AUGUSTA, Maine, May 3 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release: * * * Committee advances Roberts' legislation to protect Maine consumers by licensing building contractors AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Housing and Economic Development Committee voted Thursday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, that would protect Maine consumers by establishing a licensing requirement for general contractors. "After collaborating with the Attorney Ge  more

WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston issued the following Beige Book on April 23, 2025: * * * Summary of Economic Activity Economic activity increased slightly, about the same as in the previous report. Concerns over the impact of tariffs intensified but mainly affected the outlook. Prices rose modestly in recent weeks on average, despite larger increases in selected input prices. Employment edged up, but many firms planned to pause or limit hiring going forward because of   more

WASHINGTON, May 3 -- NASA issued the following news release: * * * NASA Invests in Future STEM Workforce Through Space Grant Awards NASA is awarding up to $870,000 annually to 52 institutions across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico over the next four years. The investments aim to create opportunities for the next generation of innovators by supporting workforce development, science, technology, engineering and math education, and aerospace collaboration nationwide.  more

AUGUSTA, Maine, May 3 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on May 2, 2025: * * * Ray proposes stipend for State Ferry Service employees AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Ray, D-Lincolnville, introduced LD 1268, which seeks to address recruitment and retention issues within the Maine State Ferry Service by providing a yearly stipend to all employees. "This bill is a small step towards making ferry crew wages commensurate with the going industry wage," said Ray. "Right  more

AUGUSTA, Maine, May 3 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel: * * * Sen. Ingwersen bill to expand healthcare workforce opportunities receives committee support AUGUSTA -- Yesterday, the Maine Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved LD 1311, "An Act to Expand Health Care Workforce by Improving Educational Opportunities," a bill sponsored by Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, that would tackle  more

AUGUSTA, Maine, May 3 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol: * * * Sen. Reny introduces bill to support Maine marinas by requiring full manufacturer reimbursement for repairs under warranty AUGUSTA -- On Friday, May 2, Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, introduced a bill to support Maine marinas by requiring manufacturers to provide full reimbursement for parts and labor for repairs performed under warranty. LD 1296, "An Act t  more

AUGUSTA, Maine, May 3 -- The Maine State House Speaker issued the following news: * * * Speaker Fecteau introduces bill to encourage construction of accessory dwelling units LD 1272 would unlock financing for homeowners and expand the market AUGUSTA - Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford) this week introduced a bill (LD 1272) that would help make the construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) a financial possibility for homeowners across Maine. "LD 1272 is a follow-up to LD 2003, the   more