Gov. Paul LePage has informed legislative leaders that he plans to call the Legislature into special session this fall.
LePage says U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue has told the state that Maine’s new food sovereignty measure violates federal law and will lead to the federal government taking over meat and poultry inspections from the state.
Senate President Mike Thibodeau says that’s reason enough for a special session.
“Food safety is a big issue and we want to make sure that people have confidence when they go and buy meats in our stores,” he says.
LePage also questions whether the state budget provides for funding of the Office of Geographic Information Systems. Thibodeau believes the budget does provide needed funding, but is willing to review the governor’s concern. He says it’s likely the Legislature will also address implementation of the voter-approved law legalizing the use of recreational marijuana.
“The issue around recreational use of marijuana is something that should probably be dealt with before January so the law can take effect,” he says.
This story was originally posted on August 30, 2017 at 5:10 p.m. ET.
