Jackson wins GOP vote, nearly assuring Supreme Court seat
WASHINGTON (AP) — Maine Sen. Susan Collins says she’ll vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, giving Democrats at least one Republican vote and all but assuring Jackson will become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. Collins’ support Wednesday gives Democrats at least a one-vote cushion in the 50-50 Senate and likely saves them from having to use Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-breaking vote to confirm President Joe Biden’s pick. It’s expected that all 50 Democrats will support Jackson, though one notable moderate Democrat, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, hasn’t said how she’ll vote. Collins says Jackson has “the experience, qualifications, and integrity” to serve on the Supreme Court.
EDUCATION FUNDING
Maine close to approving education cost stabilization fund
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are closer to approving a proposal to try to ensure education funding in future years. The proposal would create the Education Fair Share Fund, which supporters describe as a stabilization fund that would serve as a safety net if future administrations don’t meet the 55% funding threshold. Backers of the proposal say the state has a longstanding obligation to fund 55% of kindergarten through high school public education costs. The Maine House of Representatives voted in favor of the proposal from Democratic Rep. Raegan LaRochelle of Augusta on Tuesday by a wide margin.
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Maine lawmakers OK bill to ensure student transcript access
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature has enacted a proposal to make sure students and graduates in the state are able to get access to their own transcripts. The Senate voted in favor of the proposal from Democratic Sen. Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic on Tuesday. The bill requires postsecondary schools in the state to provide transcripts or diplomas to students if they need them for reasons such as applying for a job or furthering their education. Supporters say the proposal is also designed to prompt the students and schools to open communication about any past-due fees or debts.
RIGHT WHALE PROTECTION
Maine politicians ask for time to comply with whale rules
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s congressional delegation and governor say the state’s lobster fishermen need more time to comply with new rules designed to protect rare whales. The rules are designed to protect North Atlantic right whales, which number less than 340 and are vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear. The federal government is using the rules to impose new restrictions on when lobster fishermen can fish and what kinds of gear they can use. Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the four-member congressional delegation said Wednesday one of the rules, which requires weak points in lobster lines, is essentially impossible for fishermen to comply with at this time.
MAINE LEGISLATURE
Lawmakers emphatic about keeping open 2 veterans’ homes
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature has given initial approval to a bill aimed at preventing the closing of Maine Veterans’ Homes in Caribou and Machias. Both chambers voted unanimously on Tuesday. Senate President Troy Jackson said the Legislature made a commitment to veterans in establishing the Maine Veterans’ Homes. The bill would require legislative approval for closing veteran homes and puts back into law the six municipalities where the homes must be located.
GOVERNOR CANDIDATE-CHILD PORN
Documents sealed after arrest of former governor candidate
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A judge has sealed court documents stemming from the arrest of a former Maine gubernatorial candidate on charges of possessing child pornography. Eliot Cutler is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 3. The Portland Press Herald reports court documents will remain sealed until then or until he is indicted by a grand jury. Cutler’s attorney, Walter McKee, said he was concerned publication of the details would make it hard for the court to seat an impartial jury if Cutler is indicted. McKee has declined to comment on the charges against Cutler.