A proposal approved by Maine Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee last week slightly shifts the tax burden from middle and lower income people to the wealthy. It proposes a wealth tax of 2% for individuals with incomes over $1 million and couples earning over $2 million. For example, an individual with a taxable income […]

Maine’s domestic violence resource centers are no longer able to meet the demand for ourservices. At Through These Doors, Cumberland County’s only domestic violence resource center, we were forced to reduce staffing levels due to flat funding from the state of Maine and reduced federal funds. TTD employees provide advocacy through our 24-hour crisis helpline, emergency shelter, support groups, local courthouses and […]

This spring, there are a few things we can do to help the animals that are going to be on the move with warmer weather. Insects are hibernating under leaves and aren’t ready to come out until the nights are warmer. Wait to rake leaves and clean up the garden until the nighttime temperatures are […]

“No taxation without representation” was one of the rallying cries of the American Revolution. It reflected a simple belief, if the government expected our money, our obedience and our trust, then it owes us accountability. Apparently, elected officials no longer agree. I have contacted my state representative seven separate times with a simple question. Seven […]

I grew up in a home where sex was not discussed. It goes without saying that birth control was off the table entirely. Thank goodness for Planned Parenthood. I knew about the clinic because they came to my school to answer questions. I had so many; about periods (menstruation), rubbers (condoms), the pill (birth control), […]

I have appreciated Susan Collins often. However, if she truly represents Maine voters, she’d only have to follow recent Maine referendum results, when — just last year — the broadly popular proposal to show an ID to vote got loaded up with far-right wish list items. It was defeated almost 2-1. Rather than supporting Trump’s […]

A huge thumbs down to the Maine Sunday Telegram for agreeing to publish cartoonist Brian Bassett’s “The Family Circus” on March 29.  In the cartoon, a little boy releases his balloon outside to send it to his granddad in heaven. The last frame of the cartoon shows that the balloon reached his granddad, who received it […]

Tired of increasing property taxes? Contact your legislator and urge them to support a sustainable funding model that adjusts annually based on inflation and mandated services: LD 2232, “ An Act to Increase County Jail Funding.” Since 2021, the state of Maine has capped the amount counties can raise through property taxes for jail operations […]

Isn’t it intriguing that a Republican candidate thinks the rules don’t apply to them. The Portland Press Herald has made it clear that Jonathan Bush does not meet the residency requirement of five years living in the state by time of inauguration, to serve as governor of Maine. Yet he is seeking the GOP nomination. […]