The $11.6 billion 2-year budget represents a 10% spending increase and also includes a number of changes in the Department of Health and Human Services.
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.
Maine Trust for Local News forms quick strike reporting team
The three-person team is tasked with identifying strong investigative and narrative stories and getting them to readers quickly.
Maine Democratic Party leader won’t seek reelection
Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake said Thursday she is stepping away for personal and professional reasons.
Gov. Mills proposes creating a Maine department of energy
The proposal would elevate the Governor’s Energy Office to a Cabinet-level department if approved by lawmakers as part of the budget.
Gov. Mills introduces bill to respond to severe weather fueled by climate change
The proposal would establish a new state office and a grant program to help Maine residents make investments to safeguard their homes against extreme weather.
Supporters of a Maine voter ID law hand in signatures to force referendum
Organizers of the petition drive pointed to the more than 170,000 signatures they’ve collected as evidence of support for a voter ID law, but Secretary of State Shenna Bellows raised concerns with various aspects of their proposal.
7 things to expect from Maine’s new Legislature
Democrats will maintain majorities in the House and Senate when lawmakers return Wednesday.
How Jimmy Carter’s White House solar panels ended up in Maine
Unity College acquired the panels in 1991 after they were removed from the White House, and they were used to heat water at the school’s cafeteria for years.
Maine attorney receives top honor from President Biden
Portland resident Mary Bonauto, who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case that legalized same-sex marriage, is among 20 Americans receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal.
High court says Maine lawmakers not entitled to child protective records
The Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee sought confidential records on the deaths of 4 children in 2021 as part of its work evaluating the state’s child welfare system.