AUGUSTA (AP) — A Republican’s bill aims to release $15 million in bonds for senior housing that voters approved two years ago. Lawmakers have accused Republican Gov. Paul LePage of refusing to release the bonds while Maine seniors struggle to find affordable housing. Republican Sen. Roger Katz’s bill is set for an initial vote in […]
politics
Posted inMaine
Legislature considering 3 bills that would affect Maine health care workers
In the next decade, Maine will need an additional 1,602 registered nurses, 475 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 2,474 direct care workers — those who provide long-term, hands-on care to seniors and people with disabilities. For a small, aging state, that’s a lot of people. Indeed, nurses and direct care workers are among the fastest growing […]
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Trump on Civil War: Why couldn’t they have worked that out?
In this March 31, 2017 file photo, a portrait of former President Andrew Jackson hangs on the wall behind President Donald Trump, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. President Donald Trump made puzzling claims about Andrew Jackson and the Civil War in an interview, suggesting […]
Posted inMaine
Gov. Paul LePage sues Janet Mills over legal representation
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has sued Attorney General Janet Mills in Kennebec County Superior Court, alleging that Mills has abused her authority to refusing to legally represent the executive branch in court. According to a statement from LePage, Mills’ refusal to represent LePage’s administration has cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars. “It […]
Posted inMaine
Sen. Rand Paul backs Eric Brakey’s bid to unseat Angus King
Republican Eric Brakey’s long shot bid for a U.S. Senate seat got a boost Monday with the public backing of one of the senators with whom he hopes to serve. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., sent out a fundraising email for Brakey on Monday that said the 28-year-old Mainer “has a proven liberty first resume.” […]
Posted inMaine
State revenue forecast looks less optimistic
AUGUSTA — Revenues to support state government will dip below previous projections this year but will pick up again in the next two years, a panel of experts decided Monday at the State House. The state’s Revenue Forecasting Committee makes recommendations in November and May of every year, which among other things help lawmakers grappling […]
Posted inNation / World
Susan Collins, Angus King go on ‘Meet the Press’ to discuss health care policy
Vice President Mike Pence went on NBC’s “Meet the Press” to talk up a state health care reform baked into Republicans’ Affordable Care Act replacement plan. But our U.S. senators seemed split on whether that’s a good thing. After their last replacement plan was pulled in March for lack of support, Republican leaders have made changes […]
Posted inNation / World
What’s in the $1 trillion-plus spending agreement?
Lawmakers reached an agreement late Sunday on a broad spending package to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year in September, ending weeks of uncertainty. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the package early this week. The bipartisan agreement includes $12.5 billion in new military spending and $1.5 […]
Posted inMaine
Susan Collins presses Trump administration to gather data on gay seniors
Though President Donald Trump’s administration apparently doesn’t want to gather information about gay seniors, Maine’s senior senator does. Without explanation, the Department of Health and Human Services recently dropped questions about sexual orientation and gender identity from two key surveys of older Americans — a move that would make it impossible for officials to determine […]
Posted inMaine
Maine wants to require work of certain Medicaid applicants
AUGUSTA (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage’s administration is asking President Donald Trump to allow Maine to require certain adults to work to receive Medicaid. The state wants to count an individual’s personal assets when determining MaineCare eligibility and wants to collect monthly premiums for adults who have the ability to earn income. Department of Health […]