AUGUSTA

Minimum wage bill heads to LePage for consideration

Maine lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Paul LePage’s desk that would incrementally raise the state’s minimum wage.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature gave final approval to the bill this week.

The bill would boost Maine’s $7.50 hourly minimum wage in stages to $9 by 2016, and then raise it annually to account for inflation.

LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett said the governor is still reviewing the bill and has not yet taken any action. The minimum wage bill was sent to the Republican governor Thursday along with about 30 others that lawmakers already approved but couldn’t move forward because they have a price tag. After finalizing the state budget, lawmakers decided which bills should be funded and sent them to LePage for his signature or a veto.

Attorney general warns of deed processing notice

Maine’s attorney general is warning about a deed processing notice that could cost consumers too much money.

Janet Mills said the notices mailed to homes tell consumers to send $83 to obtain a copy of their real estate deed. Mills said if people want a copy of their deed, they can get it much quicker and cheaper from their county registry of deeds.

She said the mailed notices appear to be designed to alarm and deceive consumers into paying an unwarranted price.

– From staff and news services