Republicans prioritize child welfare, propose to separate office from DHHS

maine legislature

Published
January 17, 2023

Republicans prioritize child welfare, propose to separate office from DHHS

The bill, among several outlined by GOP lawmakers Tuesday, is the same as one proposed last year by former Democratic Sen. Bill Diamond.
Published
January 17, 2023

New funding for Maine’s legal defense system for the poor not enough to solve problem, commission says

Gov. Janet Mills' plan to increase funding for the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services by $17 million pales in comparison to the agency's $62 million request.
Published
January 15, 2023

Jim Fossel: Could speaker drama happen in Maine?

If Republicans got the House majority, their own ineptitude – combined with Democratic unity and ideological cohesion – could still cost them the gavel.
Published
January 14, 2023

Panel recommends increases in funding, benefits to boost EMS in Maine

A report from the Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services calls for more than $70 million in state funding per year.
Published
January 13, 2023

As paid family leave gains momentum in Maine Legislature, advocacy group holds off on referendum

A referendum could have gone before voters in November, but the Maine People's Alliance is waiting to see if lawmakers pass a bill to create paid family leave.
Published
January 13, 2023

Lawmakers will appeal court ruling denying access to child protection records

The Government Oversight Committee voted to appeal a court ruling that lawmakers are prohibited from viewing confidential child protection records.
Published
January 12, 2023

Gov. Mills includes additional $17 million for public defenders and contracted lawyers in budget proposal

An additional 10 public defenders and tiered hourly wages for contracted counsel included in state budget plan.
Published
January 11, 2023

Highlights of Mills’ $10.3 billion budget plan

The 651-page budget proposal aims to address some of Maine’s biggest challenges.
Published
January 11, 2023

Gov. Mills proposes nearly 10% increase in 2-year budget

The spending proposal does not call for raising taxes and would use projected revenue surpluses to expand programs such as free community college tuition and public school investments.
Published
January 10, 2023

Gov. Mills prepares to unveil 2-year budget, predicts little controversy

Mills said in a radio interview that she's looking to continue investments in public education, housing and child care, though she offered few details ahead of the official unveiling planned for Wednesday.