BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 9, 2022
Backers of a sweeping tribal sovereignty effort so far stymied by diverse opposition and the COVID-19 pandemic are preparing a final push in the Legislature this year ahead of an uncertain 2022 election that could reshape state government. An omnibus bill would alter terms of a 1980s land-claims settlement between Maine and three tribes — the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy and Maliseets. Some Democrats on the Legislature’s judiciary panel joined with most Republicans in voting against the first proposal when it advanced in 2020. One was Rep. Chris Babbidge, D-Kennebunk, who has submitted a narrower bill on legal autonomy and land acquisition. He described a concern about expanded gaming and mining in the state. Though he expressed a desire to see injustices to tribes righted, his major concern was that Maine might not have a say in future tribal matters.