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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislative recap for Monday, June 2
Newly sworn-in Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry addresses senators in the Senate chamber in Augusta on Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star) As the Maine Legislature approaches its final weeks of work, each day is packed with dozens and dozens of consequential votes. After starting around 10 a.m. on Monday, the Senate cast its final vote just after 6:30 p.m. but the House did not until close to 10 p.m. 'We're done for the night,' House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) said, asking his caucus to walk out of the chamber. Throughout the day, both chambers rejected a slew of proposals to make significant changes to the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave program before it starts. The Senate also supported a measure to guarantee agricultural workers state minimum wage. But other votes — hundreds — were also cast that take legislation one step closer, or farther, from becoming Maine law. Here are some takeaways from Monday: Legislation (LD 3) that would have Maine adopt Eastern Standard Time year-round, contingent on federal approval, now heads to the governor's desk. It received enactment votes in both chambers on Monday. That was also the case for: LD 186, which would clarify the Public Utilities Commission's authority to establish time-of-use pricing for standard-offer service, LD 1258, which would add qualified out-of-state electric vehicle providers under the Electric Vehicle Fund, and LD 1473, which would require utilities to monitor meters for natural gas leaks. The following bills have received the initial approval of both chambers, but still need enactment votes: LD 496: 'An Act Regarding the Time Frame for Issuing a Silver Alert and to Require Silver Alerts for All Persons Missing from Certain Inpatient Facilities.' LD 626: 'An Act to Explicitly Allow the Department of Corrections to Charge Room and Board to Residents Who Perform Remote Work in Detention and Correctional Facilities and to Amend the Laws Governing Rehabilitative Programs' LD 1146: 'An Act Regarding the Required State of Mind Relating to Robbery' LD 996: 'An Act to Create the Weatherization Plus Program and Weatherization Plus Fund' LD 434: 'An Act to Authorize the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority to Issue Additional Securities for the Replacement of the Legislative Management System for the Senate and the House of Representatives' LD 138: 'An Act to Exempt Airports from Certain State Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat Protections' LD 1287: 'An Act to Support Workforce Development by Establishing the Housing Stability Fund' LD 366: 'An Act to Ensure Consistency of Income Tax Deductions for Retired Members of the Uniformed Services' LD 9: 'An Act Regarding Campaign Finance Disclosure' LD 496: 'An Act Regarding the Time Frame for Issuing a Silver Alert and to Require Silver Alerts for All Persons Missing from Certain Inpatient Facilities' LD 626: 'An Act to Explicitly Allow the Department of Corrections to Charge Room and Board to Residents Who Perform Remote Work in Detention and Correctional Facilities and to Amend the Laws Governing Rehabilitative Programs (Department Bill)' LD 1146: 'An Act Regarding the Required State of Mind Relating to Robbery' LD 996: 'An Act to Create the Weatherization Plus Program and Weatherization Plus Fund' LD 1221: 'RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Prohibit the Legislature from Using Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Funds for Any Other Purpose' LD 434: 'An Act to Authorize the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority to Issue Additional Securities for the Replacement of the Legislative Management System for the Senate and the House of Representatives' LD 1681: 'An Act to Consider Municipal Shelter Facilities and Housing Projects Essential for Public Health, Welfare and Safety by Updating the Definition of 'Public Service Infrastructure' LD 1176 'An Act to Provide for the Sustainable Management of Marine Resources and Create a Noncommercial Northern Shrimp License (Department Bill) LD 1561: 'Resolve, Regarding the Percentage of a Lobster and Crab Fishing' Licensee's Lobster Traps That May Be Fished in a Lobster Management Zone Listed on the License as a Secondary Zone LD 1595: 'An Act to Strengthen Working Waterfronts Against Nuisance Complaints Regarding Aquaculture' LD 1323: 'An Act to Prohibit the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides and the Use and Sale of Neonicotinoid-treated Seeds' LD 1925: 'An Act to Improve Access to Grant Funding for the Maine Farms for the Future Program' LD 730: 'Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapter 132: Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Education (Emergency)' LD 62: 'An Act to Support Municipal and County Actions on Dam Ownership and to Make Other Changes to the Laws Regulating Release from Dam Ownership (Department Bill)' LD 269 'Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapter 375: No Adverse Environmental Effect Standards of the Site Location of Development Act, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection (Emergency)' LD 764: 'An Act to Improve the Efficiency of Certain Department of Health and Human Services Licensing Investigations (Department Bill)' LD 1157: 'An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to the State's Background Check Center (Department Bill)' LD 1469: 'An Act to Clarify the Quality Rating System for Child Care Services in Maine' LD 1945: 'An Act to Clarify Data Collection Processes in Health Care Facilities' LD 876: 'An Act to Support the Maine Service Fellows