Author: Maine Senate Republicans

AUGUSTA –The legislation proposed by Senator Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot) to protect the rights of gun owners in subsidized housing today achieved final enactment in the Maine Senate. “I am very pleased with this vote because it validates the fact that Second Amendment rights apply to all Mainers, regardless of their financial circumstances,” Senator Cushing said. LD 1572, “An Act to Ensure Nondiscrimination Against Gun Owners in Subsidized Housing,” was introduced by Senator Cushing following a situation in Rockland where a tenant of subsidized housing was denied his Second Amendment rights after using a firearm to protect himself following a series…

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Augusta – On a vote of 92-54, the legislation proposed by Senator Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot) to protect the rights of gun owners in subsidized housing passed the Maine House of Representatives. Though there was opposition from some leading Democrats, many members of that caucus voted with Republicans to approve the legislation. “Today the Legislature strengthened Mainers’ Second Amendment rights by asserting that someone should not be denied the right to own a firearm simply because of their economic situation. Subsidized housing is housing of last resort – people live there because they have little to no other choice, and they…

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Augusta – A bill which would provide businesses in Maine with energy cost relief today was enacted in the Maine Senate. The bill was enacted with a unanimous 34-0 vote. LD 1398, “An Act to Reduce Electric Rates for Maine Businesses,” returns $3 million to Maine businesses from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund for fiscal years 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019. “Passage of this bill is good news for businesses in our state who have been grappling with high energy costs for far too long,” said Senator Mason. “This measure puts $3 million back in our local economies to…

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Augusta – Following a committee vote today on the welfare proposals brought forward by legislative Democrats, Senator Eric Brakey (R-Androscoggin), Senate Chair, today spoke to the fact the proposals supported by Republicans on the committee make the changes Maine people have been asking for. The Republican report for LD 1097 includes current penalties for intentional abuse of benefits, including a year’s suspension of benefits if it is proven that someone intentionally used cash welfare benefits to purchase alcohol, tobacco or lottery tickets. The Republican proposal also prohibits the use of Maine EBT cards outside Maine or New Hampshire. “Republicans are making sure…

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Augusta – A bill which would provide businesses in Maine with energy cost relief today received initial passage in the Senate. LD 1398, “An Act to Reduce Electric Rates for Maine Businesses,” returns $3 million to Maine businesses from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund for fiscal years 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019. “With every passing day it becomes more clear that we must take action on our state’s high energy costs. This measure puts $3 million back in our local economies to support our job creators,” said Senator Mason. “It is an excellent starting point to provide relief, and…

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Augusta – Yesterday, Republicans on the Legislature’s Insurance and Financial Services Committee endorsed a proposal from Senator Rodney Whittemore (R-Somerset) to require health insurance carriers to provide a shared savings incentive program. LD 1305, “An Act to Improve Price Transparency, Help Maine Consumers Comparison Shop for Certain Health Care Procedures and Lower Health Care Costs,” contains provisions that aid consumers in making better choices about their own health care. “I am confident that if we continue to put the interest of patients and consumers first and do our very best to find the near perfect ethical balance between consumers, carriers,…

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Augusta – On Wednesday, January 20th, Senator Paul Davis (R-Piscataquis) presented a bill to the Legislature’s Taxation Committee intended to assist several Maine industries. The legislation, LD 1481, “An Act to Protect Maine’s Natural Resource Jobs by Exempting from Sales Tax Petroleum Products Used in Commercial Farming, Fishing and Forestry” exempts petroleum products that run the equipment used in these three agricultural fields.  This would include fuel, any lubricating oil, or any other lubricant that is used for the vehicle. “It is important that we help and protect these three important industries.  By doing so, we are helping our friends…

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