Beacon Podcast

This week on the Beacon podcast, Ben, Taryn and Mike discuss new bills to restrict the referendum process being advanced by Republicans (and some Democrats) in the Maine legislature, including a measure that would prohibit issues affecting state finances from going to the ballot. In a hearing on Wednesday, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Timberlake argued that Maine voters aren’t sophisticated enough to vote on issues of taxation and that the referendum process promotes “mob rule.”

Also: Did Sen. Collins turn Maine women against Republicans? How does Bernie Sanders’ announcement affect the race for president? And why doesn’t John C. Calhoun have a national holiday?

All that, plus a legislative lightning round and some rays of hope.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

(Photo: Senate Minority Leader Dana Dow and Assistant Minority Leader Jeff Timberlake, via official website)

Taryn, Ben and Mike discuss the good and the bad from Governor Janet Mill’s budget plan and how Democrats in the legislature can improve the proposal and avoid another Republican shutdown.

They’re joined by Robin Bravender, Beacon’s new D.C. correspondent, to discuss her article on how and why Sen. Susan Collins has come to be held responsible for the legal actions of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, including his recent move to restrict abortion rights.

Plus: Taryn gives an update on that sexual harassment training, Ben wears a tuxedo to get an award and Andy O’Brien gets a new job.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

Photo by Gage Skidmore

Rep. Charlotte Warren of Hallowell, House Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, joins the Beacon podcast this week to discuss her work to address Maine’s opioid epidemic. She says legislators need to find the political will to substantially reform the law enforcement approach to Mainers with substance use disorders.

Also on the podcast: Taryn gives a rundown on what’s happening in the legislature, including a disappointing sexual harassment training, and Ben discusses the history of racism in the Republican party.

Plus: A book club that doesn’t read and a book recommendation that you can’t read.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

(Photo via Rep. Warren official website)

With Democrats in control in Augusta, an exciting list of progressive policy options just became possible. This week on the podcast, Taryn, Ben and Mike discuss the announcement of a plan to buy back CMP and Emera and put Mainers in charge of their own electric infrastructure.

Also: An interview with Beacon journalist Dan Neumann about his reporting on bills to eliminate cash bail and advance other criminal justice reforms.

Plus: Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz may be a national version of Eliot Cutler, Trump made some early moves to lock up GOP support in Maine and other thoughts on the first glimmerings of the 2020 presidential race.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

Sarah Austin of the Maine Center for Economic Policy joins Taryn, Ben and Mike on the Beacon podcast to discuss the Prosperity Budget and the revenue hole Maine now finds itself in after eight years of tax breaks for the wealthy. She makes the case that for Democrats to succeed in their plans to meet education funding goals and expand health care, it’s essential for the wealthy and large corporations to pay more of their fair share of taxes.

Also: Sen. Susan Collins’ disappointing vote on Trump’s border wall and a troubling Supreme Court decision on transgender rights.

Plus: The 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Maine’s sea change on abortion rights.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

(Photo via Jeff Kirlin)

Phil Bartlett has served as a state senator, Senate Majority Leader, Democratic National Committee member and, since 2014, chair of the Maine Democratic Party. He joins Taryn, Ben and Mike on the podcast this week as he leaves that post to discuss his work to build a grassroots base, what he thinks newly-ascendant Democrats should focus on in Augusta and how they should push back against racism and division.

Also: Governor Janet Mills says she’ll work toward universal health care, former Governor Paul LePage is trying to create an anti-MPA and a frozen, spinning disk can also be a ray of hope.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

(Photo via Jeff Kirlin)

In their triumphant return to the Beacon podcast, Taryn, Ben and Mike discuss the first week of the Mills administration and the lasting legacy of Governor LePage, including speaking with Ann Avery, who is still waiting to see a doctor more than a year after Medicaid expansion passed by referendum. They also review the bill titles recently released by the Maine legislature, determining which are ‘bold’ and which are ‘old.’

Plus, Ben reviews The Half Has Never Been Told and Taryn declares her undying love for AOC.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

This week on the Beacon podcast things get a bit introspective, with MPA communications director Mike Tipping and Beacon editor Lauren McCauley looking back on a year of big growth for our humble website and podcast. They examine how Beacon helped expose racists, define a congressional race, elevate new voices and uncover wrongdoing.

They also discuss plans for the future, including Beacon’s presence at the State House this upcoming legislative session.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

Photo via Andi Parkinson.

This week on the Beacon podcast, Ben and Mike discuss good news in the South Portland City Council race and the recount in Yarmouth, a new report on student loan debt from the Maine Center for Economic Policy, Governor LePage’s parting shots at his fellow Republicans and a string of votes showing Senator Collins’ continuing hypocrisy.

Plus: the best Christmas movie and the best place to shop in Maine this holiday season.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

This week on the podcast it’s a long list of Republicans behaving badly, from Rep. Bruce Poliquin attempting to undermine Maine’s democracy to Sen. Susan Collins falling in line on Trump and his extreme nominees, to Gov. Paul LePage continuing a Medicaid fight he’s already lost, denying health care to thousands of Mainers for just a few more weeks.

Also: Mayor Samantha Paradis of Belfast and the importance of naming ageism and sexism, how to prepare for climate change and Maine’s surprising history of electoral reform.

You can ask a question or leave a comment for a future show at (207) 619-3182.

Subscribe to the podcast feed right here using your favorite podcasting app or subscribe using iTunes.

Photos via Andi Parkinson.