The huge package passed by Congress will provide cash-strapped local governments a substantial source of additional revenue over the next two years, and some already have ideas on how to use it.
Congress
Sens. Collins and King to join weekend COVID-19 relief negotiations with Biden administration
The two Maine senators are part of a group of bipartisan moderates known as the ‘Gang of 16,’ which led passage of the $900 billion relief package last month.
Maine historians see unprecedented event in storming of U.S. Capitol
The breach of the Capitol building by pro-Trump extremists is more in line with coups that have occurred in other, less stable countries.
Snags on COVID-19 relief will likely force weekend session in Congress
Negotiators managed to keep their frustrations in check, at least publicly, even as the chances for announcing a deal Thursday seemed to slip away.
Maine congressional delegation supports more coronavirus relief, but priorities vary
All four of the state’s delegates to Congress back more aid for state and local governments, however, opinions differ on whether to send another round of stimulus checks directly to Maine households.
From a distance, Maine’s congressional delegation continues to work
Maine’s four members of Congress are at home and taking precautions as they hear from constituents and try to keep the federal coronavirus response on track.
House passes bill to force federal action on ‘forever chemicals’ with Pingree, Golden amendments
The bill would force the EPA to develop health standards for the substances and would add PFAS to the list of chemicals in the agency’s ‘Safer Choice’ labels program.
House passes Rep. Pingree’s measure to protect working waterfronts
Rep. Chellie Pingree’s bill would provide federal loans and grants to preserve access for fishermen, boatyards and the public and defend against climate change damage.
Senate version of renewed Violence Against Women Act would weaken tribal courts
Penobscots have sought jurisdiction over domestic violence on their reservation, as allowed under a House version of the bill.
Collins’ vote on border wall measure becomes fodder for Democrats
The Maine Democratic Party faults her for voting against an amendment on Trump’s border wall, but she says it was the wrong legislation to address presidential overreach.