In the News
PPH: Democrats propose their own evaluation plan for Maine schools
AUGUSTA — Democrats introduced their own proposal Wednesday for evaluating Maine’s public schools, even as state education officials announced follow-up plans for schools that got D’s and F’s in the state’s new A-to-F grading system. Senate President Justin Alfond, D- Portland, described Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s grading system, unveiled last week, as simplistic and “a real...
MPBN: Maine Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Help Disabled Land Jobs
A new “Employment First” bill crafted to help disabled Mainers land jobs got an enthusiastic reception today at a legislative hearing, and attracted dozens of supporters. Sponsored by Maine Senate President Justin Alfond, the bill directs state agencies to coordinate their efforts in making employment the first priority when disabled Mainers turn to the state...
PPH: City officials back bills to save state aid
AUGUSTA — Municipal officials from across Maine testified Friday in favor of two bills that would protect the state revenue sharing that sends millions of dollars to cities and towns each year. The proposals, one sponsored by Assistant Senate Minority Leader Roger Katz, R-Augusta, and the other by Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland were heard by...
KJ: Groundfishing bill faces no opposition at public hearing
AUGUSTA –Â A state-run permit program that helps Maine’s long-ailing groundfishing industry should be open to boats of all sizes, supporters of a bill to expand a so-called permit bank said Wednesday. L.D. 939, sponsored by Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland, would allocate $3.5 million in state money annually to the Maine Groundfish Permit Bank, established...
Another View: County home rule could be key to solving state budget problems
… A Maine Voices column by Sen. Justin Alfond and House Speaker Mark Eves (“Democrats: GOP shutdown threats no way to open budget talks,” March 4) addressed the shifting of state governmental expenses from the income tax to the regressive, local property tax. … Click here to read more from Portland Press Herald.
In The Arena: Alfond & Thibodeau
… Maine lawmakers are in the thick of the session, grappling with budget questions and other sticky policy matters. Senate President Justin Alfond and Senate Minority Leader Mike Thibodeau go In The Arena with Pat Callaghan. … Click here to read more from WCSH Portland.
