SENATE VOTES TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE
Honest day’s work should be rewarded with honest day’s pay AUGUSTA—Earlier today, the Senate passed legislation to increase the minimum wage in Maine with a vote of 19—16. The measure will increase the minimum wage of $7.50 per hour by 50 cents—about the cost of a postage stamp. “We have a lot of slogans...
For Immediate Release: Senator Jackson Sponsors Bill to Encourage Hiring of American Loggers
Bill would repeal tax exemption for foreign wood harvesters Senator Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) sponsored a bill to limit the tax exemption or refund for depreciable equipment used in commercial wood harvesting to residents of the United States or business entities with headquarters in the United States. “This legislation is one part of an overall initiative...
For Immediate Release: JACKSON’S “PENSION FAIRNESS” BILL DIVIDES COMMITTEE
The measure would equally apply state employee pension cuts to governor AUGUSTA – A measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Senator Troy Jackson (D-Aroostook) that would prohibit the governor from receiving a full pension, unless that governor serves two terms, received a divided report from the committee. “During the last Legislature, Governor LePage pushed for...
For Immediate Release: Sen. Jackson Introduces Bills to Promote American-Made Products and Support Maine Loggers
AUGUSTA—Senator Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) presented two bills today in the Maine Legislature to support workers. One promotes American manufacturing and the other supports Maine loggers. LD 890, An Act to Buy American-made Products, would direct the State of Maine to buy American products at every realistic opportunity. “With American manufacturing still fighting to come back,...
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS CALL ON GOVERNOR TO RELEASE BONDS IMMEDIATELY
Dems dispel Republican claim that voter-approved bonds need to wait for new liquor contract AUGUSTA–Democratic leaders on Thursday called on Governor Paul LePage to stop holding voter-approved bonds dating back to 2010. Democrats noted that the Governor has artificially and arbitrarily linked his liquor proposal to releasing bonds that have already won voter approval. The...
Weekly Radio Address: Jackson calls for leadership, not do-nothing Washington style politics
Weekly Radio Address: Senator Jackson Another week in Maine, another winter snow storm. We make the best out of any situation. That is the Maine way. Good morning. I’m State Senator Troy Jackson from Allagash. I’m encouraged by all the snow we’ve been getting to boost our rural economy. There’s no doubt it helps our...
MPBN: Legislative Democrats: LePage Veto Threat Likely to Backfire
By AJay Higgins Read more here Gov. Paul LePage’s announcement that he plans to veto every bill that crosses his desk unless the Legislature passes his plan to pay off millions in Medicaid debt to the state’s hospitals, ignited dueling press conferences today at the State House, where Republicans and Democrats pointed fingers at each...
For Immediate Release: DEMOCRATS DENOUNCE LEPAGE SHUTDOWN, VETO THREATS
Democrats call on Republicans to reject “do nothing” politics AUGUSTA – Democratic leaders on Friday denounced Governor Paul LePage’s threat to halt the work of the Legislature by abusing his veto power and shutting down state government until his hospital repayment plan becomes law. “In one week we’ve heard ongoing threats to shutdown state government if...
LePage’s rhetoric doesn’t match reality
Democrats challenge governor to back up words with action AUGUSTA — Top Democratic leaders challenged Governor Paul LePage to back up his words with action following his State of the State speech which Democrats said was more rhetoric than reality. LePage outlined his proposals for Maine’s economy, energy and education systems. “We need to look...
Weekly Radio Address: Jackson says LePage budget passes the buck to our towns
Democratic Weekly Radio Address-Sen. Jackson For more than two years—since Paul LePage began laying out his policies as Governor, Democrats have consistently said the same thing: Governor LePage’s policies pick winners and losers. And when they lose, they lose big. Good Morning. This is Assistant Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash. Late last week,...
BDN: Maine Democrats nominate House and Senate leaders
Bangor Daily News By Scott Thistle, Sun Journal AUGUSTA, Maine — In a four-way race Tuesday, Rep. Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, emerged as Maine’s next likely speaker of the House of Representatives. In a single ballot, after about an hour of speeches before the incoming Democratic House majority, Eves was selected over Rep. Mike Carey of...
MAINE SENATE DEMOCRATS ELECT NEW LEADERS
AUGUSTA—Newly elected Maine Senate Democrats convened for the first time today to elect their leadership for the 126th Maine Legislature. Each of the three leadership positions was unchallenged. The 19-member Democratic caucus unanimously supported and elected the following three leaders: Maine Senate President: Senator Justin Alfond of Portland who is beginning his third term and...
