Maine looks to make it easy for students to get transcripts
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine might make it easier for students and graduates to get access to their school transcripts. Lawmakers in the state are considering a proposal that would require post-secondary schools in Maine to provide a transcript or diploma for students if the students need those materials to do things such as apply for a job, further their education or join the military. The Maine Senate voted in favor of the proposal on Wednesday.
Maine close on safeguards to protect ballot, voting machines
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is closer to enacting new safeguards to protect its ballots and voting machines from tampering. Democratic Rep. Teresa Pierce of Falmouth proposed a bill that would clarify the chain of custody of ballots and voting machines in the state. The bill is designed to make certain who is legally allowed to possess those items. The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval to the bill on Wednesday. Pierce says the proposal would stop individuals and groups with partisan agendas from gaining access to ballots and voting machines.
Maine National Guard addresses sexual assault, harassment
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — The Maine National Guard is proposing steps including partnering with the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault to improve its handling of sexual assault and harassment. Leaders pledged in a new report submitted to lawmakers to improve the Guard’s response to such cases. The 22-page document follows reporting by the Bangor Daily News on a spike in substantiated sexual assaults that corresponded with a permissive attitude, mishandling of allegations and retaliation against personnel who reported assaults. The report will be discussed with the veterans and legal affairs committee Friday.
Maine’s largest city to incentivize renewable energy, heat
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s largest city is creating an incentive program to try to motivate residents to adopt renewable energy and heating sources. Portland officials said Wednesday the city’s “Electrify Everything!” program is a chance for residents to get discounts on solar panels and home heating appliances. The city is working with solar company ReVision Energy on the effort. Officials say ReVision will offer $500 off solar installations and $250 off air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and home electric vehicle chargers. They say the company is also offering up to $60,000 to help low-income households adopt solar.
NRCM RETIREMENT
NRCM’s executive director to step down by year’s end
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The leader of a leading environmental advocacy group in Maine is stepping down at the end of the year. Lisa Pohlmann, who was the first woman to serve as CEO of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said it’s the right time to make a transition after 22 years — half as CEO. The board has begun the process of forming a search committee. More details are expected in coming weeks and months.
DRUG OPERATION-POLICE
Former prosecutor admits tipping off former deputy to probe
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A former prosecutor is acknowledging tipping off a former deputy of an investigation in a massive marijuana operation in western Maine. Kayla Alves, of Farmington, pleaded guilty Tuesday to tampering with documents under an agreement with federal prosecutors. Alves’ attorney contends she was unaware of the alleged criminal operation and was merely doing a favor for her neighbor. Prosecutors will recommend that she serve no more than six months in prison, while her attorney will recommend no jail time. Alves was a Franklin County assistant district attorney before her firing.
MAINE LEGISLATURE
Mask mandate lifted as Maine Legislature gathers for votes
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are reconvening without a mask requirement for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Legislative leaders lifted the mask mandate effective this week, and the full Legislature gathered for the first time since then on Wednesday. Among the many votes, the Maine House advanced a bill aimed at protecting election integrity, voting 76-55 to clarify the chain of custody of ballots and voting machines. The legislation faces further votes in the House and Senate.
RUSSIAN GOLD-SANCTIONS BILL
Maine senator joins push to stop Russia from selling gold
BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Maine’s independent senator is joining a push to clamp down on Russia’s ability to sell gold reserves. Sen. Angus King is working with Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee and Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire on the effort. King said Tuesday the Stop Russian GOLD Act would apply secondary sanctions to any American entities that knowingly transact with or transport gold from Russia’s central bank holdings. King says the sanctions would also apply to U.S. entities that sell gold physically or electronically in Russia.
STUDENT DEBT FORGIVENESS
Maine university wipes about $2M in student debt
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — One of Maine’s public universities has forgiven about $2 million in student debt accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. University of Southern Maine officials said Tuesday the move forgave the debts of more than 750 students. The university says it excused all student debt acquired between spring 2020 and summer 2021. The school also capped debt forgiveness for fall 2021 at $2,225. Officials with the university said the school would use $2 million in federal pandemic relief money to pay for the debt relief.