Republicans are seeking restrictions such as a 3-month limit on housing assistance, while Democrats have called for expanding the program to cover meals at emergency shelters.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
How Trump’s actions are affecting — and targeting — Maine
In addition to a new federal lawsuit against the state, the new administration’s actions include multiple efforts to pull funding over Maine’s policies regarding transgender athletes, as well as unrelated cuts to health care funding and medical research grants.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Should transgender athletes be able to compete in high school sports? Here’s what Maine students say about it.
As state and federal officials argue over whether allowing transgender athletes to compete violates the law, we asked students for their thoughts on the issue.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers may impose impact tax on megayachts visiting Maine
Supporters of the bill say the charge could be easily weathered by the wealthy owners of the private, luxury vessels. But critics say it could serve as a deterrent to tourism.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers ask RFK Jr. to reconsider dismissal of heating assistance staff
In a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, 92 Maine lawmakers asked for an explanation of how the LIHEAP program will run without its federal staff.
Posted inLocal & State
State audit flags deficient oversight of outside contracts, school meals, welfare
Maine’s financial services department said it takes all findings seriously and will work to address them, while Republicans have asked for a federal investigation on particular issues related to how the state awards contracts.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine’s first Office of New Americans director steps down after 3 months
Tarlan Ahmadov submitted a resignation letter Tuesday, citing health reasons. His appointment had been criticized by members of Maine’s Armenian community.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers hear proposal to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms
The proposal from Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, would decriminalize the possession of one ounce or less of psilocybin for adults over age 21.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Hourslong hearing highlights continuing tension over Maine abortion laws
Residents opposed to abortion urged lawmakers to roll back laws that expanded access in Maine and called on the Legislature to pass a bill criminalizing abortion even after the sponsor said she no longer supported it.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine officials refuse to sign Trump agreement on transgender athletes
The Maine Principals’ Association and Greely High School said it would violate Maine law for them to sign the agreement requiring the barring of transgender athletes.