Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center

Maine Policy Review Highlights Community-Based Solutions for Rural Aging

An academic journal cover for the Maine Policy Review, 2025, Vol. 34, No. 2.

Maine Policy Review Highlights Community-Based Solutions for Rural Aging

As Maine’s population ages, rural communities are developing local solutions to help older residents access essential services, maintain independence, and stay connected. A recent study published in Maine Policy Review examines how community-based networks can address challenges facing rural older adults, including barriers to health care, housing, transportation, and social connection. The Maine Community Connectors […]

Split image featuring 2026 Margaret Chase Smith Library essay contest winner Oran Saar on the left and the abstract artwork for Maine Policy Review 36(1) on the right.

2026 Margaret Chase Smith Library Annual Essay Contest Winner | Maine Policy Review

The Margaret Chase Smith Library proudly sponsors an annual essay contest for high school seniors. This year, the MCSL challenged students to address what governmental service or program is essential and needs to be protected. Oran Saar of John Bapst Memorial High School was awarded first place. His essay, “The Importance of National Parks“, has […]

Recognizing Dr. Rebecca Bian’s Recent Professional Achievements

Dr. Rebecca Bian, an assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering affiliated with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, has earned several notable recognitions and advanced transportation research through recent presentations, publications, and professional honors. The Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center congratulates Dr. Bian on these accomplishments and on her continued contributions to transportation research […]

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MCSPC Director Jonathan Rubin on Maine’s High Heating Oil Prices

Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center Director Jonathan Rubin was recently interviewed by News Center Maine on the upcoming high heating oil prices coming to Maine. The real issue is refining capacity. Refining capacity in the United States is at all-time highs. There really is not any more capacity to refine significantly more quantities of oil, […]

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Labor Day 2026

Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of workers everywhere! Whether you’re grilling with family, enjoying a well-deserved break, or reflecting on your journey, let’s honor our collective efforts. In the spirit of the day, enjoy a Maine Policy Matters episode during your downtime about Maine’s working waterfront!

Marcella Sorg, Dominic Piacenti, Eric Miller, and Alex Rezk collaged side-by-side across the top, and a table displaying informational brochures and Narcan nasal spray boxes across the bottom.

2026 Governor’s 8th Annual Opioid Response Summit

Dr. Marcella Sorg recently presented at the 2026 Governor’s 8th Annual Opioid Response Summit, an annual summary of data reviewing 2025 and 2026 drug overdose trends, including overdose responses and reversals by members of the law enforcement community. Research Associate Dominic Piacentini was on the ‘Aging and Addiction: Bringing Older Adults into the SUD Conversation’ panel. The […]

Marci Sorg Interviewed for WABI5

In an interview featured in WABI TV5’s coverage, Dr. Marcella “Marci” Sorg, a research professor at the University of Maine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, provided expert insight into the factors driving regional drug overdose statistics. As director of the Rural Drug and Alcohol Research Program and lead author of Maine’s monthly overdose reports, Dr. […]

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Why Financial Literacy Matters: National Financial Awareness Day

August 14th is National Financial Awareness Day, an annual reminder of the importance of personal financial health and money management. While taking control of your finances starts with individual action, long-term stability relies heavily on having access to clear, accessible financial education early on. In a commentary for Maine Policy Review, David M. Leach addresses […]

Mid section of pregnant woman standing in corridor.

Maine Policy Review Cited in Critical Article on Potential Labor and Delivery Unit Closure

Maine Policy Review was recently cited in Maine Morning Star: A legal battle is underway over MaineHealth’s proposed closure of the birthing center at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, where local pregnant resident Corrinna Stum and the Miles Delivers Action Coalition have filed a lawsuit to block the move. The closure will expand rural “maternity deserts,” […]

S9E4 Connecting Maine: The Future of Rural Transit & Community Resilience

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Grant, Lisa Smith, and Katherine Freund to discuss the critical challenges and innovative, community-driven solutions shaping transportation resilience, volunteer driver programs, and the future of mobility in rural Maine. Also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. Guest Bios Resources Support Us Donate to Maine Policy Review: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/donate-to-maine-policy-review/ Visit […]

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