Maine governor won't sign 35 bills adopted on final day
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The chaotic conclusion of the Maine Legislature’s session won’t include any new laws: Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said Tuesday she won’t sign any of the 35 bills sent to her on the final day of the session, allowing all of them to die.
Mills, who believed Democratic leaders were disregarding her request to be fiscally responsible, was at odds with those who sought to vote on 80 additional bills requiring spending on a final day, which is normally reserved for vetoes. She said it was wrong to try to adopt so many additional bills after the statutory adjournment date had passed.
Mills’ position caused tension when the Senate attempted to deliver 35 enacted bills to her office on Friday. Her office initially declined to accept them, creating a standoff between the executive and legislative branches. The House did not try to adopt additional bills, heeding the governor’s wishes. Ultimately, lawmakers adjourned without further action.