AUGUSTA — An economist says Maine needs to find ways to capitalize on the growing number of older adults who are staying in the workforce longer than ever. John Dorrer, who specializes in workforce development, told a panel of lawmakers, education and business leaders Tuesday that there’s been a dramatic increase in the number of […]
politics
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Democrat Smith reports $8,054 raised for 2nd Congressional District race
PORTLAND — Former Navy officer Alden Smith raised just over $8,000 from July through September for his campaign for the Maine’s 2nd Congressional District seat. In his quarterly finance report filed with the Federal Election Commission, Smith reported raising $8,054 during the quarter. Smith, of Sangerville, is one of three Democrats running for the seat […]
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Posted inMaine
Lawmakers get update on status of Riverview
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday were updated on the status of the state’s embattled Riverview Psychiatric Center. The state’s only “forensic” hospital that houses people with violent mental illnesses has for months been under the scrutiny of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The hospital is […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Fredette doesn’t have high hopes for his welfare reform bill
AUGUSTA — A bill by the state’s House Republican leader to require able-bodied Mainers to show they have applied for three jobs before receiving welfare benefits could be killed even before the Legislature reconvenes in January. Republicans in the State House have made clear that welfare reform will be their top priority in the truncated […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislators to discuss MaineCare transportation programs
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers are set to receive a briefing on the $40 million MaineCare rides program after reports of missed rides and thousands of complaints. The Portland Press Herald reports that Tuesday’s progress report could determine whether legislative leaders push to cancel any contracts with private companies that provide transportation to and from medical appointments […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Mohamed seeking School Committee seat as write-in
First of five stories about the Lewiston School Committee races for the Nov. 5 election. Next: incumbent Paul St. Pierre is being challenged by former legislator Stavros Mendos in Ward 2. LEWISTON — If he wins, Lewiston School Committee candidate Jama Mohamed, 29, would be the first Somali Bantu to hold an elected public office […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Farm bill battle could affect milk prices
WASHINGTON — The fight over renewing the nation’s farm bill has centered on cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program. But there could be unintended consequences if no agreement is reached: higher milk prices. Members of the House and Senate are scheduled to begin long-awaited negotiations on the five-year, roughly $500 billion bill this […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Three bond issues to fund higher education projects
AUGUSTA — Maine voters will be considering three separate bonding requests for higher education on next week’s ballot. The approach by state education leaders differs from a year ago, when a single bond proposal for three state institutions was rejected by a narrow margin. Voters on Nov. 5 will be asked if they support a […]
Posted inLetters
S. Lyons: Vote for moderates
Everything in moderation. Isn’t that what we are taught? It is OK to eat food with high calories as long as you don’t overdo it. Similarly, it is OK to have a drink or two as long as you know your limit. Then shouldn’t moderation be the same for politics? The voting public continues to […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
3 running unopposed for Auburn School Committee
Last of four stories about Auburn School Committee election on Nov. 5. In this story we profile uncontested candidates Bonnie Hayes, running opposed for Ward 2, and Tracey Levesque, running unopposed for Ward 4. The Sun Journal attempted to profile Michael Farrell, who is running unopposed for Ward 1. When asked the five questions, Farrell […]