special session

Legislative Democrats were quick to point out that history appeared to be repeating itself after the Republicans proposed a special session without pay for legislators last week.

In 2004, the Democrats had approved retroactive legislation to waive pay for lawmakers in a special session that dovetailed the regular session. Republicans sued, won, and back pay was awarded.

The circumstances, however, were vastly different.

Maine Republican leaders are calling for a special legislative session in hopes of increasing funding to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Senate Minority Leader Carol Weston, R-Montville, and House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, R-Newport, hope to add $10 million to the fund. The money would have otherwise gone to Maine’s Budget Stabilization Fund which currently has $160 million.

“There is an immediate need for action,” said Senate Minority Leader Carol Weston, R-Montville, in a release.  “We have funds available to ease the energy burden facing our low income neighbors.  Now we are calling on the Governor and the Democratic leadership to work with us to make sure Maine families stay warm this winter.”