Latest news with #StateHouse
Yahoo
6 hours 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
9 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Connecticut officials underscore challenges for LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — June marks pride month! On Monday morning, members of the State House Democrats LGBTQ+ caucus spoke about the importance of pride at the state capitol, while recognizing the challenges the community continues to face. This Pride Month is taking a more solemn tone for many in Connecticut's LGBTQ+ community. Lawmakers debate expanding legal protections to providers of gender affirming care 'It's not just about celebrating, it's about recognizing that the government is trying to eradicate members of our community,' Robin McHaelen, secretary of the LGBTQ+ Justice & Opportunity Network said. Those gathered at the capitol in Hartford Monday shared their personal stories of resilience. 'Suicide rates are going up, calls to hotlines are going up, families of trans and non-binary kids are losing their minds,' McHaelen said. 'We see you, we respect you, and we are not going to start fighting for you,' Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. Pride Month starts this weekend. Here's what to expect This legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting discrimination against long-term care home residents based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Connecticut House Republicans declined to comment for this story. Despite the overall fear the LGBTQ+ community said it's feeling right now, lawmakers say pride month is more important now than ever. There are numerous flag raisings, celebrations and parades happening in multiple municipalities throughout the month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Changes proposed to Pennsylvania's minimum wage statutes
(WHTM) — A bill circulating in the State House proposes changes to Pennsylvania's minimum wage laws. The bill, proposed by State Rep. Christopher Rabb (D-200), aims to fundamentally improve the application of minimum wage principles to ensure they are more broadly and fairly applied. According to the memo, the bill proposes making critical updates to the definition of 'employee,' strengthening protections against wage theft, and extending eligibility for the minimum wage to classes of workers who are 'historically and unfairly excluded from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.' Rep. Rabb's memo says the bill will abolish the sub-minimum tipped wage that 'subsidizes corporations that profit from providing poverty wages to their employees at the expense of taxpaying customers.' The bill would ensure that gratuities are the sole property of the employee and that none of the wages are taken by an employer for processing fees. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The memo adds that the bill would also repeal the state preemption of municipal or county ordinances to set minimum wage standards, empowering local governments to enact minimum wage provisions that best reflect their community's needs. Further, Rep. Rabb's memo says the bill would expand eligibility for the minimum wage in our Commonwealth to people who have been historically disenfranchised and excluded from labor laws, including 'incarcerated, domestic, agricultural, neurodivergent, youth, and gig workers.' The bill has not been submitted for introduction yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Realistic 'Reborn' baby doll craze grips Brazil, sparking heated debate: 'Real children are more...'
Brazil is witnessing a unique cultural and political moment as hyper-realistic 'reborn' baby dolls gain massive online popularity and stir heated discussions in legislative halls, according to a report by the New York Post. These hand-crafted dolls, often used for grief therapy or parenting practice, have become a social media trend. Influencers are staging dramatic scenes like simulated births and casual outings in shopping malls with the dolls, drawing millions of views. In Rio de Janeiro, the city council has passed a bill to honour the artists who create these dolls. It awaits approval from Mayor Eduardo Paes. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, lawmakers are proposing fines for individuals who attempt to seek medical treatment for the dolls. The move follows a viral video that allegedly showed a woman bringing one to a hospital. Politicians have even brought the dolls into legislative chambers. In Amazonas, state lawmaker Joao Luiz appeared with a reborn doll in the State House this week to push for a ban on offering public healthcare services to them. However, local media clarified that no such incidents have ever been officially recorded by health authorities. The issue has sparked criticism among politicians as well. Congresswoman Talíria Petrone voiced her frustration with the attention the matter is receiving. 'Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them. I have two real children and they're more than enough work,' she said. Also read: Chinese cobbler with no legs learns English from radio, shares Harvard dream: 'I believe I can...' Despite the political debate, the community around these dolls remains strong. Over the weekend, dozens of reborn doll enthusiasts gathered for the 10th annual meet-up in Villa Lobos Park, Sao Paulo. Many attendees defended the practice, saying criticism should be directed at attention-seeking influencers, not the broader community of collectors and caregivers. Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and longtime reborn doll owner, finds emotional solace in them. 'I love reborns, despite the hate we see out there,' she said. 'I want the right to go out with them … go to the mall, go to the park.' Daniela Baccan, who co-owns a reborn doll shop in Campinas, said the dolls range in price from 700 reais (approx. ₹11,800) to nearly 10,000 reais (approx. ₹1.7 lakh). While controversy has led to increased security concerns, it has also boosted business. 'We're locking up the store more, adding cameras,' said Baccan. 'But at the same time, online demand has increased, and the store is seeing a much higher flow of people.' Also read: Trump biographer's bombshell claim on why US President hates Harvard: 'He didn't get...'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cambodia and western Massachusetts intertwined at the State House
BOSTON (WWLP) – The State House is showcasing Cambodian heritage with an exhibit telling the stories of the Khmer people in Amherst. The Amherst Historical Society and Museum and Amherst Media, alongside a community of partners and Cambodian people, put together an exhibit telling the history of western Massachusetts Khmer community. This exhibit features artwork, clothing, photographs, and history lessons about the Khmer Rouge and how the Amherst community provided sanctuary for recent immigrants. An influx of Cambodians fled genocide in their home country in the mid-1970s and resettled in Amherst. 'Your story matters. Our lives matter, and everyone needs to hear it. I think it's huge for Western Mass to be present here on Beacon Hill,' said Amherst Media's Interim Executive Director, Yanna Ok. Since then, many Cambodian families have relocated to cities like Lowell, and their history in western Massachusetts was already being lost to time. That's when Cambodian refugees and the Amherst Historical Society came together to make sure their stories are a documented part of the community's history. 'Khmer history is so important to Western Mass. And it's a lost history that we want to continue to share and preserve for you all,' said Vira Douangmany Cage, Amherst Media's Board President. As part of the preserving history effort, the exhibition opening featured traditional Cambodian dance. Although the original Amherst exhibit has closed, there will be a virtual tour available, and portions of the exhibit will be displayed inside the State House for the next week. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
