The state encourages but does not require or give specific instruction for teaching about sexual orientation and gender diversity, topics many experts believe should be addressed at an early age.
politics
Sen. Collins under fire over draft abortion ruling
Maine’s senior senator has been berated by late-night comedians and national political columnists for her role in confirming the conservative Supreme Court justices who appear poised to vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.
State lawmakers approve bill to force insurance companies to cover fertility treatments
Maine and Vermont are the only two New England states that don’t provide such coverage now, but opponents say it will cost too much and drive up insurance rates for everyone.
Sen. Collins calls for aid to Ukraine following Bath shipyard visit
Collins and Rep. Jared Golden were joined on a tour of BIW by U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday.
Lawmakers vote to give more Maine children access to affordable healthcare
The bill would raise the income eligibility cap to 300 percent of the poverty level, waive the waiting period and premiums, and add 19- and 20-year-olds.
Bill would double vehicle inspection fee across most of Maine
The extra revenue would help pay to convert the inspection system to a more efficient electronic one, but Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday she would veto the bill if it reaches her desk.
Legislative panel OKs $100 million PFAS relief fund for farmers
The money could be used to cover remediation efforts, crop losses, farm buyouts and long-term health care needs.
Legislative panel approves scaled-back affordable housing bill
Housing reformers and home-rule defenders struggled to find middle ground on Maine’s affordability crisis.
Lawmakers consider $100 million relief fund for farmers with contaminated land
The fund would reimburse farmers whose water or fields are contaminated by PFAS for testing and clean up, lost crops and herds, farm transitions or buyouts, and long-term health monitoring.
Housing bill to be scaled back, would still allow 4 units on many lots
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau is proposing to remove some controversial parts of his affordable housing bill to preserve fourplex and accessory dwelling unit provisions.