Welfare to Work Works and More Reform Makes it Better

Before we started reforming Maine's welfare system in 2011, people could stay on "Temporary" welfare for as long as they wanted. The rule for eligibility was: “When in doubt, hand it out.”  

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

When I became Governor, I knew our welfare system needed to be fixed. We had too many people on the welfare rolls, and there was zero accountability.  

We’ve worked with thousands of Mainers to help them become more self-reliant and economically independent.

Our administration is willing to provide the time and effort it takes to help fellow Mainers.

We have enacted a five-year cap on TANF benefits. But that isn’t the only solution. We now offer welfare recipients the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

In the past year, our welfare-to-work program has provided vocational assessments to more than 2,000 welfare recipients. More than 850 of them have been placed in jobs or work experiences.

Because of our efforts, TANF cases have dropped from 14,804 in 2011 to just 6,191 as of March 2015. 

This week, I met two Mainers who have made the successful transition from welfare to work. Their names are Jill and Danielle, and they support these changes to the system.

These two women are shining examples of how our welfare system is intended to work.

Welfare is not a way of life. Maine taxpayers cannot afford to pay for bloated welfare programs, nor is it government’s role to do so.

But government can take the time and effort to help Mainers through education and training to become financially stable and economically independent.

Liberals think throwing money at the problem will solve it. That has never worked, and it never will.

Taking the time to train, educate and mentor our fellow Mainers is the path toward success.

Our welfare reforms and innovative programs are providing more Mainers the ability to achieve their American Dream.

Our latest welfare reform bill is another step in helping them move from poverty to prosperity.

This bill will:

Require job-ready welfare applicants to apply for three jobs before receiving benefits;

Prohibit the use of Maine EBT cards outside our state;

Ban welfare benefits from being used to buy tobacco, liquor, gambling, lottery tickets, tattoos and bail.

We have also strengthened penalties for people who abuse the system.

Some of these initiatives may sound familiar. These changes didn’t go through last year because our liberal friends killed the bills.

However, Mainers have spoken. We have a new Republican majority in the Senate. Mainers want welfare reform, and I hope Democrats listen to them this time.

These changes are not going to fix our welfare system entirely. But our reforms will change people’s lives for the better.

Our welfare-to-work program has proven successful for people like Jill and Danielle and thousands of other Mainers.

It’s time we listen to the people who have been through the system themselves so we can improve it for everyone.

Thank you for listening.

 

 Healthy Community Coalition is offering a free “Cooking Matters at the Store” shopping tour event at the Farmington Hannaford on Friday, April 10, from 3-5:30 .p.m. Educators will coordinate information tables with samples, recipes, and activities throughout the store. This event is free and open to the public.

Tour participants will gain a variety of practical skills including buying fruits and vegetables on a budget, comparing unit prices to find bargains, reading and comparing food labels, identifying whole grains, and sticking to a budget. Event participants who visit each station and complete a short survey will receive a $10 gift card.

 

“Cooking Matters at the Store” shopping tours offer new tips and tools to purchase healthy foods on a budget,” stated Laura Quynn, nutrition educator at Healthy Community Coalition. “The tours are lots of fun and very hands on!”

 

At the end of the tour participants will receive a free $10 Hannaford gift card to purchase a healthy meal on a budget. They will also receive a reusable grocery bag and recipe booklet with simple tips on buying healthy, low cost foods.

 

For more information, please contact Laura Quynn at 779-2928 or lquynn@fchn.org.

 

Healthy Community Coalition Nutrition Education classes are made possible through Maine SNAP-Ed. Maine SNAP-Ed is a USDA funded grant, administered by Maine DHHS, implemented statewide by University of New England through contracts with the Healthy Maine Partnership.

 

“Cooking Matters at the Store” is a curriculum of Cooking Matters, a program of Share Our Strength and the Good Shepherd Food Bank in partnership with Healthy Community Coalition. Cooking Matters is sponsored locally by Hannaford.    

