Maine Political Pulse

Maine lawmakers Tuesday discussed with reporters a proposal to expand the state’s MaineCare program using funds available to the state from the federal government under the Affordable Care Act. Clockwise from top left is Rep. Ken Fredette, R-Newport. Fredette, the Republican Minority Leader in the House opposes the expansion of the program without further debate and study. Republicans have also noted the state needs to provide health care coverage for some 3,100 disabled and elderly Mainers who are eligible for MaineCare but are currently wait-listed before expanding the program to single and childless adults. At top right state Sen. Anne Haskell, D – Portland, said Maine’s Republican Gov. Paul LePage should not be in the position to decide who gets and doesn’t get health care in Maine. At bottom House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, tells reporters expanding the MaineCare system will create jobs and save the state money in the long run. Read the report here.