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Maine lawmakers expanded the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit in 2023, allowing an estimated 157,000 dependent adults and children in families with the lowest incomes to receive the full credit for the first time. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

ME lawmakers increase aid for families experiencing deep poverty

Gov. Janet Mills has signed legislation to increase temporary assistance payments to families experiencing deep poverty. Payments will increase by 2…

More than 3,300 Mainers have died from COVID-19 since 2020 and more than 9,000 have been hospitalized. Cumberland, Penobscot and York counties have seen the highest numbers of deaths. (Adobe Stock) <br />

ME fighters of COVID-19 alarmed by new federal recommendations

Today is "Long COVID Awareness Day," and Mainers will be among those who gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to commemorate it…

It is estimated that Mainers facing hunger would need a total of $97,584,000 more income per year to adequately meet their food needs, according to Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Maine food banks meet growing demand as Farm Bill lags

Food banks in Maine are struggling to keep up with demand as the Farm Bill remains stalled in Congress. The bill is renegotiated every five years …

Respite for ME Grants, funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, provide caregivers up to $5,171 to access needed services and can be accessed through the state's five Area Agencies on Aging. (Adobe Stock)

Unpaid caregivers in ME receive limited financial grants

Advocates for unpaid family caregivers in Maine say they'll need continued support beyond the recently passed paid family and medical leave program…

Mainers offered family insurance plans through their workplace that cost more than 9.12% of the total family income may qualify for more affordable healthcare coverage through the health insurance marketplace. (Adobe Stock)

MaineCare Recipients Urged to Update Forms to Ensure Coverage

Public health advocates are working to ensure Medicaid recipients in Maine continue to have health care coverage as pandemic-era policies have ended…

Care provided by millions of unpaid family caregivers across the United States was valued at $600 billion in 2021, a $130 billion increase in unpaid contributions since 2019, according to AARP. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Mainers Celebrate Passage of Paid Family Medical Leave Program

After years of grassroots advocacy, Maine will become the 13th state in the nation to adopt a mandatory paid family and medical leave program…

Maine ranks first in the nation for having the lowest percentage of children in families where the head of household lacks a high school diploma, at 4%, compared to the national rate of 11%, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock) <br />

ME Parents Struggle with Lack of Affordable, Accessible Child Care

CLARIFICATION: Percentages of students' reading and math scores were clarified. (12:46 p.m. MDT, June 14, 2023) Maine ranks 12th in the nation on …

In Maine, an estimated 92% of abortions occur by the 12th week of pregnancy, with nearly 70% occurring before nine weeks. Abortions at or after 21 weeks are rare, representing 1% of abortions in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

ME Medical Community Reaffirms Support for Abortion Medication

Maine's medical community is applauding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone. The justices …

From 2008 to 2021, Maine saw a sharp decline in the number of licensed child care providers operating in the state, with Lincoln County alone experiencing a 61% decrease. (Adobe Stock)

Training Underway to Eliminate 'Child Care Deserts' in Maine

A community-development nonprofit is helping to counter the sharp decline in child care providers in Maine by offering the training needed to start an…

Maine's biennial budget proposal recommends $169 million in state funds to strengthen care for older Mainers and expand services to help them age in their homes, including increased support for home-delivered meals and programs that reduce senior neglect and exploitation. (Adobe Stock)

Supporters of Paid Family, Medical Leave in ME Hopeful This Legislative Session

AARP Maine said it is hopeful lawmakers will find common ground on issues to support older Mainers this legislative session, including establishing a …

Starting in 2023, parents who are offered family health insurance at work may qualify for affordable health care coverage through the federal marketplace if premiums for that family plan cost more than 9.12% of their total family income. (Adobe Stock)

Maine Increases Rates of Children with Health Insurance

Federal funding during the COVID-19 public emergency helped to further reduce the number of uninsured children in Maine, but as pandemic-era dollars …

