Bill Introduced to Keep Open Maine State Office in Houlton

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers will consider legislation this week that would reverse a decision to close a state office, causing 11 state workers to lose their jobs.

Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson's office said a committee will take up legislation Wednesday to keep open the Maine Revenue Service Office in Houlton. If approved, the Legislature will vote on the bill when it meets Thursday for a special session.

Department of Administrative and Financial Services Commissioner Sawin Millett decided earlier this month to close the office and consolidate operations in Augusta to save $900,000 over the two-year budget cycle.

Jackson criticized Republican Gov. Paul LePage in a statement for shuttering the office without public or legislative input. But the department has said LePage was not part of its decision to close the office.