A legislative committee agreed with business advocates who say the bills are unnecessary and will make it impossible for businesses to manage risk.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, News
Mainers roll with start of Real ID travel requirements
Lines are still long for some waiting for the enhanced identification at Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Sudden downpours from ‘omega block’ threaten flooding across Maine
Rainstorms caused by the unusual weather pattern are expected to hit Maine late Monday and continue through Wednesday.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
L.L. Bean drops lawsuit against canvas tote copycat
4Imprint Inc. apparently no longer sells the ‘boat tote’ that prompted the Freeport-based retailer to claim trademark infringement.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Proposal for passenger rail to Bangor loses steam in committee
The Legislature’s transportation committee says LD 487 ‘ought not to pass,’ especially without assured funding from the Trump administration.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine’s new paid family leave law faces several efforts to hamstring program
The Legislature’s labor committee on Wednesday aired more than a dozen bills that would amend, delay or outright repeal the 2023 law.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine takes first step toward more accurately tracking efforts to resolve housing crisis
A bill to require Maine cities and towns to report annual home construction data is headed for the House — but without bipartisan support or a mandate that all municipalities participate.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine fire officials warn of increasing wildfire risks, urge extra precautions
The Maine Forest Service said the wildfire risk is high across the southern half of the state and moderate across the northern counties.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Visitors to Maine dropped again in 2024, challenging a top industry
Spending by tourists increased slightly to $9.2 billion, but Gov. Mills anticipates further declines as Canadians curb U.S. travel plans.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
E-ZPass security shutdown delays Maine Turnpike toll charges
The MTA plans to resume posting charges to user accounts this week after the system was taken down for 12 hours last month to avoid a potential security breach.