The governor pledges to reestablish a stakeholder group with the goal of arriving at ‘a shared understanding of how to implement a minimum wage bill for farmworkers.’
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.
Bill to improve farmworkers’ pay, conditions in Maine awaits action by Mills
L.D. 398 would legally define farmworkers as employees, making them eligible for the state minimum wage and protecting them from some overtime requirements.
Maine will get $272 million in federal funds to expand broadband
More than $42 billion has been allocated nationwide to expand high-speed internet access, and Maine’s share is the largest of any state in New England.
Maine wants to use $200 million to expand broadband access, starting where it’s needed most
The state is deciding how to use federal funds for improving high-speed internet access, and wants public input on some of the priorities that have been identified so far.
A mother-daughter love story rooted in Maine
With the help of her daughter in Los Angeles, a 73-year-old mom in South Portland finds a deeper understanding of modern relationships.
Maine native part of team that found planet engulfed by its star
Morgan MacLeod designed the computer model that helped astronomers study the recent discovery, and what they believe might happen to Earth in about 5 billion years.
Towns challenge new Maine law meant to ease housing crisis
Legislation that promotes accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, statewide is set to take effect July 1. Municipalities say that’s not enough time to comply.
Maine’s Sudanese community reacts to conflict, loss in their homeland
Roughly 2,000 Mainers have ties to Sudan where 2 top generals are embattled in a power struggle that has raised serious humanitarian concerns.
Waitlists grow as developers plan, build and fill affordable housing
Projects across the southern Maine landscape aim to keep up with explosive demand, but advocates say ‘we are not creating new affordable homes fast enough.’
Ukrainians find home in Maine despite war’s uncertainty
Escaping the Russian invasion, nine families from Ukraine have settled in Auburn, creating a community in a city built by immigrants even as their own future in Maine remains an unknown.