One of four Republican senators who had held out against the proposal, Collins reached her decision after receiving support for several amendments she proposed to the bill.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
Sen. Collins, a key vote on Republican tax plan, pushes amendments to address ‘a lot of concerns’
Sen. King and others also submit changes, forcing a rewrite of the debt-raising bill and postponing a major vote until at least Friday.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Negotiations ease ‘a lot of’ Collins’ concerns about tax reform bill
The senator whose ‘yes’ vote would be crucial to passing the sweeping plan makes positive comments after talks with President Trump and others.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine unemployment claims system will be down for a week
The blackout period from Thursday through Dec. 6 will allow the state to implement a cloud-based system for filing claims that is the product of a collaboration with three other states to reduce administrative costs and fraud.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland medical mission increases trips abroad
The fast-growing nonprofit Partners for World Health also is sending more supplies to Third World nations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine has nation’s highest rate of increased Affordable Care Act enrollment
The 72 percent jump over 2016 levels occurred despite efforts by the Trump administration to undermine the program and cut funding for outreach and advertising.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Neighbors wary as Maine Med seeks zoning change for its big expansion
City council is taking up the hospital’s long-term vision for streets near its growing campus, and some worry about the potential impact on development, housing and amenities such as restaurants.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Sen. Collins criticizes some provisions of Republican tax reform bill
Maine’s senior senator has strong reservations about repealing the ACA’s individual mandate, as well as making corporate tax cuts permanent while those for middle-class families would end after nine years.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Tick-borne anaplasmosis surging in Maine – and it’s worse than Lyme
The illness produces more severe symptoms than Lyme disease and is more difficult to detect; reported cases surged from 52 five years ago to 433 so far this year.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Sen. King requests open enrollment extension for Affordable Care Act insurance
He says Mainers should have more time to sign up for coverage because many in the state went days without power and internet access following last week’s storm.