AARP Maine provides an online caregiver resource guide, which includes health and community resource listings, and a toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885. (Adobe Photo)

Maine Advocates: Paid Family Medical Leave Possible in 2023

Not everybody gets a holiday break, especially caregivers, but advocates of paid family medical leave in Maine say momentum is building for a plan to …

During the pandemic, 141 child-care centers closed in Maine, and many more closed temporarily. That's limited some women from getting back into the workforce. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Report: Gaps in Data Limit Maine's Ability to Support Marginalized Women

A new report finds the pandemic disproportionately impacted women, but that gaps in data limit Maine's ability to help those in need. Women are …

Maine has more than 2,000 children in foster care, but not enough families for family placements. (cristalov/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Maine Foster Youths Need More Families Available for Placements

PORTLAND, Maine -- About 2,200 children are in foster care in Maine, and agencies say there are not enough families who are actively able to accept …

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's new Kids Count Data Book places Maine fourth in the U.S. for family and community rankings, but 21st for education, putting the state at 13th overall for child well-being. (mhartford/Creative Commons)

Report: Maine In Top Quarter for Overall Child Well-Being

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A national report ranks Maine in the top quarter among states for overall child well-being. The annual Annie E. Casey Foundation …

According to AARP Maine, nearly 180-thousand people care for a family member, about 13% of the state's population. (Sabine van Erp/Pixabay)

Maine Considering Tax Credit for Family Caregivers

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A bill that would provide a tax credit for family caregivers in Maine is getting a public hearing Thursday at the State House…

Nine thousand Maine children live in areas of concentrated poverty, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Many Maine Families Have Bounced Back from Recession, Out of Poverty

AUGUSTA, Maine — The number of Maine children living in concentrated poverty is back to pre-recession levels, according to a new data snapshot …

Maine has seen a 41.5% drop in opioid prescriptions since 2013. (Tech. Sgt. Mark R.W. Orders-Woempner/U.S. Air Force)

Maine Hosts Opioid Response Summit to Address Ongoing Crisis

AUGUSTA, Maine — Experts from across the country are in Maine today for the state's first Opioid Response Summit. Gov. Janet Mills will be …

Maine ranks among the highest states for placement of children and teens in foster care with relatives and families. (Juhan Sonin/Flickr)

Report: Maine Leads in Placing Foster Youth with Families

ELLSWORTH, Maine – A new Annie E. Casey Foundation report shows that more young people in foster care have been placed with families than in …

About 94 percent of young people in foster care in Maine earn a high school diploma or GED by age 21. (pxhere)

Young Adults Face Struggles Leaving Foster Care

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine is doing relatively well in helping young people in foster care transition to adult life, but there's room for …

Only 8 percent of young parents in Maine have an associate degree or higher. (pixabay)

Maine’s Young Parents Need a Helping Hand

AUGUSTA, Maine — Young parents in Maine are facing major obstacles to providing for themselves and their children, according to a new report…

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Houlton Station operated an immigration checkpoint on Interstate 95 last week. (Customs and Border Protection)

Checkpoints by Customs Border Patrol Rile Some Mainers

BANGOR, Maine – Some drivers and passengers were annoyed, others angry and afraid when they were stopped last week by U.S. Customs and Border …

Maine has the most veterans per capita, and one of the highest rates of veteran-owned businesses in the nation. (rawpixel)

Veterans in Maine, NH, Mass. Fare Better than Vt.

AUGUSTA, Maine – While Memorial Day was a day to honor military veterans, barbecue, shop for sales, or maybe take a motorcycle ride, some vets …

Advocates say improving access to opportunities for kids of all backgrounds is important because they represent tomorrow's workforce. (Nesstor42u/Morguefile)

Some Maine Kids Facing Racial, Ethnic Roadblocks

AUGUSTA, Maine – Children of color and those living in immigrant families face persistent challenges that make their road to success more …

While much of the nation is making gains in getting health insurance for more children; Maine is missing out and still has 12,000 uninsured kids. (Pinterest).

