Steve Mistler

Portland Press Herald

Latest

Published
March 18, 2015

For Efficiency Maine, the word ‘and’ made a $38 million difference

Lawmakers slam the state Public Utilities Commission for not considering ‘legislator intent’ in a decision that will cut funding for the energy efficiency program.
Published
March 17, 2015

Portland’s fight with state over shelter costs puts focus on ‘broken system’ statewide

Advocates push for fixes to Maine’s financing of 42 facilities for the homeless as demand grows.
Published
March 11, 2015

Panel wants lawmakers to have final say on any plan for Keno in Maine

Gov. Paul LePage has backed off adding the gambling game this year, but the state’s lottery bureau now has the authority to add it without legislative approval.
Published
March 11, 2015

Legislative panel backs bill to restrict out-of-staters’ role in Maine petition drives

The unanimous vote raises the odds of passage for the bill, which could affect the initiation of potential bear-baiting and marijuana ballot questions.
Published
March 11, 2015

Maine legislator apologizes for Facebook remarks about Obama and terrorists, but remains under fire

Sen. Michael Willette says he failed to ‘show restraint’ and that other posts about immigrants were not racist, but Democrats want the Republican punished.
Published
March 10, 2015

LePage backing off plan to add Keno to Maine lottery games

The announcement follows criticism from state lawmakers that the game would transform restaurants and convenience stores into mini-casinos.
Published
March 10, 2015

Conservation groups say LePage withholding bonds puts projects in jeopardy

The governor has authorized the release of less than $1 million of $11.47 million approved by voters in 2010 and 2012, yet even that amount hasn’t been disbursed to the conservation projects.
Published
March 9, 2015

Some Maine legislators try to block state’s plan to add Keno to lottery

An agency official says the game is similar to instant tickets and would raise revenue, but some legislators see too many negatives and submit a bill to stop it.
Published
March 6, 2015

Maine bill restricting cellphone use while driving divides committee

The Transportation Committee votes 7-6 to defeat the measure, but one member says he could change his mind.
Published
March 5, 2015

Republican leaders’ response to LePage reveals rift on tax initiative

The governor has steadily increased his criticism of lawmakers who have not fully embraced his proposed overhaul.