AUGUSTA (AP) — The 125th Maine Legislature is adjourning after clearing its agenda for 2011 and 2012.
Before the gavel came down early today, leaders emphasized bipartisan gains while recognizing partisan differences that also marked the session.
In his parting speech, Republican Senate President Kevin Raye of Perry noted that five of six state budgets were passed with unanimous, bipartisan support of the Appropriations Committee.
For the first time in decades, Republicans controlled both legislative chambers while a GOP governor was in office.
During the two-year session, lawmakers enacted regulatory reforms and overhauled health insurance laws, cut state debts, passed highway safety laws such as no texting while driving, reduced the social service rolls and took steps to curb domestic violence.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less