Because of a loophole, water-resistant clothing made with harmful ‘forever chemicals’ qualifies for a lower import tax. New legislation seeks to change that.
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 inHealth, Local & State
Sanford girl gets new lungs as organ donations, transplants increase in Maine
Successful transplants have increased in Maine and across the nation over the past five years as awareness grows and the science improves.
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Posted inHealth
Maine health groups push for law to protect access to discount drug program
Supporters say the bill is intended to help community health clinics access discounted drugs, but the pharmaceutical industry accuses hospitals of exploiting the program to increase profits.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Reported flu cases in Maine double over 2 weeks
Meanwhile, COVID-19 is showing up at ‘very high’ levels in wastewater tests, even as COVID hospitalizations remain flat.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Judge suspends Trump funding freeze as Maine, other states challenge order’s legality
Maine’s entire congressional delegation criticized the order, with Sen. Angus King declaring it ‘blatantly unconstitutional’ and Sen. Susan Collins saying the directive is ‘too sweeping.’
Posted inHealth
Maine scientists concerned by pause in health reports, other disruptions at federal DHHS
The Trump administration’s ban on communications and move to halt other activities could affect Maine research centers if they continue beyond this week.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Nonprofit agencies say Mills administration’s cutbacks jeopardize health services
A decision to revoke cost-of-living increases in reimbursements for Medicaid services this month came as a surprise to nonprofits.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine’s ACA enrollment up slightly for 2025
Enrollment for 2025 increased 3% to 64,678 people, which is far below the peak enrollment of 84,059 in 2016.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State
Maine hospitals sound alarm about proposed cuts in Gov. Mills’ budget
The reimbursement rate cutbacks would amount to about a 36% cut in Medicaid payments to some doctors, according to hospital operators.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Maine Chamber of Commerce, BIW sue Mills administration over paid family leave rules
The lawsuit challenges a provision that requires employers to pay taxes for several months before they can opt out by providing an equivalent plan.