PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 21, 2020
As the gears of the Maine Legislature grind fully back to action minority Republicans and majority Democrats diverge considerably on many priorities. Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, hopes to resurrect a bill to pay Maine farms to provide surplus food to local food pantries and food banks. Jackson and Sen. Jeff Timberlake, R-Turner, the minority leader, want the Legislature to help expand reliable broadband internet access in rural Maine. House Democrats want to implement the findings of the Maine Climate Council and advance legislation that supports clean energy. House Republicans want to curtail the executive powers Gov. Mills has used to place restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.