Program' LD 1246: 'Resolve, Directing the Department of Economic and Community' Development to Convene a Working Group to Review the Process of Setting Impact Fees (Emergency)' LD 1516: 'An Act to Strengthen the Maine Development Foundation' LD 1478: 'An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Baitfish Wholesaler's Licenses' 706: 'An Act Regarding the Laws Relating to Unemployment Insurance (Department Bill)' LD 1514: 'An Act to Change the Laws Regarding Real Estate Appraisers LD 44: 'An Act to Amend the Laws Pertaining to Elver Fishing (Department Bill)' LD 64: 'An Act to Eliminate the Cultchless American Oyster Growers License (Department Bill)' LD 1279: 'Establishing the Biotoxin Testing of Cultured Scallops Pilot Program' LD 1708: 'An Act to Create the Commercial Fishing Safety Fund to Further Develop Training and Provide Equipment to Recover Ships and Other Watercraft and Persons in Distress or Lost at Sea' (Read more about this bill here.)' LD 915: 'An Act to Modernize Deed Duplication from Microfilm to a Digital Image' LD 447: 'An Act to Amend the Law Governing Ferry Service to Matinicus Isle' LD 1874: 'An Act to Enable the Maine Pilotage Commission to Oversee Pilots Operating in Portland Harbor' LD 494: 'An Act to Update and Clarify Certain Provisions of State Liquor and Lottery Laws' (Emergency)' LD 820: 'RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Establish the Right to Hunt and Fish' LD 1588: 'An Act to Ensure Transparency in Student Transfer Requests' LD 1564: 'An Act to Delay Implementation of Certain Recent Changes to the Beverage Container Redemption Law and to Make Other Necessary Changes to That Law (Emergency)' LD 1782: 'Resolve, Regarding Host Community Compensation for the Juniper Ridge Landfill in the City of Old Town' LD 960: 'Resolve, to Allow the Placement of Hospitalized Patients in Nursing Facilities in Alternative Locations Under Certain Circumstances' LD 1406: 'An Act to Amend Certain Definitions in the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act (Emergency)' LD 526: 'An Act to Reduce the Time Period for Challenging the Validity of a Property Tax Lien on Commercial Real Estate' LD 1783: 'An Act to Clarify Municipal Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing' LD 623:'An Act to Enhance Support Services for Individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury' LD 901: 'Resolve, Directing the Maine State Housing Authority to Negotiate for the Purchase of or Acquire by Eminent Domain the Land and Buildings Commonly Known as the Bangor Mall' The following bills have been rejected by both chambers: LD 1903: 'An Act to Conform the State's Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Laws to Federal Standards' LD 1573: 'An Act to Require Legislative Approval for Certain Emergency Powers of the Governor' LD 1010: 'An Act to Amend the State's Vehicle Inspection Law by Requiring Inspections Biennially' LD 726: 'An Act to Protect Municipalities' Investment in Law Enforcement Officers' LD 607: 'An Act to Require the Approval of Superintendent Agreements Regarding Transfers of Students Between School Administrative Units' LD 919: 'An Act to Require Parental Permission for Certain Surveys and Questionnaires Administered to Minors in Schools' LD 1357: 'An Act to Create Alternative Pathways for Certification or Endorsement of Industrial Arts Teachers' LD 1881: 'An Act to Ensure the Rights of Parents of Minor Children in Education' LD 439: 'An Act to Preserve Maine's Sporting Heritage and Enhance Sporting Opportunities for Maine's Youth by Allowing Maine's Youth to Hunt on Sunday' LD 490: 'An Act to Provide for a 5-year Automatic Repeal of Agency Rules' LD 965: 'An Act to Require the Automatic Repealing of Agency Rules' LD 1884: 'Resolve, to Increase the Number of Kennebec County Commissioners' The number of bills on legislative 'tables' now abound. Bills that land on the appropriations table, which is managed by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee that sets the budget, have already passed the full Legislature with initial votes. However, if they aren't already funded, they are placed on the table to vie for remaining unappropriated money. Essentially, that's everything being voted through with a fiscal note because lawmakers are still drafting what will be in the next two year budget plan. For example, the House passed LD 681, 'An Act Regarding Public Higher Education Funding in the State,' Monday morning, following an earlier vote in the Senate and bucking the recommendation of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee against its passage. On the House floor on Monday, Rep. Shelley Rudnicki (R-Fairfield) asked, 'Are we just discarding the work that's done by committee?' When the bill was sent back to the Senate for enactment, lawmakers then opted to place it on the table. The same happened to LD 697, 'An Act to Direct the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board to Assess Strategies to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs and to Take Steps to Implement Reference-based Pricing,' which the House passed 125-9 before the Senate placed it on the table. After securing favorable votes in either the Senate or House on Monday, the following bills were also placed on the table: LD 505: 'An Act to Update Processes and Fees in the Probate Court System' LD 870: 'An Act Regarding the Membership of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission' LD 1097: 'An Act to Provide De-escalation and Behavior Intervention Training for School Personnel' LD 1773: 'An Act to Criminalize Certain Offenses Related to Gift Card Thefts' Other bills placed on the table include: LD 60, LD 61, LD 178, LD 192, LD 361, LD 540, LD 616, LD 800, LD 900, LD 1017, LD 1043, LD 1079, LD 1425, LD 1855, LD 105, LD 