Political Pulse

Some schools are adding a few positions here and there, such as keeping on custodians they hired during the pandemic. But by far, the biggest way that schools say they’re spending this money is by indirectly giving some -- or all of it -- right back to the taxpayers.

In this week’s newsletter: Recapping the long odyssey of the legislative session; how the corridor fight is padding consultants’ wallets; the little-known firm behind Maine’s landmark recycling law.

In this week’s newsletter: Gov. Janet Mills tries to contextualize her vetoes; a landmark bid to save recycling; the push to quantify racial profiling; the return of earmarks; Sen. Angus King seeks a lifeline for Afghans; another dubious GOP claim against Rep. Jared Golden.

In this week’s newsletter: Why Mills vs. LePage won’t just be a battle of divergent personalities; LePage’s media hoovering; Mills gathers dollars as supporters await official launch; redistricting efforts delayed.

In this week’s Pulse: Sens. King and Collins sharply divided on failed voting overhaul; a deeper look at Mills’ veto of the foreign-influence bill; the Dean departs.

In this week’s newsletter: Mills’ approach to disagreements with legislative Dems; watching for vetoes; broadband boosts gets bipartisan nod; and legislature breaks for budget deal.

In this week’s newsletter: Maine bucks a national trend; ranked-choice voting expansion stalls again; Golden draws early GOP spending campaign; Mills mum on Hydro-Quebec bill.

In this week’s newsletter: The politics of the public power proposal; Maine Chamber steps away from anti-public power group; Gov. Janet Mills frets property tax increases.

In this week’s newsletter: Spotlight on Sen. Susan Collins and the insurrection commission; GOP operatives use party-run website to promote a misleading hit on Congressman Jared Golden; potential trouble for a pro-Collins super PAC; and the legislative session hits the home stretch as lawmakers return to State House.

In this week’s newsletter: The governor’s historic education funding proposal; the Maine State Chamber of Commerce organizes anti-public power group; pandemic-induced gas tax losses; the anti-vax side hustle; no more guests for a GOP state lawmaker; and the national media’s obsession with Jared Golden’s tattoos.