This week, Matt, Mike, Jake and Harris tackle three big topics.
First, the continuing drama in Augusta over the supplemental budget winds down, and there appears to be no real movement from the Democrats on Medicaid and General Assistance welfare reform. That means no deal, as Senate Republicans remain firm on their demand for real reform. How does this end, and what does it mean for the next budget fight? We answer.
Next, we talk about Laurel Libby’s federal lawsuit against Speaker Ryan Fecteau over her censure in the Legislature. She (and several of her constituents) are arguing that the removal of her vote and speaking privileges is a violation of the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. What are her prospects in court, and how will this end? We discuss.
Finally, we take a trip down memory lane. March 15th is the five year anniversary of the declaration of a state of emergency due to COVID-19, and a familiar face — Dr. Nirav Shah — is back in Maine. We remember what happened and why, and talk over the most egregious decisions and mistakes that where made.
All this and more in this week’s Pine Tree Pulse Podcast.