Why Maine voters wont have the last word on referendums they passed

[jpak]

http://bangordailynews.com/2016/12/11/the-point/why-maine-voters-wont-have-the-last-word-on-referendums-they-passed/?ref=comments

AUGUSTA, Maine — Four referendums passed by Maine voters last month will go into effect in January, but the political intrigue associated with them has just begun.

Once election results are final, the bills become law as they existed when they passed at the ballot box, but after that, lawmakers or executive branch agencies can propose any changes they wish.

Two of the referendums passed last month — the minimum wage increase and ranked-choice voting — will become law on Jan. 7, 2017, following proclamations of the election results by Gov. Paul LePage on Thursday. Two others — marijuana legalization and the 3 percent surtax for education — were delayed by recount requests but likely will follow suit.

Perceived flaws in some of the legislation will generate proposals in the 128th Legislature that could amend the bills. While swearing in the new Legislature on Wednesday, LePage urged them to slow the incremental increase of the minimum wage and delay implementation of the education surtax, warning that both initiatives will harm Maine’s economy.

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Fascist Pigs

yup