A judge in New Hampshire has agreed to block enforcement while he considers a challenge from advocates, including the ACLU of Maine, who argue the order is unconstitutional.
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Republican lawmaker dissents over bipartisan deal on Maine budget
A $121 million supplemental budget proposal was approved 11-0 by the Legislature’s budget committee, but Rep. Ken Fredette wants his party to oppose it because it does not include emergency housing limits and MaineCare reforms.
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Posted inAnimals, Local & State, Politics
Is your neighbor’s dog too loud? Maine bill would clamp down on excessive barking
Supporters say it would help address neighborhood disruptions, while opponents say it could prompt overreactions and that it’s an issue best left to municipalities.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Bill would allow Maine pharmacies to set up drug dispensing sites in rural areas
The proposal is aimed at improving access to prescription medications amid a decline in the number of pharmacies and other health services in rural Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmaker wants to open intraparty meetings to public
Sen. Rick Bennett said closed-door party caucuses at the State House are increasingly being used to make legislative decisions, and that his bill would provide more transparency into how lawmakers are conducting business.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmaker and secretary of state clash over constitutional amendment on voting by noncitizens
Rep. Laurel Libby told fellow lawmakers that her proposal would boost the integrity of Maine’s elections, though opponents, including the Maine secretary of state, say it’s unnecessary and could foster anti-immigrant sentiment.
Posted inUncategorized
Maine education officials uncertain about impact of Trump orders on diversity, school choice
Both orders call for further action by federal officials to enforce Trump administration policies, and Maine schools will be watching to see if there are any impacts to funding or programs.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bipartisan bill would give Maine Legislature control over future state investigations
The proposal is partly in response to the formation of the commission to investigate the Lewiston mass shooting, which some lawmakers felt should have involved their input.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine cities, nonprofits ask lawmakers to reject proposed limit on housing assistance
Lawmakers are told that a proposal to limit General Assistance housing support would put hundreds of families at risk of eviction.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gun safety advocates turn in signatures to force fall referendum on red flag law
The Maine Gun Safety Coalition says it collected more than 80,000 signatures in an effort to put the measure on the ballot in November.