Maine

After paid family leave was slashed from Democrats' reconciliation package, activists ramped up pressure on the states. In many, the issue will be on the ballot in upcoming elections.

Bonnie Bridgforth supported five children with an $8.50-an-hour job when she was told she no longer qualified for welfare in Maine. But the state — like so many others — was sitting on a huge stockpile of funds.

We’re taking a state-by-state look at the places that appear most ready for a pandemic election, and the places that could be in for a big mess.

Maine has a long history of, and appreciation for, independent legislators.