 

Governor Helps Promote “Best Places to Work in Maine” Program

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Project offers resources for employers to retain and attract top talent

PORTLAND – The Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) has kicked off the tenth annual "Best Places to Work in Maine" program. The program, endorsed by, The Maine Department of Labor, The Department of Economic and Community Development, Best Companies Group, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Maine HR Convention and Mainebiz recognizes companies that have established and consistently fostered outstanding workplace environments.

“This program, for the past nine years, has been successful because of the great companies who recognize that part of their success is based on the importance placed on recruiting and retaining top talent,” said Marcia Benner, State Director of the SHRM Maine State Council.

In June, Best Companies Group will survey all the Maine companies that have registered online by the deadline of May 22nd. The scientifically validated survey will incorporate a company’s employee benefits and policies and responses from a comprehensive employee engagement and satisfaction survey. The data collected from the assessment will be used to determine the Best Places to Work in Maine.

“I’m pleased to support a program that takes care of their most valuable resource, which is the people who work for them,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine’s job creators help make our State the best place to live, work and raise a family. I look forward to hearing about who is at the top of the list this year.”

The Best Companies Group “Employee Feedback Report” is presented to each participating company, even if they did not make the list. The report includes the summarized employee engagement and satisfaction data, the Maine Benchmark Report, and the transcript of employee written comments. The report is used by many to make significant improvements in their workplace culture.

There is a fee to participate in this program that covers the cost to conduct the comprehensive survey and create the "Employee Feedback Report".

"This is not a pay to play program," said Ms. Benner. "Companies only make the list if their employee survey ranks high, so it truly is based on what employees think of the company culture, and this is why the Employee Feedback Report is such a great human resources tool to help companies who don't make the list to improve."

First place winners of the ninth annual “Best Places to Work in Maine” program in 2014 included Edward Jones based in Belfast in the large company category, Patriot Subaru, located in Saco, took the same honor in the medium category and #1 in the small company category was TruChoice Federal Credit Union based in South Portland.

Any company with at least 15 employees in the state of Maine is encouraged to participate. Companies selected as a “Best Place to Work in Maine” will be announced at a gala event in the fall of 2015. A complete list of top companies will be featured in a statewide publication put out by Mainebiz.

The Maine State Council is pleased to announce that JobsinME.com is the premier sponsor of Best Places to Work in Maine 2015 program. Interested companies can apply to participate in the program online at www.bestplacestoworkme.com. The deadline for registration is May 22, 2015 and all registered companies will be surveyed simultaneously following the deadline date.

Media Contact:
Angie Helton (207) 653-0365
nema@maine.rr.com
Maine Contacts:
Dave Vasconcelos, ProSearch Inc., dvasconcelos@psicareers.com, 207-699-4383
Jodie Griffith, InterMed P.A., jgriffith@intermed.com, 207-523-3721
Best Companies Group Contact: Jackie Miller 1-877-455-2159 ext. 271

 

What: Franklin Memorial Hospital hosting a conference titled End of Life Care: Having the Conversation

 

When:  Wednesday, April 8, at 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Press Release attached)

Where: Bass Room, Franklin Memorial Hospital

 

Background:   Franklin Memorial Hospital is hosting a conference titled End of Life Care: Having the Conversation on Wednesday, April 8, from 8:30 a.m.−3:30 p.m. in the Bass Room. One hundred thirty health care providers, funeral directors, students, and community members are registered for the event.

 

AGENDA

 

We suggest media attend the afternoon session starting at 1 p.m. when an hour-long documentary will be shown called Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject. This video explores commonly held beliefs and attitudes about death and encourages dialogue about death among patient and physician, husband and wife, and parent and child.

 

A panel discussion takes place from 2−3:30 p.m. featuring: Rhonda Wiles-Rosell, FSL, past president of Western Maine Palliative Care and Hospice Coalition; Shauna McElrath, DO, medical director of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice; Kathy Amsden, MSW, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice social worker; Ed David, Esq., past secretary Western Maine Palliative Care and Hospice Coalition; and James Schneid, MD, medical director of Hospice and Palliative Care at VA Maine Healthcare.

