It’s important that Maine lawmakers pass bills that would expand access to abortion, remove cost-sharing barriers to care, protect providers from malpractice penalties and prohibit local restrictions.
maine legislature
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Senate votes to ban flavored tobacco products
The bill sponsored by Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland, would ban flavors such as mint, fruit, chocolate, menthol, vanilla and honey in all tobacco, including vaping products.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State lawmakers overwhelmingly support tribal bill opposed by Gov. Mills
The 100-47 House vote and 26-8 Senate vote show strong support among state lawmakers, including among some Republicans, who will be needed to overcome a possible veto from the governor.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Maine Legislature takes first step toward adopting paid family leave program
Senators voted 22-12 to create a new program to provide paid leave to workers who need time off to care for a newborn or sick family member.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: Paid leave is good for people, business and Maine’s economy
When people can take time off without the worry of losing pay, they stay in the workforce, are more committed to their employers and see healthier outcomes. I’ve seen it work at our own company.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: Staffing pressures on nurses put Maine patients at risk
Nurse staffing affects patient outcomes. Neither inexperienced nurses nor travel nurses are a like-for-like substitute for experienced, local staff.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bills passed by Maine lawmakers are piling up on ‘the table’ – and many will die there
Many bills passed by the Legislature but not included in the governor’s budget are sent to what’s known as the ‘special appropriations table,’ where they compete for limited funding and often die a quiet death.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
Maine nurses split over whether state mandate of staff ratios would help
Some see the controversial bill in the Legislature as a means of improving working conditions at badly understaffed hospitals; others say the flexibility is what allows them to do their jobs.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: Sex trade survivors need protection; sex buyers need to stop
A recent column was grossly inaccurate when it stated that trafficking is prevented when both the buying and selling of sex are decriminalized. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
House backs bill to protect gender-affirming care for MaineCare patients
The measure, which is supported by Democrats and opposed by Republicans, now goes to the Senate.