Maine governor tests positive for COVID-19 after 2nd booster
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, and is exhibiting mild symptoms. Her office said the 74-year-old chief executive tested positive on a rapid test Thursday afternoon after developing a scratchy throat. Mills is fully vaccinated and has had two boosters, the most recent on April 8. She said she believes that’s “one of the reasons why I am still feeling well.” She encouraged others to get vaccinated, as well.
AP-US-MAINE-TRIBAL-SOVEREIGNTY
Tribal sovereignty effort faltering, for now, in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Native American leaders in Maine aren’t giving up on sovereignty but appear to be resigned that sweeping change is unlikely this year. Five tribal leaders responded to sovereignty efforts in the Maine Legislature by acknowledging there are not enough votes to override a threatened veto. But they said they plan to continue to press for full sovereignty. The tribes are treated differently than 570 other federally recognized tribes across the country under the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980. That agreement treats reservations like municipalities subject to state law.
MAINE LEGISLATURE-AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Proposal to expand units allowed on housing lots becomes law
Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that expands the number of dwellings that can be built on housing lots. The law allows accessory dwelling units and duplexes to be built in areas zoned for single-family housing, with a goal toward addressing a housing crunch. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, the bill’s sponsor, said the law can help address the problem by expanding housing. The governor also signed a bill extending for five years a tax credit for rehabilitating historic properties.
SUNDAY HUNTING LAWSUIT
Hunters sue to allow Sunday hunting in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A hunting group is suing Maine to overturn the state’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. Hunting bear, moose, wild turkey and deer in Maine is a popular activity, but the state has barred Sunday hunting for generations. Opponents of the ban filed their lawsuit on Wednesday with a claim that the law violates the state’s new “Right to Food” amendment, which states that individuals have a right to harvest food of their own choosing. Maine voters passed the constitutional amendment last year.
PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Maine might switch to semi-open primary election system
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine might move to a more open style of primary elections. The Maine Legislature has voted in favor of semi-open primaries, which supporters said would allow unaffiliated voters more voice in elections. About a third of Maine registered voters are unenrolled in any party. The bill approved by the Legislature would allow unenrolled voters to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary each election cycle without changing their party affiliation. The Maine Senate voted to enact the bill on Monday. It will now go to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills for potential signature.