384, LD 493, LD 500, LD 554, LD 679, LD 858, LD 1100. There is also a study table, where lawmakers place bills after they pass both chambers if they involve legislative studies. LD 634 and LD 1420 were placed on that table on Monday. And there's a highway table, which LD 1359 was placed on. Maine has separate general fund and highway fund budgets, with the Transportation Committee overseeing the latter. After the House voted against a bill (LD 1255) last month that would amend the eligibility requirements for the free community college program, the Senate tried to follow suit, initially. But its vote against the bill failed 15-19, so the chamber passed it under the hammer. It now heads back to the House to see if the lower chamber will reconsider its position. Legislation (LD 218) that would make student transfer agreements renew automatically, except in certain circumstances related to attendance or behavior, is poised to die in nonconcurrence. After the House opposed the measure, following the majority recommendation of the Education Committee, the Senate voted for it. The House insisted on its position on Monday. The House voted against a bill (LD 115) that would assess impact fees on megayachts over 150 feet long. It now heads back to the Senate in nonconcurrence. The Senate had initially voted to pass the bill, bucking the committee recommendation, but then failed to enact the measure. Representatives supportive of the measure described it as a matter of fairness. 'Right now, when a family stays in a main hotel, they pay a lodging tax. When a business ships goods through our ports, they pay fees,' Rep. Lookner said. 'But when a billionaire docks a 450 foot yacht, a vessel that's three times as long as the Vinylhaven ferry in one of our harbors, they pay nothing toward the upkeep for our piers, dredging or sea walls that make their stay possible.' However, Rep. Lydia Crafts (D-Newcastle), speaking against the bill, said individual municipalities already have the ability to assess slip fees. The Senate stripped the emergency clause from LD 197, which would direct the governor's Energy Office to conduct a study on the future of electric transmission infrastructure in the state, after it could not reach the threshold needed to enact it as an emergency, which is a two-thirds vote. The bill will now be sent back to the House. While that bill now has a chance at passage, LD 213 is essentially dead. The chambers could not agree on LD 213, which would increase the sales commission of retailers who sell lottery tickets. The Senate insisted on its vote against the bill on Monday, after the House insisted on its vote in support of the bill. With a 29-5 vote, the Senate passed LD 331, a resolve directing the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure timely reimbursements under MaineCare for hospital cost reports. In doing so it accepted the minority report of the committee, sending it back to the House in nonconcurrence. After the House passed LD 77, a measure to fund the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Fisheries and Hatcheries Division by increasing inland fishing license fees, the Senate initially tried to pass it as well, but failed to do so with a 11-23 vote. The chamber then accepted the minority ought not to pass report. The chambers also can't agree on LD 723, a resolve to direct the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to study the feasibility of establishing a nonresidential law enforcement training program. It failed final passage in the House but was approved for final passage in the Senate. Emergency legislation needs a two-thirds vote to be enacted. LD 1551, 'An Act to Support Maine Eating and Drinking Establishments by Allowing Vendors to Operate on the Premises of an Establishment with a Liquor License,' easily cleared this bar with a 120-0 enactment vote. However, LD 1420, which would establish a commission to 'ensure a just and equitable energy transition for Maine's workforce,' failed to reach that threshold with a 68-61 vote. While not an emergency bill, LD 723 failed enactment after House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) called for a roll call vote. This bill would direct the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to study the feasibility of establishing a nonresidential law enforcement training program. The House failed to enact it with a 68-71 vote, after supporting its passage initially with a 74-72 vote last month. The Senate also enacted a public land resolve (LD 1724) authorizing the Baxter State Park Authority to convey certain land in Cumberland County. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Axios
16-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Clock ticking on Minnesota budget talks
Legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz are scheduled to return to the negotiating table today after ending the weekend without announcing a budget deal. Threat level: Just one week remains until the narrowly divided Legislature's May 19 adjournment deadline. If they can't pass a budget by then, they'll need a special session to avert a summer shutdown. What we're watching: Tensions between progressive and moderate wings of the DFL spilled into public view last week, after six " Blue Dog" Senate Democrats joined Republicans to approve an amendment exempting some small businesses and farms from state's new Earned Sick and Safe Time law. One of those moderates, Assistant Majority Leader Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato), is also carrying legislation to scale back the state's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Frentz told reporters for Axios and MPR last week that he expects the "Blue Dog" coalition will continue to push for "a little more bipartisanship, a little more fiscal responsibility" through the "finish line." But he said it's up to caucus leaders to decide whether proposed changes to paid family leave and other landmark policies passed during the DFL trifecta make it into a budget deal.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labor committee opts to keep paid family and medical leave program in tact, for now
