The Augustan: Saturday, March 1, 2008

State law enforcement officials: Mainers shouldn't be alarmed by this year's relatively high rate of murders.

Toxicologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention was kicked off an independent review board studying a controversial flame retardent chemical because of bias.

LD 2181 would allow consumers to receive a cash refund on gift card balances of $5 or less.

Health and Services Committee approved LD 1967, a bill that would establish a consumer council for the mentally ill and give it separate funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Senator Susan Collins urged Governor Baldacci to seek a waiver from the Department of Homeland Security regarding implementation of the Real ID law.

PPH: State should not balance budget by raising taxes.

Department of Transportation officials said their "seriously low" supply of salt could force them to use only sand on secondary roads throughout the state.

Agriculture Committee unanimously approved a revised version of LD 2010, a bill that would ensure safe and ethical breeding of cats and dogs.

LD 2172 would require all Maine children to have their blood tested for lead before being allowed to start school.

LD 1902 would bring Maine into compliance with federal law by requiring the state to report its mental health court records to a national database, therefore prohibiting anyone who has been involuntarily committed to a mental health instititution by a court from buying, owning, or using a gun.

SJ: Legislature should not outlaw energy drink consumption by minors, but should allow the direct shipment of wine to Mainers' homes.

- John C.L. Morgan