 

Emergency Officials Assess Flood Threat, Governor Signs Order to Assist in Response and Recovery

April 2, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 02, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – While there is potential for serious flooding with some of the State's snowpack yet to melt, Governor Paul R. LePage says Maine’s emergency management officials and resources are ready to respond, if needed.

Governor LePage met with the River Flow Advisory Commission (RFAC) on Thursday morning at the Maine Emergency Management Agency in Augusta to get information about the flood risk. The RFAC includes the US Geological Survey, Maine Geological Survey and the National Weather Service. State, county and local emergency managers and the State Emergency Response Team were also involved.

“In the event of serious flooding, Maine’s emergency management team of state, county and local personnel and resources is well-prepared. We can't control Mother Nature, but we will do all we can to protect life and property," Governor LePage said.

While forecasts are still being developed, minor to moderate flooding on rivers such as the Kennebec appears possible; ice jam flooding potential is a concern in central regions and in the north; and small river and stream flooding is possible in all areas. Those in flood-prone areas should monitor local conditions and weather forecasts closely over the next 48 hours.

In preparation for flooding and any response and recovery efforts that may result, Governor LePage signed an Executive Order on Thursday updating the State of Maine emergency response and disaster recovery teams.

“When the State is responding to a major emergency, coordination among all the departments is critical,” said Governor LePage. “This order ensures all proper procedures and people are in place to deal with all aspects of a disaster – preparedness, response and recovery.”

The Executive Order language is as follows:

2015-004
April 2, 2015

AN ORDER UPDATING THE STATE OF MAINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND DISASTER RECOVERY TEAMS

WHEREAS, prevention of damage, injury, and loss of life or property, and providing assistance to individuals and businesses after events that cause these losses is among the highest priorities of the state government;

WHEREAS, several state agencies share responsibility for state emergency preparedness, response, and recovery;

WHEREAS, the State of Maine, pursuant to 37B MRSA, Chapters 13, 15, and 19, is required to have emergency preparedness plans for all potential hazards—natural, technological, and human-caused—and to plan for and coordinate assistance operations after disasters;

WHEREAS, the Maine Emergency Management Agency, pursuant to 37B MSRA, Chapter 13, is charged with the responsibility of preparing and maintaining the State of Maine Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP); and

WHEREAS, the CEMP describes the responsibilities and participation of appropriate state agencies;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, hereby order as follows:

PART A

1. The State Emergency Response Team (ERT) is hereby established. 2. The ERT is organized into fifteen (15) Emergency Support Functions and serves the following purposes:

a. Assists with the preparation of the State Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), a part of the CEMP;
b. Responds to area or statewide emergencies by reporting to the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate the efforts of State agencies and other ad hoc organizations; and
c. Assists in appropriate response efforts.

3. The membership of the ERT shall include sixteen (16) persons as follows:

a. Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency, as Chair;
b. Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services;
c. Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry;
d. Commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management;
e. Commissioner of the Department of Education;
f. Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection;
g. Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services; h. Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;
i. Commissioner of the Department of Labor;
j. Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources;
k. Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety;
l. Commissioner of the Department of Transportation;
m. Executive Director of the Maine Turnpike Authority;
n. Chair of the Public Utilities Commission;
o. Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross in Maine; and
p. Representative of the Governor’s Office.

4. The members of the ERT may assign their duties under this Order to a designee by informing the Chair in writing. The Chair may appoint ad hoc members to the ERT including non-State agencies such as in-state representatives of Federal agencies, non-governmental community organizations, and private sector organizations, as necessary.
5. The duties of each member of the ERT, at the request of the Chair, are as follows:

a. Provide assistance and information to prepare or update portions of the State EOP and other implementing instructions applicable to that team member’s agency;
b. Participate in training to prepare for emergency response operations;
c. Participate in exercises to test the State EOP and the team’s readiness to assist in the response to a disaster;
d. Respond, in the event of a disaster, to the State EOC or other location;
e. Assist in coordinating the response of State agencies in the event of a disaster or other emergency; and
f. Implement other responsibilities outlined in the State EOP.

