Organized labor has its share of political opponents. The question this year is how much public support remains for the right to organize and bargain for fair pay and good working conditions. The issue will be raised in Maine this year as the Legislature debates “right to work” bills that target union dues. It’s an […]

The Wisconsin political story is about more than just fiscal responsibility issues. Some people are interpreting the governor’s position as union-busting, and others are saying that reducing public employee bargaining rights in some states is necessary for balancing state budgets. Either way, a political revolution is underway in Madison, Wis. It is anyone’s guess on […]

The Old Orchard Beach Police Department showed its  commitment to community involvement last week as it unveiled its first Citizens Patrol vehicle. The retired cruiser, dressed up with new paint and decals, and outfitted with a siren, radio and a radar unit, will be put to good use. Citizens Patrol volunteers won’t be undertaking law […]

Most local high school pupils will put together their 2011-12 academic schedules in March, and, while this is an important exercise for every student, it’s absolutely essential for those who will be seniors in September. Invariably some college-bound 17-year-olds who by next January will have already assured themselves of having sufficient credits to graduate will […]

I turned the back yard light on one night last week, as I always do before going to bed. It had snowed all that day, and after a brief respite, more had started falling. The snow-draped trees bathed in the light were eerily spectacular, as was the thick covering across what had, just hours before, […]

Space shuttle Discovery, now docked at the International Space Station, where it is delivering supplies and a humanoid robot called Robonaut 2, will conclude its final mission this week. Shortly after liftoff, NASA officials were asked about a final complication facing Discovery. If the federal budget impasse continues, there is a possibility the U.S. government […]

Thumbs up to Counseling Services, Inc. for its decision to join Maine Mental Health Partners, a non-profit integrated mental health services delivery system. By joining forces with this statewide organization, CSI will likely be able to keep its costs down more easily than if it tried to go it alone. State cuts to mental health […]

Will Maine adopt a biennial budget that sustains investment vital to our economic recovery and future prosperity? Or will the budget that emerges from the Legislature focus on giveaways to special interests and the wealthiest taxpayers. These are the key questions the Maine Center for Economic Policy seeks to answer as we analyze Gov. Paul […]

The last time a federal judge ruled on health care reform, it was bad news for supporters of the Affordable Care. In fact, the opinion dismissed it so conclusively that opponents joyfully pronounced the law dead. But now supporters have retaken the lead. Out of five federal court opinions so far, three have upheld the […]

Many states must trim their budgets to avoid bankruptcies.  Wisconsin is cutting with a vengeance.  Wisconsin’s new governor ran on a platform to cut spending.  It should be no surprise to state government workers or school teachers in Wisconsin that the governor, a Republican in a former Democratic-led state, is honoring his commitment to the […]