Maine governor’s vetoes upheld as legislators tackle delayed spending proposals | Lifestyle

Maine Lawmakers Uphold Vetoes on Minimum Wage for Farm Workers and Bump Stock Ban

In a heated session on Friday, Maine lawmakers sustained vetoes on bills that would have instituted a minimum wage for farm workers and banned bump stocks that allow a gun to mimic a machine gun. The decisions came after a day of intense debate and lobbying from both sides of the issues.

The Maine Senate failed to override the veto on the bump stock ban, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. This was a blow to gun safety advocates who had pushed for the ban following a tragic shooting in Lewiston where 18 people lost their lives. On the other hand, the House failed to override the veto of the farmworkers’ minimum wage bill, leaving many in the agricultural community disappointed.

Governor Janet Mills’ vetoes on all eight bills were upheld, including proposals to create a higher income tax for wealthy Mainers and to end a “three strikes” law on thefts. Despite the setbacks, lawmakers were determined to address the remaining 80 late spending proposals, which included funding for free health clinics, African American and Wabanaki studies in schools, and the establishment of a civil rights unit in the attorney general’s office.

The governor had warned that the proposed new spending could push the budget “to the breaking point,” as lawmakers had already spent much of the $100 million set aside for anticipated difficulties in the next budget cycle. The total impact of the new spending was estimated to be over $33 million, with funds being transferred from special revenue accounts to cover the costs.

A spokesperson for the governor criticized the appropriations committee for using “budget gimmicks” to increase spending, while Republican leaders accused Democrats of being reckless with taxpayer money. Despite the disagreements, lawmakers were determined to push through the spending proposals before the end of the session.

The governor’s objections to the farm worker minimum wage bill centered on a provision that would allow workers to sue their employers, while her concerns about the bump stock ban focused on the bill’s “broad and ambiguous language.” Although the bump stock ban failed to pass, the governor did sign several other gun safety bills into law, including background checks on private gun sales and criminalizing gun sales to prohibited individuals.

As the session stretched late into the night, tensions ran high as lawmakers worked to finalize the remaining spending proposals. The outcome of these decisions will have a significant impact on the state budget and the services provided to Maine residents.

Overall, the day was marked by intense debate, political maneuvering, and high stakes as lawmakers grappled with the challenges of governing in a divided political climate. The decisions made on Friday will shape the future of Maine and set the course for the state’s priorities in the coming years.