The proposal would elevate the Governor’s Energy Office to a Cabinet-level department if approved by lawmakers as part of the budget.
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, News, Politics
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.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
7 things to expect from Maine’s new Legislature
Democrats will maintain majorities in the House and Senate when lawmakers return Wednesday.
Posted inLocal & State, News
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News
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.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Thousands of Mainers expect to see boost in Social Security under bill before President Biden
If signed into law, the Social Security Fairness Act co-authored by Maine Sen. Susan Collins would increase benefits for nearly 3 million teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other public employees nationwide.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
All 4 members of Maine’s congressional delegation back government funding bill
Maine’s House members noted that the final deal dropped a controversial suspension of the national debt ceiling, which had been backed by President-elect Donald Trump.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Pingree, Golden vote against Trump-backed budget deal
Three of Maine’s 4 members of Congress had been ready to support a budget plan before President-elect Donald Trump intervened earlier this week.