PART B

1. The State Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) is hereby established.

2. The DRT is organized into seven (7) Recovery Support Functions and serves the following purposes:

a. Assists with the preparation of the State Interagency Disaster Recovery Plan (IDRP), a part of the CEMP;
b. Responds to area or statewide emergencies by reporting to the State EOC or other location to coordinate the recovery efforts of State agencies; and
c. Assists in appropriate short, mid, and long-term recovery efforts.

1. The membership of the DRT shall include twenty-five (25) persons as follows:
   a. Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency;
   b. Commissioner of the Department of Administration and Financial Services;
   c. Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry;
   d. Commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management;
   e. Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development;
   f. Commissioner of the Department of Education;
   g. Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection;
   h. Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services;
   i. Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;
   j. Commissioner of the Department of Labor;
   k. Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources;
   l. Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation;
   m. Commissioner of the Department of Transportation;
   n. Director of the Governor's Office of Energy Independence and Security; o. Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine;
   p. Director of the Maine State Housing Authority;
   q. Executive Director of the Maine Turnpike Authority;
   r. Executive Director of the Maine Commission for Community Service;
   s. Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General;
   t. Director of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission;
   u. Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission;
   v. State Archivist of the Maine State Archives;
   w. State Librarian of the Maine State Library;
   x. Director of the Maine State Museum; and
   y. Representative of the Governor’s Office.

2. The Chair of the DRT shall be the Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency. The Governor may, at his discretion, designate an independent Chair for major disasters to oversee long term recovery initiatives beyond the capabilities of MEMA to manage.

3. The members of the DRT may assign their duties under this Order to a designee by informing the Chair in writing. The Chair may appoint ad hoc members to the DRT including non-State agencies such as in-state representatives of Federal agencies, non-governmental community organizations, and private sector organizations, as necessary.

4. The duties of each member of the DRT, at the request of the Chair, are as follows:
   a. Provide assistance and information to prepare or update portions of the State IDRP and other implementing instructions applicable to that team member’s agency;
   b. Participate in training to prepare for disaster recovery operations;
   c. Participate in exercises to test the State IDRP and the team’s readiness to assist in the recovery from a disaster;
   d. Respond to emergency conditions and events as necessary, and to the State EOC when requested;
   e. Assist in coordinating recovery operations of State agencies and other ad hoc members in the event of a disaster or other emergency; and
   f. Implement other responsibilities outlined in the State IDRP.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 PART C

1. The Maine Emergency Management Agency shall provide and maintain the necessary administrative and technical staff to carry out this Order. All necessary expenditures incurred by the members while in performance of their duties on the ERT or the DRT as authorized by Maine law and current employee contracts shall be borne by their respective agencies.
2. This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order No. 22 FY 11/12.
   The effective date of this Executive Order is April 2, 2015.

Paul R. LePage, Governor

 

Media Advisory: Governor LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to Recognize Teen Mentors

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Media Advisory: Governor LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to Recognize Teen Mentors

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy will honor 14 teen mentors with Excellence Awards for leadership and service during a recognition ceremony at the Blaine House on March 31. Students mentoring in the Foundation’s Teen TrendsettersTM program meet weekly with first through third graders to tutor them in reading.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 31
WHERE:Blaine House, 192 State Street, Augusta

For more information please contact Adrienne Bennett at (207) 287-2531 or Adrienne.Bennett@Maine.gov or Hue Reynolds at (850) 562-5300 or hue.reynolds@barbarabush.org.

About the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy:
The Barbara Bush Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy. The goals of the Foundation are simple: we want children to start school ready to excel and help parents improve their literacy skills. To learn more about the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s commitment to promote family literacy in homes across America, please visit www.helpthemread.org or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter (@BarbaraBushFdt).

