Yes, yes, I know. The criteria Gov. Paul LePage released for grading our schools last week was very problematic. Using mostly one test from one day in one year to judge an entire educational experience is absolutely crazy. Penalizing failing … Continue reading
Ethan: As two folks who embody the importance of bipartisanship, let’s have a discussion about the Maine Legislature’s “Gang of 11” plan to reform our tax code? The gang is made up of five Republicans, five Democrats and one independent. … Continue reading
A bill to allow fishing boats to bring their lobster by-catch on shore for sale was defeated. The same week, a right-to-work bill allowing business to hire non-union employees into a union shop was defeated. Were these bills good or bad … Continue reading
This week Governor LePage will be rolling out his grades for schools across the state of Maine. Is this smart? Will it be fair? How will schools react? How should they react? Our political analysts Phil Harriman and Ethan Strimling … Continue reading
In the wake of the Governor’s meeting with unemployment judges, three investigations have now been initiated; one by the Governor, one by the legislature, and one by the federal government. Perhaps this is an indication of the potential problem the … Continue reading
Democrats rolled out a series of tax increases on tourists and the wealthy to balance the budget this week. From their perspective, if the LePage budget goes through, property taxes will go up. LePage wants the municipalities to absorb the … Continue reading
Phil: Immigration, guns and welfare benefits seemed to meld into one discussion in the aftermath of the terrorists attack in Boston. Do you think it’s time to amend the Constitution to address these matters? Ethan: Not sure where welfare benefits enter … Continue reading
In his weekly radio address, Governor LePage alluded to his proposal to issue an “A-F” grading system for Maine’s public schools some time by the end of the month. Democrats on the Legislature’s Education Committee say the plan could shame students … Continue reading
Ethan: In the wake of the Boston bombings, President Barack Obama said none of us are Democrats or Republicans. I couldn’t agree more. Any initial reflections? Phil: Just a few — in between our prayers of support for those impacted … Continue reading
In light of the attack in Boston, Ethan Strimling and Phil Harriman discuss whether the government may try to pass a new PATRIOT ACT in the name of increasing security for America. They also discuss whether Obama should be calling … Continue reading
