Steve Mistler

Portland Press Herald

Latest

Published
March 27, 2014

LePage’s drug-battle plan pared down, gets bipartisan backing

A legislative panel endorses a revised plan that pays for more treatment, doesn’t add as much enforcement and costs $1 million less.
Published
March 26, 2014

Democrats throw out, alter LePage welfare-reform bills

The Legislature is likely to pass the amended versions, but most Republicans and LePage object to them and vetoes are likely.
Published
March 26, 2014

LePage’s fact-checking proposal hits resistance in Maine

It’s unfortunate politicians make false claims, but making a government agency the ‘truth police’ is a bigger threat to democracy, the ACLU says.
Published
March 25, 2014

Welfare success story adds to Maine debate

A lawyer tells legislators she rose from poverty using a program that Gov. LePage wants to cut. The state says it needs to be eliminated to meet federal rules.
Published
March 24, 2014

Details sought on removal of Maine workers comp officer

Paul Sighinolfi is under fire for removing a claims resolution officer after the NewPage mill in Rumford complained.
Published
March 24, 2014

LePage rolls out proposals for ‘tough love’ on welfare

Democrats object to several of the measures, including an end to job-training assistance for low-income parents who pursue two- or four-year college degrees.
Published
March 24, 2014

State House Notebook: Candidates reply to LePage claim that he’s a man of action

Also: The politics of workers’ compensation.
Published
March 21, 2014

Resolution officer’s removal at Maine workers’ comp board leads to criticism

The officer was pulled off NewPage cases after the company took its fairness concerns to the governor’s staff, and critics see favoritism toward business.
Published
March 20, 2014

LePage wants election claims given truth test

Gov. Paul LePage has recently made several public statements accusing his political foes of spreading falsehoods. Now, as the governor ramps up his re-election bid, he wants the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices to investigate erroneous campaign claims if a candidate for statewide office files a complaint. LePage has submitted an after-deadline […]
Published
March 19, 2014

Deal aims to plug Maine’s budget gap, bolster rainy day fund

In addressing the shortfall this fiscal year, the plan also would affect next year’s proposed spending.