Maine Treading Water on Children's Health Insurance Coverage

BANGOR, Maine – A new report from Georgetown University finds fewer than five percent of children nationwide are uninsured, but Maine is not …

Affordable-housing advocates say they aren't giving up the fight for getting a rent-control measure on the local ballot in November. (Bre Chamberlain)

Down But Not Out? Fair Housing Advocates Rally in Portland

PORTLAND, Maine - Fair-housing advocates delivered 1,000 more signatures than were required, but the Portland City Clerk's Office says the rent-…

Maine is one of the New England states considered a bright spot for improving children's access to free summer meals. (USDA)

Maine Credited for Major Improvements Getting Summer Meals to Kids

AUGUSTA, Maine – Nationwide the number of lower-income children getting access to free summer meals is down, but Maine is bucking that trend…

Experts caution there's no summer break for cyberbullies, and parents can help kids reduce their risks by limiting screen time. (pixabay)

Cyber Bullies Don't Take Time Off for Summer

BANGOR, Maine – It once happened mostly in schoolyards, but now bullies also launch their attacks on the Web - and those attacks can intensify …

Senior advocates want lawmakers to consider measures that will help the growing number of older Mainers age comfortably in their own homes and communities. (AARP-Maine)

Looking Out for Seniors: Maine Lawmakers Get Back to Work

AUGUSTA, Maine – As state lawmakers get back to work, advocates for seniors say they should put more focus on the needs of the aging population …

Local union and social-justice advocates say important questions linger about Gov. Paul LePage's plan to use a private contractor to administer a Maine job-training program. (MSEA)

Reactions to LePage Plans to Privatize Maine Job-Training Program

AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. Paul LePage has said he doesn't understand all the hoopla, but questions remain about his plan to contract with an out-of-…

Nothing to cry about: a new survey ranks Maine third in the nation for the affordability of having a baby. (Ernest F.)

Maine Ranks Third in Nation for Having Baby Affordably

AUGUSTA, Maine – It's no secret that August is a big month for children being born, across the nation, but Mainers may be surprised to learn …

First-time offenders caught with small amounts of drugs like cocaine and heroin will no longer face felony charges in Maine. (Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration)

Compromise Averts Felony Charges for First-time Maine Drug Offenders

AUGUSTA, Maine - Starting next month, Mainers who would have faced felony charges for possession of small amounts of drugs will instead receive a …

As the nation pauses to remember those who served and died defending the nation, a new report says the average officer veteran is only 47 and needs to find a good state for retirement. (Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, U.S. Air Force)

As Nation Remembers: Maine Ranked in Top 10 States for Veterans to Retire

AUGUSTA, Maine - As the nation takes time on Memorial Day to honor veterans who gave their lives for their country, a new survey points to Maine as …

Mainers are urged this week to get their kids outside by getting them to forego the seven hours a day most kids spend watching TVs or computer screens. (Mike Clifford)

Mainers Encouraged to Turn Off the TV: It's Screen-Free Week

AUGUSTA, Maine - With all the smartphones, tablets, computers and video games around, it's easy to forget that there is life beyond a screen…

It's the latest advice from a new CDC Study: To stay healthy, older Americans, especially men, and certain ethnic groups need to drink more water. (Mike Clifford)

Check Your Fluid Levels? CDC Advises Drinking More Water

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has followed up on a study done about a decade ago that looks at whether Americans …

About 20,000 children in Maine spend at least part of their childhood absent from a parent who's in prison. A new report outlines ways that states, courts and communities can help. (darnock/morguefile)

Maine: Highest Percentage in New England of Kids with Parents in Prison

AUGUSTA, Maine – About 20,000 children in Maine are growing up with a parent who is or has been incarcerated, and a new report from the Annie E…

A blogging mom says Mainers can find designer clothes at deep discounts at secondhand shops. (Poor Girl, Expensive World/WordPress)

