Each year, about half of the estimated 200,000 eligible households in Maine apply for a property tax or rent refund from the state. Given the average refund was $479 last year, consistently low participation in the Maine Resident Property Tax and Rent Refund Program is a curiosity, officials said, especially in a tough economy.
Kelley Bouchard
Staff Writer
Kelley writes about some of the most critical aspects of Maine’s economy and future growth, including transportation, immigration, retail and small business, commercial development and tourism, with emphasis on consumer issues, sustainability and minority ownership. Her wider experience includes municipal and state government, education, history, human rights, health and elder care, the environment and the housing crisis. A Maine native and University of Maine graduate, she was a college intern for two summers at the former Lewiston Evening Journal. She previously worked at the Ipswich Chronicle, Beverly Times and Salem Evening News in Massachusetts. Favorite pastimes include gardening, cooking for family and friends, streaming foreign TV series and kayaking at camp.
Posted inPolitics
Sen. Snowe to appear on ‘Parks and Rec’ tonight
Actor Adam Scott says Snowe is a “smart, sophisticated” woman.
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Posted inNews
Mixed reviews for state’s Business Friendly labeling program
In the last few years, Cumberland officials have hired an economic development director, streamlined the project-review process, launched a local business association and started recruiting companies to move to the rural coastal town.
Posted inBusiness, News
Pro-business vetting confounds towns
The state’s new Certified Business Friendly Community Program, started by Gov. Paul LePage and overseen by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, is getting mixed reviews from some who have participated in the process and others interested in economic development in Maine.
Posted inBusiness, News
After a long wait, Downeaster to open in Brunswick and Freeport
After years of planning and increased ridership, the Downeaster will start providing daily passenger service to Freeport and Brunswick on Nov. 1.
Posted inNews, Politics
Assistant to AG to become Maine’s first public ombudsman
Brenda Kielty has worked as a lawyer, educator and mediator and is on the board of directors in Regional School Unit 5.
Posted inNews
Schools hurtling toward No Child Left Behind deadline
Without intervention, U.S. school districts are hurtling toward a long-anticipated statistical brick wall in 2013-14, when all students must be proficient in reading and mathematics, including those in minority, special education and economically disadvantaged subgroups.
Posted inNews
Westbrook grandmother prepares to swim Tsugaru Straight, 7 oceans
SCARBOROUGH — Several days each week, Pat Gallant-Charette is content to swim laps along Pine Point Beach, her arms churning slowly, purposely, pulling her forward like a paddle wheel.
Posted inNews
Freedom of Access Act gives Mainers variety of benefits
Mainers who have trouble getting information from government agencies soon will have an ally at the State House. Gov. Paul LePage and the Legislature this year funded a public access ombudsman’s position in the Attorney General’s Office. The position was created in 2007 but had never been filled. It’s one of several significant changes in […]
Posted inNews
Teen charged with sexually assaulting autistic girl
Police say the teen assaulted a female relative in Gray.