Lawmakers in both parties embraced the bill on the same day Gov. Janet Mills proposed spending an additional $40 million to address PFAS contamination in Maine.
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.
Maine to offer free Sea Dogs tickets, L.L. Bean gift cards as vaccination incentives
Gov. Janet Mills announced the initiative during a virtual event with President Biden and 5 other governors whose states are using innovative ways to raise vaccination rates.
Maine reports 50% full vaccination rate as hospital counts stay high
With half the state’s eligible population fully vaccinated, public health officials are trying to maintain momentum by expanding clinic hours and emphasizing the convenience of walk-ins.
No increase in vaccine shipments as Maine reports more variants and hospitalizations
Cases remain elevated in Maine and state health officials now say that anyone 16 or older is eligible for vaccination, regardless of their state of residency.
Bills on tribal sovereignty issue likely delayed until next year
Leaders of tribal nations in Maine say the state has failed to recognize their sovereignty and want an overhaul of the landmark 1980 agreement with the state.
As summer approaches, more coastal Maine communities regulating short-term rentals
Meanwhile, the Legislature weighs competing bills on the practice, including one that would levy fees on such rentals and another that would would bar cities and towns from passing rules prohibiting them.
Troubling gaps lie below the surface of Maine’s vaccination success
Differences in inoculation rates between urban and rural areas, as well as among age groups and genders, complicate the state’s efforts to defeat COVID-19.
Committee recommends stricter water standards for ‘forever chemicals’
The proposal would set an interim standard of 20 parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water, in line with several other New England states and lower than the current federal health advisory level.
Infection and vaccination rates stay high as Maine surpasses 60,000 cases
Though case numbers are still higher than in February and March, Maine continues to lead the nation in the percentage of its population that is fully vaccinated.
Municipalities push to retain remote meeting capabilities adopted for pandemic
Maine was one of only seven states before the COVID-19 pandemic that did not allow municipalities to hold remote meetings. But attitudes have shifted in the past year.