LePage Vetoes Bill, Urges State to Comply with ID Standards
Republican Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill to help veterans access health care by issuing passport cards, according to the Associated Press.
A 2007 law bars Maine from complying with federal ID standards, like using facial recognition technology. The federal government last year denied a waiver to give Maine more time to comply. Now, Maine veterans can only access clinics on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard with Maine-issued driver's licenses and the latest veteran's health card.
But the AP reports bill sponsor Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, a veteran, said he hasn't been issued the latest heath ID. LePage said groups shouldn't get carve-outs and urged legislators to pass a bill requiring compliance with federal ID standards. Golden said veterans shouldn't have to wait for new driver's licenses, which could take months.
Lawmakers can override LePage's veto. (AP)