 

Fitch Affirms Maine Bond Rating, Reports Stable Outlook

April 1, 2015

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 01, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Fitch Ratings, a leading provider of credit ratings, announced today that they have affirmed their credit rating on the State of Maine’s general obligation debt. Fitch affirmed their ‘AA’ rating and reported that Maine’s rating outlook was stable. According to Fitch, the ‘AA’ rating reflects the State of Maine’s “steady revenue performance and very manageable long-term liabilities.”

“Our administration’s reforms are working for Maine,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “It was Republican-led efforts that reformed Maine’s welfare programs and the public pension system. In addition, we have been recognized for increasing revenue in the budget stabilization fund. However, the rating could have been upgraded further had the Legislature been willing to add more to the budget stabilization fund, as I had recommended. We must protect Maine’s bond rating by continuing to make decisions based on sound fiscal responsibility, not political rhetoric.”

As part of their credit analysis, Fitch cited Maine’s public pension reforms, “major changes” to the MaineCare program and an increased balance of the budget stabilization fund as positive factors contributing to their affirmed rating. The pension reforms, which were proposed by Governor LePage during the 125th Legislature, reduced the state’s unfunded public pension liability from $4.1 billion to $2.4 billion, a decrease of 41 percent.

“Today’s rating from Fitch is a positive for the State of Maine and highlights the prudent fiscal and budgetary management of our state,” said Department of Administrative and Financial Services Commissioner Richard Rosen. “Despite these strengths, the rating also recognizes the serious constraints our demographic trend imposes on economic expansion and Maine’s workforce. We need in-migration of talented and skilled workers, and today’s rating reinforces the importance of Governor LePage’s tax reform plan to Maine’s future.”

Fitch Ratings does not officially rate future bond sales of the State of Maine. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investor Services are the rating agencies officially responsible for rating State of Maine bond sales.

 

Governor LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Honor Teen Mentors

April 1, 2015

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA, MAINE – Governor Paul R. LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy President and CEO Liza McFadden honored Tuesday evening 14 teen mentors with Excellence Awards in leadership and service during a recognition ceremony at the Blaine House. Students mentoring in the Foundation’s Teen TrendsettersTM program assist first through third graders with reading during weekly tutoring sessions.

“I am proud of these students who serve as positive role models and leaders for their mentees,” said Governor LePage. “Mentoring at any age during a student’s career can lead to a lifelong commitment to helping others and their community.”

The Teen Trendsetters Excellence Award is given to mentors who provide outstanding leadership and service, particularly with helping their mentees read on grade level. After successfully piloting Teen Trendsetters in Windham, Maine, during 2012 and 2013, the Barbara Bush Foundation this past year expanded the program to 20 schools throughout Maine.

Teens are the true champions of this volunteer program, spending one-on-one time each week bonding with their young mentees while teaching them to read better and enjoy books. Since the inception of the program in Florida in 2002, more than 40,000 teens and elementary students have benefited. These outstanding teens have logged more than 314,000 volunteer hours and their mentees have received more than 230,000 books for their own “at-home” library.

On average, participating first graders started seven months behind their peers in reading, but advanced by more than a grade level through the program. Meanwhile, the vast majority of 12th grade mentors have a 98 percent graduation rate and, among the graduates, 89 percent indicated they were college bound.

“In a world where the science, technology, engineering and math fields serve as the bedrock of education, our Teen Trendsetters are able to teach young students the love of reading through the sciences,” said Foundation President and CEO Liza McFadden. “We proudly recognize these volunteer teens for their leadership and commitment to literacy.”

Among this year’s honorees are seniors Aiyanna Maciel from Windham High School, and Brianna Miquelon from Lewiston High School. Aiyanna’s advisors Kristin Chavonelle and Amy Denecker, shared the following: “Aiyanna recognizes the value of mentoring to young people and the importance of literacy to improving education and building communities.”

Senior Brianna Miquelon at Lewiston High School helps her mentee Saido weekly, and has never missed a day to serve as a role model, despite her academic workload. Her advisor Jenn Carter shared the following: “She is frequently the student who steps up to lead the group during our monthly training meetings, and models what leadership looks like by maintaining her weekly commitment to her mentee.”

