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Maine Solar Bill Defeated as Override Bid Fails

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine House has failed to override Gov. Paul LePage's veto of a bill to modernize state policies on solar power.

A last-minute effort to resurrect the bill on a second vote also failed.

Rep. Sara Gideon, assistant Democratic leader, said Friday the proposal would've spurred job creation. But Rep. Ken Fredette, House Republican leader, said he feared it would kill jobs by raising energy costs while helping only a small number of Mainers.

The proposal is dead after failing to muster a two-thirds vote.

The Maine Legislature is off to a fast pace Friday as it deals with 33 vetoes by the governor.

Other vetoed bills include proposals to allow pharmacists to dispense a drug overdose antidote, add funding to the Clean Elections program, boost pay for workers at the Riverview Psychiatric Center, and provide additional funding for state jails.