AUGUSTA – Maine Gov. Paul LePage is blasting the Democratic-controlled Legislature for blocking his measures to overhaul the state’s welfare programs and change the work permit process for minors this session.

In his weekly radio address, the Republican governor called it “shameful” that Democrats would rather defeat his administration’s proposals than do what is right for Mainers.

LePage also criticized lawmakers for rejecting his bill that would have created special zones where businesses could get incentives and workers would have the ability not to pay labor dues.

Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves says LePage should focus on growing the economy, but is instead “waging a war on the poor,” giving corporate tax breaks and undercutting workers.

Lawmakers have wrapped up their work for the session, but plan to return next week to attempt to override any outstanding vetoes by LePage.

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