A bill from Rep. Adam Lee would end Maine’s system of splitting electoral votes if Nebraska does the same, a move Lee said he hopes serves as a disincentive to partisan forces in both states.
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, Schools and Education
Maine lawmaker introduces bill to safeguard against federal cuts to school meals
The proposal from Sen. Mike Tipping would ensure Maine continues funding school meals for all if federal funding is cut, though it’s unclear exactly how much that could cost.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills urges Maine people not to support budget veto effort
Democrats said the petition drive could force a government shutdown even if voters end up rejecting it in a referendum, but Republicans said that could be averted if Democrats agree to negotiate a new budget.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Secretary of state issues language for people’s veto of Maine state budget
Supporters of the veto, led by Republican Rep. Gary Drinkwater, have until June 18 to collect enough signatures to pause implementation of the budget and send it to voters.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers propose competing reforms to General Assistance
Republicans are seeking restrictions such as a 3-month limit on housing assistance, while Democrats have called for expanding the program to cover meals at emergency shelters.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
How Trump’s actions are affecting — and targeting — Maine
In addition to a new federal lawsuit against the state, the new administration’s actions include multiple efforts to pull funding over Maine’s policies regarding transgender athletes, as well as unrelated cuts to health care funding and medical research grants.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Should transgender athletes be able to compete in high school sports? Here’s what Maine students say about it.
As state and federal officials argue over whether allowing transgender athletes to compete violates the law, we asked students for their thoughts on the issue.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers may impose impact tax on megayachts visiting Maine
Supporters of the bill say the charge could be easily weathered by the wealthy owners of the private, luxury vessels. But critics say it could serve as a deterrent to tourism.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers ask RFK Jr. to reconsider dismissal of heating assistance staff
In a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, 92 Maine lawmakers asked for an explanation of how the LIHEAP program will run without its federal staff.
Posted inLocal & State
State audit flags deficient oversight of outside contracts, school meals, welfare
Maine’s financial services department said it takes all findings seriously and will work to address them, while Republicans have asked for a federal investigation on particular issues related to how the state awards contracts.