Advocates and lawmakers in May 2023 rallied outside the Maine State House in support of Paid Family and Medical Leave, which was signed into law later that spring. (via Maine Center for Economic Policy) Heeding the advice from the Maine Legislature's Democratic leadership, the Labor Committee is not endorsing proposals that would make substantial changes to the state's new paid family and medical leave program. While voting on a series of bills related to the new benefit program Wednesday afternoon, the majority of the committee threw its support behind just two of them. Though a proposal intended to safeguard the future of the program's trust fund drew bipartisan support, Democrats voted down any new exemptions to the program, as well as an effort to make the benefit voluntary. 'If we pull at the threads now, we are going to unravel some really hard-earned consensus,' said House co-chair Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor), noting the years-long process that went into developing the program that was made law by the 131st Legislature. On several bills, some Republicans on the committee put forth a sizable amendment backed by a minority of lawmakers with a list of 10 recommendations to update the program at-large. It includes clarifications to the undue hardship provision, capping the cost of private plan applications and modifying return-to-work requirements, among other provisions. While some members, including some Republicans, were hopeful that LD 1712 brought by Rep. Tiffany Roberts (D-South Berwick) could be a compromise to address issues raised with the program, Democrats ultimately voted it down. The paid family and medical leave program will allow eligible public and private sector workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for reasons such as illness, to care for a loved one or the birth of a new child. At the start of the year, Maine employers began withholding a portion of wages to pay into the program's fund. Employees are expected to be able to access the benefit starting May 2026. The committee voted 8-1 in favor of an amended version of LD 1221, which was introduced by Rep. Gary Drinkwater (R-Milford). While the legislation originally proposed a constitutional amendment prohibiting the Legislature from using the program funds for any other purpose, the amendment supported by most members instead directed the Department of Labor to determine ways to further protect the money and report back to the committee early next year. Luke Monahan, director of the paid family and medical leave program for the Department of Labor, told the committee that there is $75 million in the fund as of Wednesday. Additionally, he said more than 900 applications for employers to use private plans have been approved so far. The committee also backed the legislation brought by Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland), on behalf of the department. LD 894 wants to make a series of amendments to the current law to create certain enforcement mechanisms and penalties, as well as clarify intermittent leave. Though Daughtry urged her fellow lawmakers to give the program time to be fully implemented before making substantial reforms, she said the changes in her bill are coming from the people who have been working to implement this program that identified specific refinements to the policy. During the public hearing, Daughtry opposed every other bill except her own, but told the committee that if she were to support one, it would be LD 1221. Some of the bills before the committee were duplicative, including two seeking to repeal the program entirely. While all members voted to reject LD 539 for streamlining purposes, three Republicans on the committee voted in favor of one of the repeal bills, LD 406. Multiple bills were unanimously rejected by the committee, including LD 575, which wanted to remove the undue hardship clause and LD 1249, which sought to delay the payment of benefits. However, the committee voted along partisan lines on proposals to make the program voluntary (LD 1273), exempt agricultural workers from the program (LD 952), certain public school district employees (LD 1400), along with two measures seeking to issue refunds to employers who had approved private plans (LD 1169) and (LD 1307). SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Business Wire
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ShelterPoint Becomes Approved Provider for PFML Coverage in Minnesota
GARDEN CITY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company ('ShelterPoint'), a leader in statutory Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs, today announced its approval by the State of Minnesota as a private plan provider. This strategic market entry follows ShelterPoint's recent acquisition by Protective Life Corporation and strengthens the company's position as a leading provider in the rapidly growing PFML market across the United States. Leading Paid Family and Medical Leave specialist expands market presence as state programs continue to grow nationwide Share Minnesota employers will be required to provide PFML coverage beginning January 1, 2026. ShelterPoint's early market entry gives Minnesota businesses a crucial head start on compliance planning through private plan options. "Minnesota represents a significant opportunity to continue our mission of protecting more people during life's critical