Federal administrator warns state policy to put photos on EBT cards voluntary and federal funding tied to state’s observance of law.
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 inNews
Some say Maine DHHS required them to get EBT card photos
Recipients and their advocates say DHHS workers often require photos, affirming the USDA’s criticism that the policy is unclear.
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Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Mainers with disabilities to gain Medicaid services in lawsuit settlement
The state has settled the class-action lawsuit filed last year on behalf of people with autism and intellectual disabilities who were waiting for services.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine DHHS Commissioner to feds: Don’t undermine welfare reform efforts
Mary Mayhew responded sharply to a USDA letter about the state’s recent plan to put photo ID on EBT cards given to food stamp recipients.
Posted inAnimals, Lifestyle, News
Furry mystery pops out of duffel bag: A feline from (far) away
Spice needs a ride home after sneaking out of a house in Albuquerque and somehow traveling 2,300 miles to Portland.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Gas prices drop, but Maine businesses not too pumped
Big fuel users like trucking companies and municipalities say they welcome the savings but prefer stability to cycles of ups and downs.
Posted inNews, Schools and Education
Panel gives initial approval for Maine’s second virtual charter school, will begin contract talks
The 6-1 vote comes after a two-year process that led to added requirements for the online school and K12 Inc., a for-profit educational services provider.
Posted inElections, News, Politics
Ranked-choice voting advocates gathered 36,000 signatures on Election Day
The one-day total is more than half of what is needed to force a statewide referendum on a new voting system.
Posted inNews, Politics
Republicans elect new Maine legislative leaders
Mike Thibodeau, a senator from Winterport and a close ally of Gov. Paul LePage, will be Senate president.
Posted inElections, Elections 2014, Maine, Maine Governor's race, Politics
LePage win proved cheap compared with rivals’ spending
Spending on the Maine gubernatorial race totaled almost $19.2 million, more than twice what was spent in 2010.