LD 868, sponsored by Rep. Liz Caruso, R-Caratunk, which would have required sports to be male, female or coed and required students to use restrooms and changing rooms consistent with their gender assigned at birth, was narrowly defeated in committee, 7-5. And LD 1432, sponsored by Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips, which would have removed gender identity from the Maine Human Rights Act, was opposed, 11-2. CHILD CARE The budget presented by Gov. Janet Mills proposes rolling back some recent investments in child care, including stipends to attract workers, but pending legislation would boost support for the struggling industry. Child care advocates presented a show of force early in the session, calling on lawmakers to protect the investments targeted by Mills. And while lawmakers are still negotiating the budget, additional standalone bills have been working through the Legislature. One of those bills, LD 1955, is sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick. It calls for $1 million a year in child care provider stipends, plus a onetime appropriation of $3.8 million and an annual appropriation of $2 million to help qualifying families pay for child care. HOUSING The affordable housing shortage in Maine has been front and center again this session. LD 1829, sponsored by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, aims to make it easier to build housing in communities by reducing minimum lot requirements, loosening regulations on in-law apartments or accessory dwelling units, streamlining municipal review for smaller housing developments, and allowing a single-story high bonus for qualified affordable housing. Lawmakers have also taken up bills that would provide funding to allow residents of mobile home parks to purchase those parks when offered for sale. Mobile home residents own their homes, but not the land underneath them. In recent years, parks have changed hands, leading to an increase in lot fees, and increasing the housing instability of of tenants. IMMIGRATION Immigration enforcement has been another focus of the Trump administration that spilled into the Legislature this year. Lawmakers are still considering bills that would define the relationship between federal authorities and state, county and local police. One bill, LD 1656, sponsored by Soboleski, would prohibit any restrictions from being placed on assisting with federal immigration enforcement. But two Democratic bills — LD 1259, sponsored by Rep. Ambreen Rana, D-Bangor, and LD 1971, sponsored by Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland — take the opposite approach. Rana's bill would prohibit state and local law enforcement from entering into contracts for federal immigration enforcement, while Dhalac's bill would go further by adding additional restrictions on state and local law enforcement's ability to enforce immigration laws, while emphasizing the rights of detained immigrants. TAX BILLS With state revenues flattening, lawmakers are considering a range of proposals to support state programs and provide tax relief to families. One bill likely to come to the floor is LD 1089, sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell. It would create a so-called millionaire's tax to support K-12 education. Adding a 4% surcharge to incomes above $1 million could generate over $100 million a year, according to advocates who celebrated the positive committee recommendation. Copy the Story Link
