AUGUSTA — The Maine House this morning sustained Gov. Paul LePage’s third veto, this one on a bill that called for a study on whether to transfer the administration of liquor laws from the Department of Public Safety to the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations.

The bill, LD 821, was sponsored by Rep. Mike Carey, D-Lewiston and was passed unanimously by the Legislature.

In his veto message, LePage said Public Safety Commissioner John Morris will have a plan ready for legislative consideration when lawmakers return next year.

“As the Chief Executive of the State of Maine, I need to have the broadest possible discretion to manage Government,” the statement said. “Resolves, such as this one, force us to expend limited resources exploring conceptual policy positions that may or may not be acted upon by the Legislature in the future.

“My experience in the private sector turning around failing companies has prepared me well for the mission before us — fixing State Government to work better and more efficiently for all Maine people.”

The House vote to override failed 67-75. It would have required two-thirds of those present and voting to override the governor’s veto.
 


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