Labs have reported fewer than 100 new cases per day for more than two weeks, and the positive test rate fell below 1 percent for the first time since October.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently divides his time covering environmental/natural resources issues, state politics and the Maine Legislature. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues from a Maine angle as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin wants to be hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, exploring New England’s historic sites or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his partner and their dog.
Landmark bill passed by House and Senate seeks to sell off Maine’s fossil fuel investments
Maine could become the first state where lawmakers order ‘divestment’ from fossil fuels, although changes to the bill could slow the process.
Open primaries bill clears both Maine House and Senate
The House voted 92-52 to support allowing unenrolled voters to vote in a party’s primary without having to register in that party.
Bill to allow ‘semi-open primaries’ in Maine takes step forward
If it’s approved by the full Legislature, independent voters will be allowed to vote in a political party’s primary during each election cycle without having to enroll in that party.
Maine Senate confirms Mills’ second pick for PUC
Patrick Scully, an attorney who specialized in energy and utility issues, will join the 3-member Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Maine Senate advances bill to provide free meals to all students
The legislation, which carries a price of $34 million, won unanimous support from lawmakers, who said it would help students avoid stigma and improve learning.
Mills submits plan to Legislature for spending $1 billion in federal relief
Lawmakers are under the gun to review the Mills administration’s plan for spending $997.5 million from the American Rescue Plan, with less than two weeks left in the session.
Committee recommends energy and utility attorney nominated to the PUC
Patrick Scully represented a range of companies and industries before the Maine Public Utilities Commission, a record of experience that was problematic for Republicans.
Maine Senate votes to create separate child welfare agency
The proposal, which faces further votes in the Legislature, is a response to concerns that reforms are not happening quickly enough after several high-profile child-abuse deaths.
Senate confirms Valerie Stanfill as Maine’s chief justice
Justice Stanfill will succeed former Chief Justice Leigh Saufley, who stepped down last year to become dean of the University of Maine School of Law.