NEWS | Local perspective on state budget

Democrats say the narrowly approved budget reflects Maine values and will help working-class families; Republicans say the spending package is irresponsible and not sustainable By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Maine lawmakers last week approved a supplemental budget of more than $500 million for the next fiscal year. Gov. Janet Mills signed the spending package -- … Continue reading NEWS | Local perspective on state budget

NEWS | Governor signs Malon’s gambling addiction bill

[ Contributed Story ] Gov. Janet Mills gave State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) one more thing to celebrate this Easter holiday weekend. On Friday, the governor signed a law a bill that Malon introduced earlier this year to help curb online gambling addiction. RELATED | Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction As amended, LD … Continue reading NEWS | Governor signs Malon’s gambling addiction bill

OPINION | Working toward fair school funding

By REP. MARC MALON | Special to the Gazette Strong public schools are essential for strong communities. When we think about the pressures facing our school district and the accompanying pressure on local property taxpayers, an important factor is something called the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula, better known as the school-funding formula. The … Continue reading OPINION | Working toward fair school funding

Ingwersen kicks off campaign in Biddeford

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A small group -- including some other legislators -- gathered Sunday at Pizza By Alex in Biddeford to help State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Arundel) launch his campaign for a third consecutive term in the Maine State Senate. RELATED: State Senate race heats up in Biddeford State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (right) shares … Continue reading Ingwersen kicks off campaign in Biddeford

Councilor Lessard considering run for state house

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard confirmed Friday that he is considering a challenge against incumbent State Rep. Marc Malon to represent District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives. District 133 includes the central and western area of the city. The upcoming election will be held in November. If he does … Continue reading Councilor Lessard considering run for state house

NEWSLETTER: Help us with a tagline, score some goodies from Reilly’s Bakery

According to blogger Mat Zucker, it is becoming more and more important for news outlets to have a pithy, clever tagline that differentiates them from an overflowing pot of news sources and media sites. “The motto of a news organization is more than just marketing,” Zucker writes. “It’s a declaration of journalistic purpose. These short … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Help us with a tagline, score some goodies from Reilly’s Bakery

Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Over just the last few years, online gambling has exploded in popularity all over the country and its impacts are being felt here in Maine -- on several different fronts. That gambling explosion – especially the rise in online sports/fantasy wagering – has also caused some problems, most notably a sharp … Continue reading Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction

NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage

Welcome to October! The days are getting shorter. The leaves are dropping, and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s also almost time to choose a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members in Biddeford. My favorite time of the year! Autumn at Chez Seaver Biddeford Mayoral Debate Last night, I served as one … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage

OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading

By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio?  My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences.    Photo credit: … Continue reading OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading

What’s happening in Augusta: Cleaning Out the Notebook

By Rep. MARC MALON I view this past week in Augusta as transitional. Committees, including my own, finished their work on bills and the bulk of the activity began moving from the committee room to the floors of each chamber. The week began on a stressful note personally. I went to the Memorial Day ceremony … Continue reading What’s happening in Augusta: Cleaning Out the Notebook

AUGUSTA RECAP: State Rep. Marc Malon

By Rep. MARC MALON This week at the Statehouse was front-loaded and compact. Many of my colleagues traveled on the biannual Maine Development Foundation tour across the state, learning about economic development particularly in Penobscot and Aroostook Counties from Wednesday through Friday. I’ve always wanted to attend, but it’s difficult to manage with family obligations. … Continue reading AUGUSTA RECAP: State Rep. Marc Malon