Yahoo - In an effort to reduce the cost of child care for working families, Maine lawmakers have passed legislation to increase state support. Introduced by Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland), LD 1955 would allocate $15 million for the Child Care Affordability Program in the next fiscal year. The program pays for a portion of childcare costs for working families making 125% or less of the state’s median income. The bill would also require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a long-term plan for the financial sustainability of the program, and report to the Maine Legislature by Dec. 15.
A legislative committee this week supported giving homeless shelters in Maine additional funding, but was divided on where that money should come from. Shelter directors have been pushing lawmakers to use a portion of the real estate transfer tax to increase the subsidy, while committee members who voted against the proposal believe the funding should instead come from the state’s general fund.
Rep. Chellie Pingree welcomed Kristi Noem’s firing on Thursday as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, saying it was “long overdue” and criticizing Noem’s tenure as “one of the most corrupt, reckless and disgraceful chapters in the department’s history.” Noem had been facing increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, culminating in a congressional hearing this week, where she faced rare criticism from Republican lawmakers.
Rep. Chellie Pingree welcomed Kristi Noem’s firing on Thursday as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, saying it was “long overdue” and criticizing Noem’s tenure as “one of the most corrupt, reckless and disgraceful chapters in the department’s history.” Noem had been facing increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, culminating in a congressional hearing this week, where she faced rare criticism from Republican lawmakers.
Mainers may soon get a chance to hang up their winter coats — at least for a couple of days. Temperatures will climb into the 50s and maybe even the 60s early next week after another spell of wintry weather to start the weekend. Some snow is expected to reach southern and central Maine overnight Thursday into Friday morning, though the wintry conditions are likely to be more hazardous in southern New England.
Elections
Troy Jackson, who is running for Maine governor, has endorsed Graham Platner - who is running for Maine SenateNews Center Maine - A crash on Route 1 in Brunswick killed a man from Sebago, according to Brunswick Police. Police said the crash happened on Wednesday night, on Route 1 near the Route 196 ramp. Investigators said Brandon Macfarland, 22, was driving a 2023 Ford Transit on the onramp toward Route 1 northbound when he veered out of his lane and onto an icy embankment. The vehicle then went over a barrier, and onto the ground below.