AUGUSTA, Maine — Lawmakers failed to override several of Governor Janet Mills' vetoed bills on Friday as delegations reconvened for Veto Day.
Gov. Janet Mills vetoed eight bills this year, which span issues from banning "bump stock" devices to creating a minimum wage for farm workers.
"We passed it in committee exactly what was proposed from all of the stakeholders from her own Department of Agriculture, and for her to veto that was very disappointing," Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Penobscot, said. "It's important to say that's a basic right that has been denied to too many people, for far to long."
Tipping was among several lawmakers also pushing for another vetoed bill that would have required labor negotiations on clean energy projects. However, that bill failed to overturn.
After several gun safety legislation passed, other Democrats were disappointed to see the governor veto a bill that would have put a ban on "bump stock" devices.
"I'm really disappointed it was vetoed. I think it's a big issue of public safety," Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cumberland, said. Carney was a sponsor of multiple gun safety legislation proposed in the 131 legislative session.
In Mills' reasonings on why she vetoed the bill, she notes the language of the bill would overstretch federal regulations on similar devices. However, Carney points out an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case may change things.
"And so if that regulation is stricken, then there will be no federal limit on the sale of bump stocks," Carney said.
Republicans at Friday's Veto Day stood their ground on agreeing with the Democratic governor's vetoes.
"Our caucus is pretty united on sustaining all of these vetoes. They were all bills that we largely disagreed on to begin with," Rep. David Boyer, R-Poland, said.
Several dozen other spending bills were also enacted in the Maine Senate. Those bills now head back to the governor's desk for signature, despite her warning to lawmakers the consequences overspending might have on the state budget.