This is the last session under Gov. Janet Mills, who has seen Democrats control the Legislature for her entire 8-year tenure.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Can Shenna Bellows’ stand against Trump translate to a successful run for governor?
The biggest challenge for Maine’s secretary of state may be finding a way to stand out in a competitive Democratic primary.
Who is eligible for the $300 affordability checks approved by lawmakers?
The checks, included in the budget signed by Gov. Janet Mills on Friday, will be distributed based on income eligibility and are expected to be sent in late July.
What big-money groups are spending the most on the Maine governor’s race?
Close to $3 million in outside money has been spent on the Maine governor’s race this year, with most of the spending benefiting Republicans, according to new state campaign finance reports.
Janet Mills signs $519M supplemental budget into law. Did she get what she wanted?
The state’s free community college program, previously funded on a one-time basis, is now permanent under the spending plan Mills signed Friday.
Governor candidate drops out of race after state alleges fraud with funding
Maine’s campaign finance watchdog issued a decision denying Sen. Jim Libby clean elections funding after it found numerous problems with paperwork his campaign submitted to qualify for the money.
Maine lawmakers send $519M budget add-on, including $300 checks, to Gov. Mills
The Senate voted 18-16 to approve the budget, which includes $300 ‘affordability checks’ for eligible residents, a new income tax surcharge for millionaires and a ban on cellphones in schools.
Head of Maine department of fisheries and wildlife stepping down
Judy Camuso, the first woman to lead the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, will leave the post on April 30.
Maine Senate votes to keep controversial data privacy bill alive
LD 1822, which was rejected in the House of Representatives last week, passed the Senate 18-14 Monday night.
Expansion of ranked-choice voting would be unconstitutional, Maine high court finds
The opinion issued Monday comes as lawmakers are considering a bill, LD 1666, to expand ranked-choice voting to general election races for governor and the state Legislature.