The 74-72 vote to advance Gov. Janet Mills’ bill to expand post-viability abortions came after a four-hour recess to count votes and consider a last-minute compromise.
maine legislature
Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine House joins Senate to advance paid family leave bill
The bill faces additional votes in the Legislature and must overcome the hurdle of securing $25 million in start-up funding before being sent to Gov. Janet Mills.
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Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Deficient, dangerous nurse staffing cannot stay as it is
Debate over the nurse-to-patient ratio bill under consideration in Augusta has shed a stark light on how dismal it is to work at the bedside. Although a fix is desperately needed, L.D. 1639 is too blunt an instrument.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: One year since Dobbs, and we won’t go back. Maine is moving forward.
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.
Posted inMaine, 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.
Posted inMaine, 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, Maine, 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 inMaine, 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.