SENATE REJECTS LEPAGE’S ATTEMPT AT OBSTRUCTING GOOD GOVERNMENT

Overrides 12th Veto

AUGUSTA—In a 32-0 vote, the Senate voted for the twelfth time to override another of Governor Paul LePage’s vetoes, this time, a measure to prevent motorized gold prospecting in certain high-value stream segments that contain Atlantic salmon and brook trout.

“This is a common sense bill that maintains an important balance between prospecting and maintaining the health of our fisheries,” said Senator Jim Boyle of Gorham, the sponsor of the bill.

The bill prohibits motorized recreational gold prospecting in 19 high value stream segments populated by brook trout and Atlantic salmon spawning habitats. It was previously approved by the Senate in a 35-0 vote.

With a total of 127 vetoes during his tenure, Governor LePage has exceeded the number of vetoes by any other Governor, including the previous record holder, one-term Governor Jim Longley with 118 vetoes.

“While the Legislature is working together day and night to improve the state for the people of Maine, Governor LePage finds one excuse after another to get in the way,” said Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash. “For the most part, Democrats and Republicans put aside our differences to pass good bills that will make a difference, why can’t Governor LePage?”

This is the twelfth veto of Governor LePage’s that the Legislature has overridden. Last week, the Legislature overrode vetoes of a bills to increase transparency in healthcare pricing, prevent child abuse and neglect and provide additional oversight of medical marijuana facilities.

Last month, the Legislature overrode a veto of a measure to increase the number of qualified teachers in Maine. In February, the Legislature overrode Governor LePage’s veto of a bill sponsored by Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland to feed hungry students during summer vacation, and in January, overrode Governor LePage’s veto of a bill to help people quit smoking.

Last year, the Legislature overrode Governor LePage’s veto of the state’s two-year budget, as well as vetoes of a comprehensive omnibus energy bill, a measure to provide funding to the STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Council of Maine, a bill adjusting fees for county registries of deeds, and a bill to require warrants for cell phone tracking.

The bill, LD 1671, “An Act To Prohibit Motorized Recreational Gold Prospecting in Class AA Waters and Certain Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout Habitats,” will now be sent to the House. The House previously supported the bill 117-25.

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