Some see the controversial bill in the Legislature as a means of improving working conditions at badly understaffed hospitals; others say the flexibility is what allows them to do their jobs.
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 inLocal & State, Politics
Activists on both sides of abortion debate fill the halls in Maine’s State House
A proposal backed by Gov. Janet Mills to expand abortion access later in pregnancy is headed for votes next week in the House and Senate.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State
Portland nursing home sees surge in COVID-19 cases
Sixty-six cases of COVID-19 have been reported since May 14 among staff and residents at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Residence.
Posted inLocal & State
Rainy, cold weather may have silver lining: fewer browntail moths
The weather conditions may have caused the proliferation of a fungus that kills the browntail moth caterpillars.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Parents of special needs children place hopes in bill that would pay them as caregivers
The bill, by Rep. Jessica Fay, was voted unanimously out of committee
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine researchers, patients help shed new light on mysteries of long COVID
A new national study tracked 10,000 patients in Maine and across the country.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes changes to paid family leave plan
As proponents rally to build support for the bill, the governor recommends tightening eligibility and reducing payouts for the proposal, which is under attack from some business groups that say it would be too burdensome on employers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Business groups come out against paid family leave proposal
But the groups also said they are willing to seek a compromise that could address the business community’s concerns.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers seek compromise on Maine paid family leave bill
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, will have a public hearing on Thursday.
Posted inLocal & State
Opportunity Alliance receives grant to help Maine immigrant community access infant food program
The $710,000 initiative will raise awareness in the immigrant community about the Women, Infants and Children food assistance program.