Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center

President Dwight Eisenhower and Margaret Chase Smith, Skowhegan, 1955.

Remembering Margaret Chase Smith

Farmer holding a wooden crate of various vegetables.

S7E3 Food Equity in Education: Where Maine Stands and Where It’s Headed

In this episode, we interview Shannon Coffin, Lynne Holland, Lisa Morin, and Amanda Levesque on food insecurity in Maine’s higher and lower education systems. This episode is part 2 of our series on food insecurity in Maine. If you haven’t listened yet, please check out Part 1, where we discuss the statewide prevalence of food […]

Maine Sees 20% Drop in Overdose Deaths: Dr. Marci Sorg Weighs In on Contributing Factors

Dr. Marci Sorg of Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center discussed the 20% drop in overdose deaths on Maine Public. Read The U.S. saw largest 1 year decline in overdose deaths, Maine reported a 20% decline for more information. The amount of fentanyl may have changed. We can’t really measure that, but the amount of drugs […]

Illustration of a businessperson riding a bicycle through a cityscape, wearing a helmet and suit, with tall glass buildings and clouds in the background. Represents sustainable commuting for National Bike to Work Day.

National Bike to Work Day 2025: Health Benefits and Mobility Data

National Bike to Work Day is more than a ride—it’s a step toward healthier communities. Cycling to work can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 45%. Explore how mobility data is revolutionizing nonmotorized traffic monitoring in this study by Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center Staff, Rebecca Bian.

World Password Day

Today is World Password Day, a reminder of passwords’ critical role in internet safety.Strong password practices aren’t just recommended, they’re essential.

Children holding up a globe with their hands, symbolizing unity and global awareness.

Our Power, Our Planet: Celebrating Earth Day 2025 Together

Today, we celebrate Our Power, Our Planet on Earth Day and reaffirm the importance of Maine’s policies that protect it. From clean air and safe water to climate resilience and renewable energy, smart, forward-thinking policy is essential to a sustainable future. Read these articles from Maine Policy Review on Maine’s Clean Water Act and Maine […]

Interview with New Staff Member Rebecca Bian

Dr. Bian is an assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and is affiliated with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at UMaine. Can you share a bit about your academic, research, and professional background? I lived in Louisiana for the last 10 years completing my PhD study at Louisiana State University and starting my […]

Proactive Approach to First Responder Suicide Risk

Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center staff member, Jamie Wren, who oversees data collection of violence and drug-related deaths was recently mentioned in an article about the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department’s proactive approach to reduce first responder suicide risk. Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols and Sergeant Ryan Close asked the question, how many law enforcement officers […]

S7E2 Feeding Maine: The Fight Against Hunger in Urban and Rural Communities

In this episode, we interview Heather Paquette, Kelly Sirimoglu, and Justin Strasburger on the prevalence of food insecurity in Maine. Resources Transcript [00:00:00] Kelly Sirimoglu: Food insecurity in this region is really interwoven with poverty, transportation security, lack of state resources, high levels of poor health, and high levels of disability. So it’s really intertwined. […]

Split image with Chris O'Brien on the left and Senator Margaret Chase Smith on the right.

Margaret Chase Smith Library Director Chris O’Brien Joins Panel on Maine’s Influential Women’s History

Margaret Chase Smith Library Director Chris O’Brien joined a panel discussion hosted by Maine Calling to discuss influential women in Maine who have made their mark in politics, the arts, science, and other fields.