AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Republican Gov. Paul LePage is tweaking his $6.8 billion budget proposal to add funds for private lawyers and cut a civil rights program, among other things.
He's proposing to eliminate the attorney general's program aiming to reduce bias in schools, saving $550,000 over two years. His administration says the program should be under the Department of Education, if lawmakers keep it.
He's also asking for $1 million each year for legal contingencies when the attorney general declines to represent him. LePage is suing Democratic Attorney General Janet Mills for refusing to represent him. Mills says her office's independence is settled law.
The proposal also funds the Downeast Correctional Center that LePage wants to close through March. It also provides money to pay court-appointed lawyers - but only through January.
© 2024 Maine Public
Bangor Studio/Membership Department
63 Texas Ave.
Bangor, ME 04401
Lewiston Studio
1450 Lisbon St.
Lewiston, ME 04240
Portland Studio
323 Marginal Way
Portland, ME 04101
Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Bangor Studio/Membership Department
63 Texas Ave.
Bangor, ME 04401
Lewiston Studio
1450 Lisbon St.
Lewiston, ME 04240
Portland Studio
323 Marginal Way
Portland, ME 04101
Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.