Black women in Maine are four times more likely than white women to start prenatal care late, or not at all, a disparity tied with Texas as the nation’s largest.
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature delays floor session after two members test positive for COVID-19
The House and Senate floor sessions scheduled for next Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center have been postponed until May 19.
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Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers hear conflicting arguments on bill to ban sales of flavored tobacco products in Maine
Proponents said the ban would save lives and protect children from tobacco manufacturers’ marketing efforts, but others said a ban would simply drive consumers into New Hampshire to buy products.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Sports
Dozens testify in opposition to bills to ban female transgender athletes
Two Republican-backed bills are similar to legislation being pushed by conservatives in at least 30 other states.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
‘Guilt by Accusation’ bill defeated in Judiciary Committee
The act would have forced media outlets to cover the outcomes of court proceedings with the same weight and on the same page as the original crime story, and remove mugshots from articles in certain cases, or face civil penalties.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Panel endorses bill to have voters elect Maine attorney general, other officers
Maine is one of the few states in which legislators, rather than voters, choose the attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bills on tribal sovereignty issue likely delayed until next year
Leaders of tribal nations in Maine say the state has failed to recognize their sovereignty and want an overhaul of the landmark 1980 agreement with the state.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine fishing interests seek total ban on offshore wind energy
A Republican-backed bill to prohibit all future offshore wind development in the state faces an uphill battle, with Democrats in control.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Direct care workers urge lawmakers to raise pay rates to combat staffing shortages
A workforce shortage and low wages have created a crisis for those who need help from direct care workers. On Monday, some workers made their case for a pay hike to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
Posted inLocal & State, News
With $461 million surplus in sight, State House leaders ponder spending, tax relief plans
The revenue projection is driving conversations that range from income tax relief to investments in education, health care, nursing homes and economic development.