BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 15, 2022
Tribal chiefs on Tuesday reemphasized their support for a sweeping sovereignty measure that they are still lobbying lawmakers to pass over Gov. Janet Mills’ objections while taking steps toward a compromise with the governor. The remarks by three leaders of Maine’s federally recognized tribes came at the outset of an emotional hearing before the Legislature’s judiciary committee on a bill looking to give tribes more sovereignty over taxation, sporting, natural resources and criminal justice on their lands. Mills has long been against a wide overhaul of the 1980s agreement with Maine tribes that gives them less authority than others enjoy. Instead, the Democratic governor has proposed a starting point compromise that would give the tribes control of a new mobile sports betting market, provide tax benefits and create a process by which Maine would consult with the tribes on policies that affect them.