House Minority Leader Ken Fredette, R-Newport, speaks during debate on L.D. 1089 – An Act To Prohibit the Use of Handheld Phones and Devices While Driving, on Tuesday at the State House. The Legislature passed the bill, which now moves on to Gov. Paul LePage.

An honorary page puts a note onto a member's desk during the Senate's morning session on Tuesday at the State House in Augusta. Legislators are trying to come to an agreement on a budget before a government shutdown is necessary.

Surrounded by judicial portraits, tourists on the fourth floor look up to the inside of the dome and down onto the third floor on Tuesday at the State House in Augusta. On Tuesday, LePage railed against lawmakers – including Senate Republicans – for not being willing to consider major changes to education spending and tax policy.

Speaker of the House Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, pounds the gavel during the session. Gov. LePage said earlier Tuesday that he will direct state agencies to prepare for a shutdown.

Rep. Gay Grant, D-Gardiner, speaks during debate on L.D. 1089 – An Act To Prohibit the Use of Handheld Phones and Devices While Driving, on Tuesday at the State House in Augusta.

Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, speaks during debate on Tuesday at the State House in Augusta.