The bill would raise the hourly minimum incrementally to $9.50 by 2018, but Gov. LePage is likely to veto it even if it passes the Senate.
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions.
Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects LePage bill to end state income tax
Republicans backed the governor’s call for an amendment to the Maine Constitution, but Democrats, who control the House, said the move would blow a huge hole in the state’s budget.
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Posted inNews, Politics
No take-it-slow start for rookie Maine legislator
Republican Eric Brakey jumps into the fray and sponsors dozens of bills, earning a win on concealed handguns and praise for his hard work and even temperament.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
By peddling tax plan, LePage hopes it has legs
The governor says, “Maine is on a three-legged stool. It’s pretty stable – sit on it (and) it won’t go forward, it won’t go backwards; it doesn’t move. But Maine has to get off that stool and get on a two-wheeled bike so we can pedal into the future and much more prosperity.”
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
If income tax reform fails, LePage tells forum he’ll lead push to let voters decide
‘Get rid of the income tax or get rid of the bums who don’t let you have a say,’ he tells his audience.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lewiston police actively recruiting officers from growing immigrant community
With a significant number of non-whites solidly established in the city after a wave of immigration, officials say diversifying the force would be a step toward full integration.
Posted inLocal & State, News
LePage nominates three judges to Maine Superior Court
The promotions of Wayne Douglas, Bruce Mallonee and Lance Walker, all District Court judges, will need to be confirmed by the Maine Senate.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Some Maine retailers phasing out products that harm bees
Consumers still encounter confusion over labeling plants that are treated with neonicotinoids that are harmful to honey bees.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Minot woman awarded $7.65 million in malpractice case
She sued Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for failing to spot her cervical cancer.
Posted inLocal & State, News
A tempest of conflicts swirls within Maine anti-wind nonprofit
Decisions by executives with the Friends of Maine’s Mountains raised ethical questions that attracted unusual scrutiny by the Attorney General’s Office.