The legislation could be transformative, supporters say, sharply reducing Maine’s chronic homelessness.
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
Portland region’s air quality gets mixed reviews, while Bangor’s is pristine, report says
American Lung Association’s report shows that ozone pollution is declining in much of the United States, but increased slightly in southern and coastal Maine.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State
Hospitals face new wave of competition from infusion centers
It’s the latest example of insurance companies partnering with independent centers to offer lower-cost outpatient services.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Bill would mandate nurse-to-patient ratios in Maine hospitals
Supporters say nurses are spread thin and overworked, but the Maine Hospital Association says the mandate would restrict patient care.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Clash over parents’ and students’ rights at hearing about school counselor rules
Parental rights advocates want the Legislature to block a proposed Department of Education rule that would direct school counselors to respect student confidentiality.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine House Speaker Talbot Ross touts ‘housing first’ plan
The plan would devote $13 million to support permanent housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Proposals to roll back school vaccine requirements draw crowd to State House
While the bills to reintroduce religious and philosophic exemptions for school vaccines have little chance of passing, advocates on both sides packed a daylong hearing before the Legislature’s Education Committee.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools and Education
Legislative committee endorses bill to study later school start times, longer lunch breaks
Committee members voted against proposals to mandate several such changes in school schedules.
Posted inLocal & State
Premature baby weighing just over 1 pound at birth goes home from hospital
The girl was discharged March 14 after being at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland since her birth last July.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Bill would require Maine schools to allow students 30 minutes to eat lunch
Advocates say 20-minute lunches do not give students enough time, resulting in food waste.