The following students will receive Teen Trendsetters Excellence Awards:

Zoe Adams, Grade 12, Gray New Gloucester High at Russell & Memorial Elementary School, Advisor Karen Licht, klicht@sad15.org

Megan E. Brown, Grade 12, Bonny Eagle High at Buxton Elementary School, Advisor Karen Wade, kwade@bonnyeagle.org

Eden Koehling, Grade 12, Morse High at Dike Newell Elementary School, Advisor Mary Parker, mparker@rsu1.org

Aiyanna Maciel, Grade 12, Windham High at Windham Elementary School, Advisor Kristin Chavonelle, kchavonelle@rsu14.org

Meagan McKeon, Grade 11, Searsport District High & Elementary School, Advisor Amy Hafford, ahafford@rsu20.org

Ayana McRae, Grade 9, LearningWorks at Riverton Elementary School, Advisor Jaclyn D'Annibale, jdannibale@une.edu

Briaunna S. D. Meyer, Grade 11, Kennebunk High & Elementary School, Advisor Stacey Kalil, skalil@rsu21.net

Brianna Miquelon, Grade 12, Lewiston High at Gov. Longley Elementary School, Advisor Jenn Carter, jcarter@lewistonpublicschools.org

Ahmed Mohamed, Grade 10, Edward Little High School at Park Avenue Elementary School, Advisor Jill Hyland, jhyland@auburnschl.edu

Joseph Oakes, Grade 11, Community School in Fort Kent at Community Elementary School, Advisor Cara Merrill, caramerrill@sad27.org

Jade Ouellette, Grade 12, Wells Ogunquit Community High & Elementary School, Advisor Bonny Esty, besty@wocsd.org

Noah Pringle, Grade 10, Mt. View High at Morse Memorial, Director Pat Hughes, phughes@rsu3.org

Isaac Salisbury, Grade 11, Freeport High at Morse St. S., Advisor Dede Bennell, bennell@rsu5.org

Ariana Viger, Grade 8, Mountain Valley MS at Meroby ES, Advisor Barb Radmore, bradmore@rsu10.org

The Barbara Bush Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy. The goals of the Foundation are simple: we want children to start school ready to excel and help parents improve their literacy skills. To learn more about the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy’s commitment to promote family literacy in homes across America, please visit www.helpthemread.org or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter (@BarbaraBushFdt).

 

 

Media Advisory: Governor Will Highlight Budget Proposal to Combat Maine’s Drug Problem

 

In the biennial budget now being considered by legislators, Governor Paul R. LePage has included funding for four new District Court Judges within the Judicial Branch, seven Investigative Agents in the Department of Public Safety and four Assistant Attorney General positions within the Office of the Attorney General.

The budget initiative provides Maine with additional resources to combat the State’s growing drug problem. Combined with treatment and recovery, funding for these critical positions is also needed to stem the increased threat to public safety and to the health of Mainers.

Governor LePage will be joined by public officials, legislators and supporters of this initiative at a news conference Tuesday in the Office of the Governor.

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31
WHERE: Office of the Governor, Cabinet Room, Augusta

Speakers:
Governor Paul R. LePage
Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Morris
Senate President Michael Thibodeau

 

Governor LePage Welcomes Governor Kasich to Maine

March 25, 2015

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will join Ohio Governor John R. Kasich on Thursday, March 26, to make an announcement regarding the national push for a federal balanced budget amendment.

It takes 34 states to call for an Article V Convention and 38 states to ratify a constitutional amendment. Approximately 27 states have resolutions calling for an Article V Convention to enact a balanced budget amendment. Since Ohio passed its balanced budget amendment in 2013, Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, Louisiana, South Dakota, Utah and North Dakota have passed similar resolutions.

Where: Maine State House, Governor’s Cabinet Room
When: Thursday, March 26, 2015, 12:00 PM