CEOs, college execs summit to call for immigration overhaul
BOSTON (AP) — Harvard’s president and executives from Boston’s biotech industry are among more than 200 business, higher education and political leaders from New England gathering virtually Friday for a summit focused on “sensible immigration solutions” following the introduction of President Biden’s immigration overhaul bill in Congress. Organizers say the New England Business Immigration Summit will call attention to measures that they believe would help with the economic recovery from the pandemic. That includes visas for high- and low-skilled workers and a path to legalization and citizenship for the 11 million people living in the country illegally.
Maine committee votes to expand safety officer insurance
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine legislative committee has advanced a proposal to expand health insurance access for retired firefighters and law enforcement officers. Democratic Sen. Nate Libby of Lewiston made the proposal, which would make changes for retired county and municipal law enforcement officers and municipal firefighters. He says the changes would include expanding the open enrollment period. The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Labor and Housing unanimously passed the proposal on Wednesday.
Court: Apple owes more than $500K in sales taxes in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state supreme court says Apple should have paid taxes on the full price of iPhones sold at discounts through wireless carrier plans at its stores in Maine. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court unanimously overturned a judge’s decision that sided with Apple after the state tax assessor argued that taxes were underpaid by tens of thousands of dollars. The decision on Thursday means Apples owes more than $430,000 in taxes and more than $100,000 fines for a period from May 2010 through April 2013. An Apple attorney declined comment.
Docs remind parents to catch up kids on shots amid pandemic
MANCHESTER, Maine (AP) — Pediatricians in Maine are reminding parents to get their children caught up on routine immunizations, which many students have missed during the coronavirus pandemic. The Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics said Thursday a Blue Cross Blue Shield analysis found a 26% drop in vaccine doses last year. The organization said the analysis also found that 40% of parents surveyed said their children missed shots because of the pandemic. The chapter is calling on parents to get in touch with their pediatricians to schedule visits to keep their children up to date.
NEW CLINIC
Portland Expo, one of the oldest performance venues in New England, will be the site of a coronavirus vaccination clinic.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital said it’s working with Portland and Maine officials to offer vaccinations to people 70 and over at the site starting March 2. The site will host appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Portland Expo opened more than a century ago and has hosted appearances ranging from President John F. Kennedy to the Beach Boys.