These are some of the stories central Maine is talking about today.

Immigrants and advocates are asking Maine lawmakers to dismiss Republican Gov. Paul LePage's proposed cuts to welfare. LePage's administration is proposing that the state no longer provide certain welfare benefits, like food stamps and general assistance, to non-citizens, like refugees and people seeking asylum. It's part of the governor's more than $6 billion budget plan. The move is expected to save more than $4 million. (AP)

Gov. Paul LePage says that eliminating the tax on military pensions is vital to attract veterans to Maine. LePage joined dozens of veterans at the Statehouse to highlight the need to exempt military pensions from the state income tax, which would benefit about 8,000 Maine veterans. He says that 22 other states already have such exemptions. The proposal is part of LePage's larger tax overhaul plan, which also includes lowering the personal and corporate income tax and eliminating the estate tax. (AP)

Maine's transportation officials say the state must double the amount of money it spends on bridges to ensure their safety and prevent significant long-term costs. The Maine DOT currently dedicates about $70 million a year for bridge replacement and maintenance projects. But a recent report by the department says it needs at least $140 million to slow deterioration and improve Maine's bridges. The Commissioner told lawmakers on the Transportation Committee that the report is just the beginning of a conversation the state needs to have on this issue.(AP)

Maine is making it more difficult to fish for smelts in an effort to help the fish rebuild populations that have plummeted in the state and elsewhere in New England. A Maine advisory committee decided the state will enact the new regulations to protect the declining populations of the fish. Smelts are popular in Maine among winter ice fishermen and as a batter fried treat. The new rules divide the state into three smelt management "zones," with the strictest rules on the southern coast. The rules mean no smelt fishing in the southern part of Maine from March 15 to June 30. State officials say spawning runs have declined by more than 50 percent compared to the late 1970s and early 1980s. (AP)

Another sure sign spring is coming. A group of experts will meet to determine what the ice and thick snowpack farther north mean for spring flooding along the river this year. According to the KJ, the River Flow Advisory Commission meets Thursday at the Maine Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Augusta to assess this year’s flood potential. It was formed after spring floods in 1983 to coordinate information collected by members of the group. (centralmaine.com)

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