Maine paid millions to a massive and controversial consulting firm for help improving an unemployment system that has struggled to keep up with benefits during the coronavirus pandemic.
McKinsey & Co. helped the state pay out claims more quickly, combat fraud and improve communication with unemployed workers, the Maine Department of Labor said. But the $6.3 million no-bid contract, which was recently extended through March, highlights the high cost of fixing Maine’s unemployment system, which has faced challenges since a revamp a few years ago. It comes at a time when McKinsey has seen scrutiny over its advice to governments and companies as many Mainers still struggle to access benefits.
Many Mainers describe the platform, ReEmployME, as difficult to use, and say they have struggled to reach the department when they need help. The pandemic magnified those challenges as tens of thousands of workers applied for benefits in a span of a few weeks last spring. While the state grappled with the volume and worked to implement new federal programs, some applicants saw their benefits delayed for weeks or months. READ MORE
Another 175 coronavirus cases have been reported across the state, Maine health officials said Thursday. It’s the lowest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases Maine has seen on a weekday since Nov. 16, when 173 were reported.
But even as Maine sees the holiday surge continue to decline, the state is grappling with the appearance of a more infectious variant of the virusin a Franklin County resident. The strain of the virus, known as the B.1.1.7 variant and first detected in the United Kingdom, seems to be between 40 and 70 percent more contagious than other variants.
Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah warned earlier this monththat a resurgence in virus transmission is possible if new virus variants appear in Maine, which is still seeing new caseloads well above where they were prior to late October. READ MORE
Some Mainers say they're now losing confidence in the state's vaccination rollout system after MaineHealth chose to go against the state's plan and vaccinate out-of-state contractors. Several Mainers told CBS13 that they're outraged by these actions, and that it feels like a slap in the face and that they can no longer trust the system. READ MORE
Maine lawmakers will take testimony Thursday on a bill that aims to curb racial profiling by requiring police agencies to keep demographic data on drivers involved in traffic stops. The legislation, sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, is based on recommendations made by Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey. Previous iterations of the bill have met resistance from law enforcement in Maine, including the Maine Sheriffs Association and the Maine State Police. READ MORE
Facing an uproar from the solar power industry, Central Maine Power told regulators that it has found faster and less costly ways for large solar projects to connect to the power grid.
CMP announced the change in a letter sent to the Public Utilities Commission, a day after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills called for an investigation. In the letter, CMP says it’s notifying solar farm developers of its “revised approach.” READ MORE
