Policy
Maine Policy News
Six New England colleges close in 3 years leaving students from Maine stuck
Published Date: 04/21/2019
Colleges in New England are facing a dire forecast: in the next ten years, 15 percent fewer students will go to a four-year college.
Testimony is divided as Maine lawmakers consider paid family and medical leave for most workers
Published Date: 04/20/2019
The measure, sponsored by House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, would fund the program with a new tax on wages of about .75 percent.
…Maine GOP Statement on Paid Family Leave & Speaker Gideon’s Tax Increase
Published Date: 04/19/2019
Speaker wants to raise income tax despite evidence program can be created without raising taxes
…Panel endorses changing Maine blueberry commission as tensions rise
Published Date: 04/19/2019
It backs a bill to expand membership of the group that promotes one of the state’s signature industries as it weathers a severe downturn.
Community Guided Planning and Zoning
Published Date: 04/19/2019
Community Guided Planning and Zoning (CGPZ) provides an opportunity for those who live, work, own land, and have other interests in the unorganized or deorganized areas in Maine to evaluate…
Governor Mills Statement on 2018 Drug Overdose Death Report
Published Date: 04/18/2019
It is welcome news that the number of people losing their lives to drug overdoses has decreased, but the opioid epidemic still presents a serious public health threat to our state,” said Governor Mills. We will not rest in our determination to end this epidemic.
…Maine Quarantine on Emerald Ash Borer Announced
Published Date: 04/17/2019
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has announced a formal quarantine on emerald ash borer (EAB) and material that may harbor it. The quarantine area includes all of York County and the northeastern corner of Aroostook County.
…With blueberries in trouble, Maine eyes commission overhaul
Published Date: 04/16/2019
Maine lawmakers might try to pump some life into the state’s troubled wild blueberry industry by overhauling the commission that promotes the state’s most important fruit crop
Golden Leads Bipartisan Push for Better Data, New Approaches to Expand Reliable Broadband to Rural America
Published Date: 04/16/2019
Golden, Small Business Committee leaders encourage FCC to improve data collection, explore TV White Spaces
…In Portland, King Continues Fight to Bring Support, Tax Relief to Maine People
Published Date: 04/15/2019
King signs letter to Appropriations Committee at Pine Tree Legal requesting comprehensive funding for the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic program
…In Portland, King Continues Fight to Bring Support, Tax Relief to Maine People
Published Date: 04/15/2019
King signs letter to Appropriations Committee at Pine Tree Legal requesting comprehensive funding for the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic program.
…Republicans call for state income tax cut, warn against Democratic agenda
Published Date: 04/15/2019
A group of prominent Republicans gathered with supporters at the State House on Monday, the tax filing deadline in most states, to highlight Maine’s tax burden and call for spending restraint.
Gov. Janet Mills moved expeditiously on some of her core campaign pledges during her first 100 days and is credited with helping change the political tenor in Augusta. But with major issues looming, the question is: Will it last?
Published Date: 04/15/2019
Gov. Janet Mills moved expeditiously on some of her core campaign pledges during her first 100 days and is credited with helping change the political tenor in Augusta. But with major issues looming, the question is: Will it last?
Maine pursues plan to stock schools with anti-overdose medication
Published Date: 04/14/2019
All of the state’s public high schools and middle schools would have naloxone available in an effort being developed by the Mills administration.
King, Daines Launch Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Medicare Advantage Benefits
Published Date: 04/12/2019
Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) renewed efforts to protect Medicare benefits by re-introducing the Medicare Advantage Quality Payment Relief Act. The bipartisan bill reverses an unintended policy of the Affordable Care Act that is currently denying millions of seniors and people with disabilities their Medicare Advantage benefits.
King, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Close Nationwide Digital “Homework Gap”
Published Date: 04/12/2019
Sen. Angus King joined a group of senators to introduce the Digital Equity Act of 2019. Aimed at closing the growing digital divide in communities across the country, the bill creates two $125 million grant programs targeted toward state & local level projects promoting equal access to information technology and educational materials.
…Strengthening Health Care, Tackling the Opioid Crisis, Embracing Renewable Energy: Maine Forges Significant Progress in First 100 Days of Mills Administration
Published Date: 04/12/2019
Within the first 100 days of Governor Janet Mills’ Administration more than 19,000 people have access to life-saving health care and the state has taken serious steps to address the opioid crisis and among other achievements.
…On 100th Day in Office, Governor Mills Signs Legislation to Promote Pay Equality
Published Date: 04/12/2019
On her 100th day in office Governor Janet Mills signed legislation to promote pay equality. LD 278, will promote discourage employers from basing wages on an employee’s salary history.
…Senators Collins, King Meet with Maine Hospital Association, Discuss Solutions to Issues Hospitals are Facing Throughout the State
Published Date: 04/11/2019
Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) met with members of the Maine Hospital Association (MHA) in Washington, D.C., to discuss possible solutions to several issues hospitals throughout Maine are facing.
…Teams advance to Farm to School Cook-off Finals Competition
Published Date: 04/11/2019
The Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition office kicked off their 4th annual Farm to School Cook-off last month. Cook-off teams representing nine school districts from across Maine participated in the event. The teams, consisting of a student and school nutrition staff member, served up tasty and nutritious breakfast and lunch meals within a specific time frame that showcased Maine grown ingredients.