The latest edition of our Impact newsletter is now available!
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Weekly edition of IMPACT, a publication of the Maine State Chamber | January 20, 2022
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First Labor committee work session spells bad news for business
Democrats approve two costly mandates on small business
At its first work session of the Second Session of the 130th Legislature, the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing sharply divided along party line on two bills that hold significant cost consequences for all Maine employers, but particularly small businesses. With all eight Democrats on the committee voting to approve, and all five Republicans opposing, a majority of the committee approved amended version of LD 225, An Act Regarding the Treatment of Vacation Time upon the Cessation of Employment, sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor), and LD 607, An Act to Restore Overtime Protection for Maine Workers, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland).
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State and Local Government committee holds public hearing on legislation that would hurt 5G expansion in Maine
On Wednesday, January 19, the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government as a public hearing on LD 383, An Act Concerning Small Wireless Facilities in Maine. This bill was introduced as a concept draft by Rep. Sophia Warren (D-Scarborough) more than a year ago. An amendment was introduced on Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours before the public hearing. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce submitted testimony in opposition to LD 383.
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Upcoming Public Hearings of Interest
Public hearings are open to everyone, despite the Statehouse’s continued “restricted access” status. Currently, Maine State Chamber members should plan to watch and listen to legislative committees by using one of the Legislature’s YouTube channels. The Legislature also released these guides for participation in public hearings and work sessions, and you will need to register to submit testimony if you plan to testify on a particular bill. Also, this public hearing schedule is subject to changes and updates; we advise that you check the committee’s calendar or contact the committee clerk. Each committee name listed below is linked to the corresponding committee page.
View the list of Public Hearings for January 24 through February 4, 2022...
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Taxation committee reviews OPEGA report on BETR / BETE and Maine Capital Investment Credit
On Tuesday, January 18, the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation held its first meeting of the Second Regular Session of the 130th Maine Legislature. The committee met for the purpose of reviewing reports completed by the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA). The committee reviewed OEPGA’s reports on the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement Program (BETR), the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) and the Maine Capital Investment Credit (MCIC). OPEGA completed these reviews in February 2020.
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Anti-business rhetoric holds us back
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