Michael Shepherd

Staff Writer

Latest

Published
January 29, 2013

Seven state legislators submit no bills this session

AUGUSTA — Rep. Thomas Winsor, in his sixth legislative term, is no stranger to the State House halls.
Published
January 28, 2013

Legislature releases bill list, demarcating future battle lines

AUGUSTA — Potential battles between lawmakers and Republican Gov. Paul LePage began coming into focus Monday, as the Legislature released a list of all submitted bills, including measures from Democratic leaders on issues such as bonding and charter schools.
Published
January 28, 2013

Bills set stage for Dems vs. LePage battles

Legislators and the governor appear to be in conflict on revenue sharing, borrowing, virtual schools and more.
Published
January 26, 2013

Drug issues propel rise in foster care in Maine

As more children land in state custody, Health and Human Services officials say they need extra funding.
Published
January 25, 2013

State foster care agency seeks $4.2 million in additional, emergency funding

AUGUSTA — Fallout from Maine’s substance abuse problems is blamed largely for an uptick in children in Maine’s state-funded foster care program, leading the state to request $4.2 million in emergency funding.
Published
January 24, 2013

Cutler takes first step in possible second bid for governor

AUGUSTA — Independent Eliot Cutler, who lost a tight race to Republican Gov. Paul LePage in 2010, officially has taken the first step toward running for the Blaine House in 2014.
Published
January 24, 2013

Cutler signals Blaine House run

His campaign committee filing means that Eliot Cutler can now raise money for a potential bid.
Published
January 24, 2013

LePage’s cap could choke off funds for the needy

If the $10.1 million limit is hit before June 30, no one would be required to pick up the slack.
Published
January 23, 2013

Impact of Maine bond rate drop seen as minimal

But the lower Fitch ranking spurs a political debate about the structural changes needed to solve Maine’s budget problems.
Published
January 23, 2013

Bond rating agency gives Maine a downgrade

AUGUSTA — A one-notch downgrade of Maine’s bond rating by an agency should have minimal effect on the state’s economy, but it made for political hay Wednesday at the State House.