Maine Budget Top On Maine Legislative Agenda

Written by Associated Press

Sunday, January 03, 2010

A gaping state budget hole resulting from relentless revenue shortfalls will be the center of Maine lawmakers' attention during the 2010 election-year session, which starts Wednesday.

But cell phone safety, ATV regulation and highway funding also will be on the agenda.

Even before they return to the State House for Wednesday's opening, lawmakers agree on one thing: The all-consuming issue will be how to make up for a $438 million shortfall in the state's two-year, $5.8 billion budget.

Concerns about the deteriorating condition of Maine's highways and bridges will also be on the agenda.

Other bills would allow wardens to stop ATV operators on private land without reasonable suspicion, strengthen Maine's laws against operating "puppy mills," and require that firewood brought into the state by campers is kiln dried to avoid importation of harmful insects.

Source: http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsme/Budget.cuts.top.2.1402634.html

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

State by State Momentum

Community Voices

“It’s frustrating having a hunt ruined by people riding ATVs where off-road vehicle use is prohibited. Many ATVs look the same so there’s no way to identify violators when reporting the incident to law enforcement. There should be a requirement that off-road vehicles used on public lands have license plates or large decals. Any ATV user who follows the law and land management directives on where they can and can not use these machines should have no objection to this type of identification.”

- Holly Endersby, hunter from western Idaho