A top official says the state’s coronavirus team has discussed ‘shelter in place’ and decided against using it – for now – noting Maine’s low population density and the limits Gov. Janet Mills has imposed on public gatherings and business operations.
Scott Thistle
Scott Thistle is the State House reporter for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He has covered politics and government in Maine since 2006. Prior to that he served as the State House reporter for the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, Minnesota. A Maine native, Thistle has worked in journalism since 1990, when he got his start at a weekly newspaper in rural Oxford County, Maine. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an active volunteer with the National Ski Patrol. He resides with his wife, Amy and his two sons Finn and Kai, in Auburn, Maine. @thisdog
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Maine schools extend coronavirus closures until late April
Students across the state will learn remotely for at least another 5 weeks, as many districts keep buildings closed and cancel extracurricular activities until at least April 27.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Turnpike authority doubles pay to keep tollbooth workers on the job
Toll takers who are more vulnerable to infection are paid to stay at home, but those who keep working are paid extra.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Coronavirus restrictions put crimp on public services
Public services provided at the state and local level may become increasingly difficult to access as officials take steps to protect workers and the public while limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
In rapid sequence, Legislature approves $76 million budget package geared toward pandemic
The measure includes $38 million more for Maine’s public schools, funding for coronavirus response and dozens of other new initiatives.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers, governor reach bipartisan deal on $73 million coronavirus response
The new spending bill is $52 million less than the supplemental budget Gov. Janet Mills proposed last month, reflecting concern about potential impacts to the Maine economy.
Posted inLocal & State, News
In response to virus, Maine Legislature to adjourn on Tuesday
Legislators will consider bills related to the coronavirus outbreak and then wrap up their session.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
CMP power line project wins initial approval from Maine DEP
While backers applaud the draft permit for the $1 billion transmission line to bring electricity from Quebec to Massachusetts, opponents say the project would provide “no verifiable reduction in greenhouse gases.”
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. Mills eyes budget adjustments in response to virus’ economic impacts
A recent state revenue forecast that predicted a $40 million increase in revenues did not take the coronavirus pandemic into account.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers urged to borrow funds for roads and high-speed internet
The bill, which would also need voter approval, would funnel $90 million to the state’s highway fund and $15 million towards the expansion of high-speed internet for parts of rural Maine.