Maine: Maine House

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine House overwhelmingly rejected a bill to prohibit the use of a handheld cell phones and other electronic devices while driving after representatives were assured that a broader bill to deal with distracted drivers will appear. The House voted 103-43 to reject the bill.

During a debate Thursday, opponents said they objected to exceptions listed in the bill, including police, corrections officers, firefighters, commercial drivers, doctors and others who use handheld cell phones while driving as part of their employment.

Rep. Douglas Thomas, a Ripley Republican, said the bill would let someone driving a 100,000-pound logging truck in a snowstorm talk on the cell phone, while banning it for someone driving a car in dry conditions.

BANGOR, Maine — As city leaders continue delicately discussing plans for a new arena and civic center, a state senator has introduced legislation that would ask the state to kick in up to $25 million toward the project.

Joseph Perry, D-Bangor, drafted LD 507, An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for the Construction of a Multi-use Arena in Bangor, because he said the city should not be solely financially responsible for something that will benefit the entire region.

Perry said he recognizes it’s not easy in the current economic climate to ask taxpayers for more money, but he also said this is exactly the kind of project Maine residents should get behind.

When Hannah Pingree was sworn in as the new Maine House speaker Wednesday, her family sat to her left. This included her mom, Chellie Pingree, who was elected to Congress last month.

Both Pingrees are Democrats from North Haven.

“It’s unbelievable to have a daughter who is so competent, and so good at her job,” Chellie Pingree said.

Pingree said that sitting in front of the House chamber reminded her about her time in the state Senate where she launched her political career.

Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven), the newly-elected House speaker, addressed the chamber during Wednesday’s inauguration proceedings. See video of her speech below.