The Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine proudly announces the launch of Season 9 of its podcast, Maine Policy Matters. Dedicated to making public policy information more accessible, the podcast serves policymakers, government officials, business and nonprofit leaders, and the general public. Maine Policy Matters continues to offer insightful panel discussions […]
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In this episode, we interview Chris O’Brien on Maine’s strategic role as a nuclear frontier during the Cold War, highlighting how bases like Loring became central to national defense. We examine the legacy of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, balancing her famous stand against McCarthyism with her firm support for nuclear military readiness. Transcript [00:00:00] Chris […]
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Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center research associate was interviewed by the Portland Press Herald to discuss staffing shortages in fire departments across Maine. “Alexander Rezk, a research associate at the policy center, agreed to discuss a 2020 survey of Hancock County fire departments that corroborated much of what the fire chiefs elsewhere had to say.‘I […]
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In this episode, we discuss the high-stakes expiration of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs)—a pandemic-era policy that is set to sunset at the end of 2025 with Hilary Schneider, Jordan Rhodes, and Hilary Schneider, Jordan Rhodes, and Meg Garrat-Reed. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) laid the groundwork for subsidized health insurance in 2010, […]
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Our podcast, Maine Policy Matters, was recently ranked number 19 of Feedspot’s “70 Best Non Partisan Podcasts” list.
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In this episode, we explore the critical role whales play in the marine ecosystem and how advances in research technology have transformed our ability to study and protect them. Our guest, Toby Stephenson, shares inspiring moments from the field, insights from recent population studies, and the challenges posed by a changing climate. We also discuss […]
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Today is National Podcast Day, and we’re celebrating the release of the 8th season of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center’s very own Maine Policy Matters. The first two episodes have been released: the Importance of Maine’s Libraries, and the Future of Whales in Maine! Library leaders from across Maine share how their roles reflect […]
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In this episode, library leaders from across Maine share how their roles reflect the modern mission of public libraries and why these institutions remain vital to their communities. Listeners will learn how Maine libraries are adapting to meet today’s needs, the impact of federal funding cuts, and the strategies librarians employ to defend intellectual freedom […]
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An article in Maine Policy Review, “Migrationland”: Social and Economic Impacts of Demographic Churn in Maine and Cumberland County Post-Pandemic“, was cited in “Thousands of people moved to Maine since the pandemic. The influx isn’t over.” The article discusses how more than 126,000 people have moved to Maine since the pandemic, driven largely by remote […]
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Can you describe your role and any current projects you’re working on? At the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, I am a writer for the podcast Maine Policy Matters. I write and revise episode scripts based on peer-reviewed articles published by the Center, as well as pitch ideas for the podcast about policy issues relevant […]
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