The proposal won approval from both Democrats and Republicans, but fell short of the two-thirds threshold that will be needed to send the measure to voters.
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
Maine lawmakers reject bill to stop issuing Real ID cards
The bill, which would have repealed the Maine law that allows the state to issue driver’s licenses that comply with the federal REAL ID Act, was defeated in the Senate Tuesday. It was rejected in the House last week.
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Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Who will Maine Democrats run against Susan Collins?
The party in Maine and beyond is looking to Gov. Janet Mills to make a decision, while other top Democrats are jumping into the open governor’s race.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers deadlock on bills prohibiting transgender athletes in girls sports
The Judiciary Committee votes 6-6 on 2 bills that would cut state funding to schools that allow transgender athletes to participate in girls sports, and narrowly rejects a third bill.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Advocates urge lawmakers to ban Maine police from cooperating with ICE
The proposals come as the Department of Homeland Security is working to expand its partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to carry out mass deportations.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bill before Maine lawmakers seeks to preserve stipends for child care workers
The proposal from Senate President Mattie Daughtry also includes one-time funding for a program that helps families pay for child care, but the Mills administration has expressed concerns about the cost.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Maine lawmakers clash over proposal to declare Jan. 6 a ‘day to remember’
The proposal, which would create a day honoring democracy in light of the Jan. 6, 2021 riots, generated heated debate before passing 74-65 in a party-line vote.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Trump cuts $35 million in Maine funding after calling digital access initiatives ‘racist’
The cuts come after the president vowed to end the Digital Equity Act, a Biden-era law aimed at ensuring underserved communities have access to the internet and digital technology.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State
Federal grant will keep support center open for Lewiston shooting victims
The $8.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will cover costs through January and Maine lawmakers are considering whether to provide state funding to keep the Maine Resiliency Center running next year.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Emotional debate on transgender rights, girls sports draws hundreds to Maine State House
The hearings Thursday come as the Trump administration has sued Maine over its policy allowing transgender athletes to participate in girls sports, adding to the intensity of debate at the State House.