LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TABLES BILLS FOR SPECIAL SESSION

AUGUSTA —  The governing body of the Maine Legislature on Wednesday moved to table all bills proposed for the Special Session of the Legislature scheduled for tomorrow.

The Legislative Council, which is made up of the 10 Democratic and Republican leaders of the Maine House and Senate, met prior to the Special Session to address administrative matters.

“Lawmakers are returning specifically to take up bonds and to prevent Riverview Psychiatric Center from losing its federal funding,” said House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, who Chairs the council. “While all of the other measures have strong merit, we are committed to staying focused on matters in which we have broad agreement.”

Lawmakers will vote on $149.5 million jobs bond package and a measure to increase the safety and security at Riverview Psychiatric Center. Riverview is at risk of losing $20 million in federal funding following incidents in which patients assaulted hospital workers.

The bills tabled included a measure to reopen the Houlton Maine Revenue Office, a measure to amend a cross bow hunting law, and measures related to property tax relief.

“It’s important that we do what the people of Maine expected us to do which is to put our differences aside and focus on passing this bond package which is a responsible investment in our state that Maine people need and expect,” said Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland.

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