Governor Mills rejects bills expanding federal benefits for Maine tribes and promoting climate-friendly initiatives

Maine Governor Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that aimed to expand federal benefits for Maine tribes, citing concerns about potential legal conflicts between federal laws and the state's jurisdiction over the tribes. The bill had received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Supporters argue that the bill would provide tribes with access to federal programs and certainty, while opponents worry about the override of state jurisdiction and potential confusion. The veto sets up a possible bipartisan override vote in the Legislature.