Maine governor, many lawmakers at odds with 4 referendums

PORTLAND — Maine voters thought they approved sweeping changes to the state's rules on marijuana, taxes, voting and the minimum wage when they went to the polls last year.

But think again.

The four referendums have hit roadblocks as Republican Gov. Paul LePage, the state Legislature and the courts have weighed in. The final rule changes could be very different from the proposals voters approved in November.

Maine's Constitution makes clear that the referendums are like any other law. But just like any other law, they can be taken off the books, said Marshall Tinkle, a Portland attorney and author of "The Maine State Constitution."

"But I would say it's politically dicey when people of Maine decide that they want something, and the governor or the legislature decide they just don't want to implement it," he added.

Read more: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/maine/2017/05/26/maine-governor-many-lawmakers-odds-4-referendums/2138290