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Sen. Collins continues to reject more judicial nominees under Biden than previous administrations
Nearly three years into President Joe Biden’s term, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ rate of opposition to judicial nominees is notably higher than it was during the Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton administrations — a shift that comes amid a push by Democrats to counter the conservative tilt of the federal bench. Of the 159 Biden […]
Union leaders say strike at Woodland Pulp was key to reaching new contract agreement
Following the end last week of a lengthy strike at Woodland Pulp, Washington County’s largest employer, leaders of the unions involved said the decision by workers to walk off the job was crucial in reaching a new contract agreement with the company. As Maine Morning Star previously reported, the strike at the mill in Baileyville […]
Energy committee rejects water contract bill after Poland Spring lobbying effort
A legislative committee on Wednesday voted against a bill opposed by Poland Spring that would limit the contract length bottled water companies can sign with municipal utilities — dealing a blow to the measure’s chances of passing. The vote in the Energy, Utilities and Technology (EUT) Committee against LD 1111, sponsored by Rep. Maggie O’Neil […]
Advocates say projected revenue surplus should be spent on housing, childcare and other social services
Maine’s Revenue Forecasting Committee on Tuesday projected that the state will have a $265 million budget surplus over fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and an additional $257 million over the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, continuing a trend of revenue growth that dates back to the pandemic. State officials said Tuesday that the projected revenue […]
Maine Bureau of Insurance warns about scams when searching online for health coverage
The Maine Bureau of Insurance on Monday warned customers to be careful when searching online for health insurance, warning that they could end unintentionally up with a policy with limited benefits. Open enrollment in Maine began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 16, during which time many Mainers will purchase insurance plans. In a news […]
Proposal to expand MaineCare to immigrants voted down by legislative council
An emergency bill proposal to restore Medicaid coverage to low-income Mainers, regardless of their immigration status, was shot down earlier this month by legislative leaders — a setback for a long-running campaign for health care equity. The second session of the 131st Legislature will begin in earnest in January, and unlike the first session, any […]
In aftermath of Question 3, public power proponents contemplate their next move
Following the defeat earlier this month of a ballot question that sought to replace Central Maine Power and Versant with a consumer-owned utility, proponents of that referendum are uncertain about what comes next but maintain that the current power system needs significant reform to work better for customers. The referendum, Question 3, would have set […]
State workers deliver over 1000 personal letters urging Gov. Mills to close state employee pay gap
Maine government workers delivered over 1,000 personal letters to Gov. Janet Mills on Thursday urging her to close the state employee pay gap and improve labor conditions — an action that comes as contract negotiations between the administration and the state workers union have dragged on for months without an agreement. Before delivering the letters, […]
Renewed energy to address Maine’s ‘broken’ mental health care system in upcoming session
Maine’s mental health care system is fractured and scattered, with chronic underfunding and gaps in services that prevent many from accessing the care they need. That’s what providers, advocates and lawmakers pushing for change say. And although progress has been made during the Mills administration to begin rectifying these issues, they say much more is […]
Muslim elected officials urge Maine’s Members of Congress to back calls for Gaza ceasefire
Muslim elected officials in Maine on Monday urged the state’s congressional delegation to support a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel’s bombardment of the densely-populated area continues, saying that the targeting of civilians is a violation of international law, no matter their faith or ethnicity. A ceasefire measure has been put forward in Congress by U.S. […]
Activists arrested at Rep. Golden’s Bangor office amid increased calls for ceasefire in Gaza
Seven protesters were arrested at Rep. Jared Golden’s office in Bangor on Wednesday night after staging a sit-in to demand that the Maine Democrat call for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the death toll from Israeli strikes has surpassed 10,000 people, including many children. “As residents of Maine, we are here today to demand that […]
Beyond the questions, here’s how Maine’s other big races shook out Tuesday
Along with high-profile referendum questions, Maine voters weighed in on a number of municipal contests Tuesday, electing a new mayor in Portland, sending a mayoral race in Lewiston to a runoff and picking several new members of the city council in Bangor. Here is a rundown of how some of this year’s local races turned […]