The Cold Stream Forest project will protect two important species, and the economy of central Maine. By The Editorial Board Kennebec Journal editorial It’s fitting that the Cold Stream Forest project was completed so soon after a state report showed just how far Gov. Paul LePage’s claims on conservation depart from reality. The purchase, finalized Read More
Land for Maine's Future & Conservation
LePage has Nothing to Show for His Monthslong Tirade Against Land for Maine’s Future
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial The Land for Maine’s Future ship that Gov. Paul LePage tried to topple last year seems well on its way to being righted — at least in the interim. LePage late last year said he would finally back down from his refusal to release $5 million Read More
Report on Land for Maine’s Future Doesn’t Back Up Governor’s Claims
An extensive inquiry by the LePage administration recommends minor fixes to the popular program but finds nothing to suggest that it is ‘corrupt.’ Portland Press Herald editorial Of all the insults Gov. LePage has leveled at the Land for Maine’s Future program, the most damaging and accusatory is that it is “corrupt” – not a Read More
Bill to Revive Land for Maine’s Future Bonds Heads to LePage’s Desk
The bill would reauthorize, for five years, $6.5 million in bonds that expired last fall while Gov. Paul LePage used them as leverage with lawmakers. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — The Legislature unanimously approved a bill Thursday that revives $6.5 million in bonds for the Land for Maine’s Read More
Our View: Landslide House Vote Good Sign for End to Land for Maine’s Future Bond Fight
Portland Press Herald editorial There is only one reason for Gov. LePage to seek a six-month renewal of now-expired Land for Maine’s Future bonds, and that’s to gain leverage to continue a fight that has left almost everyone else exasperated. So after several years of fending off the governor’s attempts to turn the popular conservation Read More
House Votes to Renew $6.5 Million in Land for Maine’s Future Bonds for 5 Years
Gov. LePage, however, could veto the bill because he wants the bonds authorized only for six months. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story House lawmakers voted unanimously Tuesday to renew $6.5 million in Land for Maine’s Future bonds for five years despite the LePage administration’s preference for a shorter, six-month window Read More
Maine House Votes to Renew $6.5 Million in Conservation Bonds
By A.J. Higgins MPBN news story AUGUSTA, Maine — After some last minute wrangling, the Maine House voted to give all but final approval to $6.5 million in land conservation bonds that expired last fall. The vote was unanimous. A plan agreed to last week by the House, Senate and the governor gave the state Read More
Maine House Unanimously Backs Bond Bill Despite LePage Pressure
by Michael Shepherd, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill to revive $6.5 million in expired conservation bonds sailed unanimously through the Maine House of Representatives on Tuesday, despite Gov. Paul LePage’s desire for a shorter sunset provision. The bipartisan deal was struck last week between legislative leaders. However, just Read More
Legislative Leaders, LePage Agree to Revive $6.5 Million in Bonds
By Michael Shepherd, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — You’re reading it right: The 2016 legislative session started with agreement between legislators and Gov. Paul LePage to revive $6.5 million in expired conservation bonds. On Wednesday, the Maine House of Representatives recalled a bill from LePage’s desk that leaders said would Read More