Poll: Cutler up, Mitchell down, Scontras even

Paul LePage still leads the governor’s race, but Chellie Pingree is in a statistical tie.

New poll: LePage leads; Mitchell and Cutler tied

Republican Paul LePage holds a strong lead in the race to be Maine’s next governor, while Democrat Libby Mitchell and Independent Eliot Cutler are now statistically even in second place, according to independent poll results released today.

Portland launches city flu-shot clinics

Portland’s Public Health Division is providing flu vaccinations at eight walk-in clinics around the city, starting this afternoon.

Candidates tackle welfare: State’s assistance programs face a political reality check

From a business executive who grew up in poverty to a longtime legislator who defends public assistance programs, the candidates for governor have widely differing perspectives on welfare in Maine.

Whoever wins Nov. 2 is sure to oversee changes in Maine’s welfare system.

For one thing, voters appear to be demanding it. In a poll conducted last week for MaineToday Media, more than 60 percent of respondents said the state doesn’t do enough to encourage welfare recipients to work.

From Welfare to Work: For many Mainers, there’s no free lunch

State and local programs help thousands but include some employment requirements.

Facts or myths? Maine’s welfare system in action

PERCEPTION: Maine’s welfare system encourages people to turn down work or pay raises to avoid losing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.   Although each case is different, that claim doesn’t add up, according to Maine Department of Health and Human Services officials. The amount of cash assistance a parent receives is based in part on […]

From Welfare to Work: ‘When you fall … get back up’

Dan Wright is one of many skilled and experienced workers who are trying to climb out of Maine’s social safety net.

Maine welfare system data proves hard to get

DHHS is building a page online to allow people to track data such as caseloads and spending.

Social worker is her own success story

Thea Day says Maine’s welfare system can restore hope and change lives, as she experienced firsthand.

‘People are stressed right now; it’s difficult’

Portland caseworker Trista Collins helps applicants navigate a maze of programs.