Blogger Has Money Saving Tips for Mainers

AUGUSTA, Maine - Social media and the Internet make a person's image seem important, but with money tight, some Mainers can't live the lifestyles …

A University of Maine professor says families don't have to spend money on videos to introduce babies and young children to reading. It's as simple as sitting down with them daily to enjoy a book. (Ldorfman)

Maine Expert: No Need for Videos to Help Babies Learn

AUGUSTA, Maine - New England children's advocates say a video learning series is back at it again, making "unfounded claims" about infants' ability …

Competing minimum-wage proposals have been vying for position, but supporters of raising Maine's minimum wage to $9 by 2017 say they have the votes to get it onto the November ballot. (Mainers for Fair Wages)

Maine Minimum Wage: Competing Versions Duke It Out

AUGUSTA, Maine - It would raise the minimum wage in Maine to $9 an hour by 2017, and supporters of the ballot initiative now say they are optimistic …

A new report says the racial wealth gap is growing and low-income families need action to help them save. (Mike Clifford)

Low-income Mainers Need Boost to Save

AUGUSTA, Maine - The goal is to make it easier for low-income families to save and a new brief is urging Congress to get involved. The Annie E…

It is now up to Maine's secretary of state to certify a ballot petition that was supported by more than 75,000 signatures last week. The proposal would boost the statewide minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020. (Mainers for Fair Wages).

November Ballot: Mainers Likely Face Minimum-Wage Decision

AUGUSTA, Maine - When Maine voters head to the polls to elect a new president this fall, they also will likely be turning thumbs up or down on a …

December is among the top three months for first-time alcohol use among teens and local experts say New England states such as Maine are where kids are more likely to be taking a drink. (Mike Clifford)

Holidays Prime Time for First-Time Teen Alcohol Use in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - We all love a bit of good cheer, but December and the holidays also are prime time for teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol…

Advocates for foster children in Maine say programs like this youth leadership training session show the state is moving in the right direction to help make life in foster care more normal. Credit: Penthea Burns

Report: Maine Heading Foster Children in Right Direction

AUGUSTA, Maine – States can help foster children to thrive by knocking down a few barriers, according to a new Annie E. Casey Foundation report…

Maine's first lady Ann LePage is the keynote speaker Tuesday at an event to raise awareness for National Home Care and Hospice Month. Courtesy: Office of Gov. Paul LePage

National Hospice Month: Clueing Mainers in on Care Options

AUGUSTA, Maine – It's National Home Care and Hospice Month, and local advocates are using November to get the word out about end-of-life care …

Maine was once a leader in ensuring health coverage for kids, but a new report finds the state is lagging behind other New England states in providing coverage. Credit: Skeeze/Pixabay.

Maine Falls Behind New England States in Reaching Uninsured Kids

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine continues to fall behind other New England states when it comes to getting health insurance to children. A new report …

Zach Wolzich and 9-year-old daughter Samantha met with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to ask Congress to protect the carbon pollution limits in the EPA Clean Power Plan. Courtesy: Natural Resources Council of Maine

Mainers Visit D.C. to Urge Support for Carbon Pollution Limits

AUGUSTA, Maine - It almost sounds like the set-up for a joke – a doctor, an ice fisherman and his daughter walk into a Senate office – …

It is World Suicide Prevention Day, and training sessions like this one in Brunswick held by NAMI Maine help people identify the warning signs of suicide and take action. Courtesy: NAMI Maine

World Suicide Prevention Day: Maine in Top Ten States at Risk for Suicide

AUGUSTA, Maine - Reaching out and saving lives. That's the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day today, and advocates say Mainers need to pay …

A new Annie E. Casey Foundation report puts Maine out in front when it comes to the number of children who get placed with foster families and kinship care rather than group home settings. Credit: avidcreative/iStock.

Maine in Top Four States for "Family Placement"

AUGUSTA, Maine - It can make all the difference for kids in the child welfare system, according to a new report and Maine is one of the best states …

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