Can a Maine Oyster Farmer Defeat a Five-Term Republican Senator?
Portland Press Herald
- A new study commissioned by a real estate group says Portland’s rent control policy has shifted millions of dollars in property tax burden onto homeowners and away from commercial property owners. The study concluded that rent control reduces Portland’s taxable property base by 3.2% to 5.4%, shifting $6.3 million to $10.6 million annually in tax burden onto residential homeowners.
Rep. Edward Crockett of Portland has unenrolled as a Democrat and is running for governor as an independent. Crockett, who is in his fourth term representing parts of Portland and Falmouth, announced his candidacy Wednesday.
“My values and beliefs haven’t changed at all,” Crockett said during a phone interview Wednesday of his decision to unenroll from the Democratic Party in August. “The major parties have lost their way … and the trust of the people.”
- Hundreds of new Maine laws took effect Wednesday. Here are a few to know.
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Mobile home park protections: Residents gain the right of first refusal to buy parks, access to a new state fund for purchases, and a 90-day notice requirement for rent increases.
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Abortion provider anonymity: Doctors prescribing abortion medication can keep their names off labels, shielding them from harassment and legal intimidation.
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Child online harassment safeguards: Families can now seek lawsuits or harassment orders to protect children from doxxing and online targeting.
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Ticket sales transparency: New rules require clear fee disclosures, ban bots and speculative sales, cap resale markups at 10%, and mandate refunds for counterfeit tickets.
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Stronger pesticide penalties: Fines for violations increase significantly, up to $50,000 in serious cases, especially when offenders benefit financially.
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School policies required: Districts must adopt cellphone use policies by 2026 and establish minimum and maximum classroom temperature standards
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