Dan Neumann, Beacon (Maine) Journalist Profile

Articles

Poll: Mainers strongly support rent relief, public health insurance option

Apr 11, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

Maine voters overwhelmingly back crucial housing reforms and a public health insurance option, according to a recent poll. In the survey of 607 Maine voters conducted in late March by the Maine People’s Resource Center, a partner of the Beacon, 57% expressed support for “the creation of a new state rental assistance voucher program to help more Maine families afford housing,” with only 30% opposed.
Housing advocates applaud inclusion of rent relief in Democrats’ budget plan

Apr 9, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

Housing advocates are applauding a spending plan passed by Democrats which includes $18 million in funding for rental assistance. Legislative Democrats endorsed a proposed state supplemental budget on Saturday that included funds for a state-run housing voucher program pilot. The plan, which passed the Democratic-majority Appropriations Committee in a 7-5 vote along party lines, goes beyond what Gov.
A New Year Brings New Strategy for Biden Administration’s Commitment to “Green”

Apr 6, 2024 | compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com | Dan Neumann

Photo by Alejandro-Barba on UnSplash By Dan Neumann February 15, 2023 In 2023, composites will remain a solution to many of the problems Washington is looking to address. This includes providing components for green energy and hydrogen programs, lightweighting and electric vehicles, and more. Our products are already being used to secure and make our electrical grid more durable in response to storm damage and other threats.
‘We need a true extreme risk protection order:’ Mainers call on lawmakers to pass red flag law

Apr 5, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

Maine Lawmakers heard from the public on Friday over a proposed red flag law, also called an extreme risk protection order, which is aimed at empowering not just law enforcement but also family members to petition a court to restrict access to firearms for individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. “I’m here to join the chorus of voices asking you to give Mainers a streamlined mechanism to protect our loved ones in crisis from harming themselves or others.
‘Big win but a small step:’ Maine House passes bill expanding some Wabanaki rights

Apr 3, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

With bipartisan support, the Maine House passed an amended bill on Tuesday that will expand the Wabanaki Nations’ jurisdiction over certain crimes. LD 2007, which passed the House 82-62 and has the support of Gov. Janet Mills, aims to synchronize Maine’s legal framework with federal statutes concerning tribal court jurisdiction. It specifies the areas where the state holds either concurrent or exclusive authority over criminal prosecutions.
Push for safe staffing levels in Maine hospitals gets bipartisan support

Mar 29, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

Marking the furthest any such legislation has gone in the Maine Legislature, the Maine Senate voted (22-13) on Wednesday to pass LD 1639. Known as The Maine Quality Care Act, the bill aims to address unsafe staffing levels in Maine hospitals by implementing minimum staffing requirements based on patient needs. The vote was hailed as a major step by the Maine State Nurses Association (MSNA), the state’s largest nursing union, which has organized its members behind the bill.
Faith leaders urge funding for Mainers’ needs amid record revenue surplus

Mar 28, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

Faith leaders in Maine are calling on lawmakers to pass a budget that makes record investments into housing, childcare, healthcare and other urgent needs at a time of a record revenue surplus. “Maine has been lucky to have leadership that plans for the future with care and intentionality, resulting in a completely full rainy day fund. And, every virtue pushed to its extreme becomes a vice,” said Rev.
Mills’ farmworker minimum wage bill seen as progress but still creates ‘second-class’ workers

Mar 27, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Dan Neumann

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Mills’ farmworker minimum wage bill seen as progress but still creates ‘second-class’ workers

Mar 27, 2024 | mainebeacon.com | Dan Neumann

A bill supported by Gov. Janet Mills to make farmworkers subject to the state minimum wage would be a significant step toward rectifying a historical wrong, labor advocates say, but still would leave them as second-class workers in other regards. LD 2273, a bill introduced by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland) on behalf of Mills, would make farmworkers eligible to earn the minimum wage, which is currently $14.15 per hour.
Maine healthcare advocates celebrate anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

Mar 25, 2024 | ourcommunitynow.com | Dan Neumann