Somehow, through a bitter legislative session that has seen an unprecedented level of partisan attacks, the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee shows that government can work, even during a time of divided government. The process isn’t pretty. But somehow, … Continue reading →

Maine has failed many of its residents. We’ve cut teachers from schools with children who need them. We’ve cut back on health care when people are sick. And we’ve made impossible choices to balance state and local budgets during times … Continue reading →

The Legislature’s Taxation Committee has made a series of recommendations to help balance the state’s budget. The specifics range from a temporary increase in the sales tax, to a delay in tax cuts that were passed in 2011 but never … Continue reading →

On Sunday, during an emergency meeting of the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, Sen. Dawn Hill, D-York, did something that’s very hard. She stood up to the governor of the state, in full public view, with the cameras rolling. … Continue reading →

Right now, Maine’s hospitals and Republicans in the Legislature have hitched their rhetorical wagon to a process argument. Democrats are moving forward with a plan to pass legislation that includes a massive payout to Maine’s hospitals coupled with a plan, … Continue reading →

Ravaged by brain cancer, unable to work and living in his dead mother’s house that was falling down around him, my uncle needed help to put food on the table, to pay his bills, to get by. My mother, herself … Continue reading →

Tuesday was a frustrating day. For the second straight day my email wasn’t working right. The calendar on my computer started going crazy. I found a stack of bills in a new, secret hiding place on the desk. I forgot … Continue reading →

On Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Paul LePage announced the co-chairs of his Blue Ribbon Commission on Maine’s unemployment compensation system. He picked two men who have unimpeachable credentials: George Jabar, an attorney in Waterville and a Kennebec County commissioner, and Daniel … Continue reading →

Redemption. The word keeps running through my mind as I try to digest the terror of the attack in Boston. It’s a powerful word that can mean a lot of different things – to seek atonement, or, in a religious … Continue reading →

I’ve got two kids. They aren’t teenagers yet, but they’re old enough that I can already see trouble coming. Even the best parents – and I’m not putting myself in that category – need help. Our kids are bombarded with … Continue reading →