Maine has the nation’s 7th-highest rate of non-medical opt-outs and high rates of infectious diseases like whooping cough.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Posted inBusiness, Politics
Unemployment a maze for federal workers during shutdown
Some are hesitant to apply, knowing they will have to pay back the unemployment benefits when they finally return to work.
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Posted inBusiness, News, Politics, Schools & Education
Mills names former House Speaker Hannah Pingree to head new office of innovation
Pingree says Maine’s Office of Innovation and the Future will look for solutions in early-childhood education, the opioid crisis, broadband expansion and other areas.
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics
This year’s legislative session may pit Mills against her own party on taxes
Maine’s new governor has vowed not to raise taxes in her first 2-year budget proposal, but Democratic lawmakers’ agenda calls for more state spending.
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics
New year brings changes as Mainers begin to file tax returns
The standard deduction has roughly doubled, and those with dependent children and those who itemize deductions will see differences.
Posted inPolitics
Debate brews over splitting Maine’s agriculture, conservation department
Some interest groups who represent farmers and conservationists want to break up the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, but Gov. Janet Mills has reservations.
Posted inNews, Politics
Strimling gets fundraising jump for re-election bid he hasn’t yet announced
Portland’s mayor, who proposed reforms this week to ‘get the big money out of municipal politics,’ has already raised more than $40,000.
Posted inPolitics
Task force calls for $75 million for Maine land conservation, state parks
The draft recommendations were compiled by a diverse group of 20 organizations discussing the ‘next generation’ of land conservation.
Posted inBusiness, Politics
House speaker proposes new tax to fund paid leave for Maine workers
Democrat Sara Gideon’s bill would go beyond a federal law requiring most employers to give unpaid leave, and she says that would help Maine build ‘a strong, vibrant workforce.’
Posted inPolitics
Mills releases bonds for senior housing that LePage blocked for 3 years
The $15 million package would create an estimated 200 new affordable housing units, with $500,000 earmarked for home repairs for low-income seniors.