moments," said Leston Welsh, SVP and President of Protective's Employee Benefits Division (ShelterPoint). "As an approved carrier to offer private PFML coverage in Minnesota, we're leveraging our deep expertise in statutory benefits to help employers navigate this new requirement. Our specialized experience allows us to provide Minnesotans with the guidance and solutions they need to comply with confidence." ShelterPoint's Minnesota offering will provide the statutory coverage required under the state's program, which grants eligible employees up to 20 weeks of combined leave annually for qualifying family and medical events, including bonding with a new child, caring for family members with serious health conditions, addressing personal medical needs and safety leave. Minnesota joins two other states—Delaware and Maine—that are implementing PFML programs starting in 2026, with Maryland expecting to follow in January 2028. With these additions, a total of 13 states will have mandated PFML-type programs in effect by mid-2026. Private plans have emerged as an important alternative to state-sponsored PFML plans, offering employers more flexibility and potentially more favorable pricing while still meeting all statutory requirements. With quoting already available, ShelterPoint is positioned to help Minnesota employers understand their options well ahead of the state's private plan application process, which is expected to open in July 2025. Employers seeking to learn more about Minnesota's PFML requirements and private plan options can visit for details and sign up for updates on program milestones and regulatory developments. About ShelterPoint The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (principal office in Garden City, NY) and its wholly owned subsidiary, ShelterPoint Insurance Company (a FL-domiciled carrier). These companies operate under the "ShelterPoint" name strictly as a marketing name, and no legal significance is expressed or implied. ShelterPoint's holding company, ShelterPoint Group, Inc., is not a licensed insurance entity. ShelterPoint specializes in statutory benefit programs in the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) space in a growing number of states. For more information about ShelterPoint, please visit About Protective Protective Life Corporation has helped people achieve protection and security in their lives for 118 years. Through its subsidiaries, Protective offers life insurance, annuity, asset protection and employee benefit solutions. Protective's more than 3,500 employees put people first and deliver on the company's promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities - because we're all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective Life Corporation, a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc., has $125 billion in assets, as of Dec. 31, 2024. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and is supported by a robust virtual workforce and core sites in the greater Cincinnati area, St. Louis and Garden City, N.Y. For more information about Protective, visit
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ShelterPoint Becomes Approved Provider for PFML Coverage in Minnesota
Leading Paid Family and Medical Leave specialist expands market presence as state programs continue to grow nationwide GARDEN CITY, N.Y., May 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company ("ShelterPoint"), a leader in statutory Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs, today announced its approval by the State of Minnesota as a private plan provider. This strategic market entry follows ShelterPoint's recent acquisition by Protective Life Corporation and strengthens the company's position as a leading provider in the rapidly growing PFML market across the United States. Minnesota employers will be required to provide PFML coverage beginning January 1, 2026. ShelterPoint's early market entry gives Minnesota businesses a crucial head start on compliance planning through private plan options. "Minnesota represents a significant opportunity to continue our mission of protecting more people during life's critical moments," said Leston Welsh, SVP and President of Protective's Employee Benefits Division (ShelterPoint). "As an approved carrier to offer private PFML coverage in Minnesota, we're leveraging our deep expertise in statutory benefits to help employers navigate this new requirement. Our specialized experience allows us to provide Minnesotans with the guidance and solutions they need to comply with confidence." ShelterPoint's Minnesota offering will provide the statutory coverage required under the state's program, which grants eligible employees up to 20 weeks of combined leave annually for qualifying family and medical events, including bonding with a new child, caring for family members with serious health conditions, addressing personal medical needs and safety leave. Minnesota joins two other states—Delaware and Maine—that are implementing PFML programs starting in 2026, with Maryland expecting to follow in January 2028. With these additions, a total of 13 states will have mandated PFML-type programs in effect by mid-2026. Private plans have emerged as an important alternative to state-sponsored PFML plans, offering employers more flexibility and potentially more favorable pricing while still meeting all statutory requirements. With quoting already available, ShelterPoint is positioned to help Minnesota employers understand their options well ahead of the state's private plan application process, which is expected to open in July 2025. Employers seeking to learn more about Minnesota's PFML requirements and private plan options can visit for details and sign up for updates on program milestones and regulatory developments.
