Governor LePage Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today joined state and local officials, representatives from law enforcement, business and community leaders and victims’ advocacy groups at the Blaine House to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In a special ceremony, Governor LePage expressed gratitude to business leader and philanthropist Ernie Boch Jr. for his gift of $25,000 to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Mr. Boch, President and CEO of Subaru of New England, presented Governor LePage and Julie Colpitts, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic with the check. The funds will be used to raise awareness and provide much-needed funding to assist victims of domestic violence, especially children.

“I am very grateful for Ernie’s donation, which will help assist some of the most vulnerable victims,” said Governor LePage. “Domestic violence, in my opinion, is the worst kind of abuse. This crime has a devastating and lasting effect on our families and communities. Perhaps, those hurt the most are our children and it is heartbreaking. I know the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence will put this money to good use and the people who need it most will be helped.”

There have been 10 homicides in Maine this year – seven have been domestic violence-related. Every murder is a somber reminder of the reality many families face, and why efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide Mainers with resources about this abuse have remained a top priority for Governor LePage since taking office in 2011.

“On behalf of Subaru of New England, I am honored to join forces with Governor LePage and raise awareness to the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness month,” Ernie Boch Jr, President & CEO of Subaru of New England said. “Domestic Violence affects almost everyone, nearly 3 out of 4 of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. The statistics are staggering; children who witness domestic violence in the home have the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported by police are murdered by a partner. We all have a part to play in ending domestic violence. Therefore, today I am here to do my part by donating $25,000.00 dollars to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. I urge other businesses to do the same.”

The Governor has worked very closely with the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence during the past four years on this important issue and he once again proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to highlight the affects the abuse has on Maine families and communities, support victims and celebrate advocates who dedicate themselves to eradicating the violence.

"Each of us has a right to have safe and respectful love in our lives and for our children. We also have a right to demand this from the role models our children look up to,” said Julie Colpitts, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic. “Domestic violence will only end when we all raise our voices strong, clear and loud that we will not tolerate violence and abuse in our world any longer.”

To locate your local Domestic Violence Resource Center, call the Statewide Helpline at 1-866-834-HELP (4357) or visit www.mcedv.org. Efforts by Governor Paul R. LePage to address domestic violence in Maine:

• Implemented a State of Maine workplace domestic violence policy (2011)
• LD 1711, “An Act To Mandate the Use of Standardized Risk Assessment in the Management of Domestic Violence Crimes” (2012)
• LD 1760, “An Act To Ensure Notification to Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking When Defendants Are Released on Bail” (2012)
• LD 1841, “An Act to Ensure Funding for the Victims’ Compensation Fund” (2012)
• LD 1867, “An Act To Protect Domestic Violence Victims” (2012)
• Signed an Executive Order establishing the task force to reduce domestic violence through technology (2012)
• Allocated $100,000 to Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (2013)
• Allocated $10,000 for completion of Maine Murder Victims’ Memorial (2013)
• Created a Task Force to strengthen enforcement of protection from abuse orders (2013)
• L.D. 1237, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Corrections To Amend Its Rules Pertaining to Certification of Batterer Intervention Programs” (2013)
• LD 1764, “An Act To Implement Certain Recommendations of the Criminal Law Advisory Commission Relative to the Maine Bail Code, the Maine Juvenile Code and the Maine Criminal Code and Related Statutes” (2014)
• Spoken at more than a dozen Maine High Schools about Domestic Violence Awareness
• Supported the Annual Taylor Tip-Off Tournament to help children affected by domestic violence

Statement of Governor LePage on Susan Dench Nomination

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

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement expressing his disappointment that Democrats in the Senate could not rise above vitriolic partisanship to confirm the appointment of Susan Dench to the University of Maine System’s Board of Trustees. The confirmation failed on a party-line vote of 15-17 with the one independent voting to confirm.

“This decision was not made on Susan’s qualifications, but solely upon vitriolic partisan politics,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This appalling treatment of a Maine woman not only shows the closed-mindedness and viciousness of liberals in Augusta, but will also have a chilling effect on our ability to attract quality people for public service.

“Susan Dench is a woman of integrity, and her 34 years of marketing expertise with large international corporations would complement the Board by adding diversity of gender and opinion while bringing much-needed marketing skills to our university system,” said Governor LePage. “It is a sad day when alternative views are stifled in a university environment. We need diverse perspectives, whether someone is conservative, liberal or moderate. After all, isn’t this the premise of a liberal arts education?”

For the first time in Maine history last Friday, the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee rejected a University of Maine System Trustee nominated by a Governor. They had received 21 letters in support of Dench including Cynthia Dill, a former Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.

“This decision should have been based on what is best for our state,” said the Governor. “It is clear that liberals have no tolerance for any woman who thinks differently than they do. These are the same liberals who accuse me of not working with them. Now they have rejected a perfectly qualified woman because of politics. Shame on the liberal Democratic legislators who refused to endorse diversity in their politically motivated decision to vote against Susan Dench: Sen. Rebecca J. Millett (D-Cumberland), Rep. Brian Hubbell (D-Bar Harbor), Rep. Bruce MacDonald (D-Boothbay), Rep. Mary Nelson (D-Falmouth), Sen. Christopher Johnson (D-Lincoln), Rep. Helen Rankin (D-Hiram), Rep. Matthea Daughtry (D-Brunswick), Rep. Victoria P. Kornfield (D-Bangor) and Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Anne M. Haskell (District 9), Sen. John Cleveland (District 15), Sen. Emily Cain (District 30), Sen. James Boyle (District 6), Sen. David Dutremble (District 4), Sen. Stan Gerzofsky (District 10), Sen. Margaret Craven (District 16), Sen. Geoffrey Gratwick (District 32), Sen. Dawn Hill (District 1), Sen. Colleen Lachowicz (District 25), Sen. Troy Jackson (District 35), Sen. Linda Valentino (District 5), Sen. Eloise Vitelli (District 19), Sen. John Patrick (District 14), Sen. John Tuttle (District 3) and Sen. Justin Alfond (District 8).”

Governor LePage Highlights New Jobs and Investment at Jøtul

For Immediate Release: Monday, Sept. 29
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage visited Jøtul’s plant in Gorham this afternoon to welcome jobs back to Maine.

Jotul is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-efficient cast iron wood and gas stoves, and has been a fixture in Maine since the 1970s. The addition of wood stove assembly will double production at the company’s Gorham facility and will create about eight jobs. Jøtul currently employs 75 people in Maine.

“It is a testament to our Maine workers that this international company is moving the manufacturing of all of its North America-sold Jøtul wood and gas stoves, inserts and fireplaces to Gorham,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Jøtul has taken advantage of several of the business-friendly programs our departments offer, including the WorkShare program and our safety programs. These programs have helped Jøtul keep its competitive edge and benefited our workers.”

“Additionally, I have been proud to advocate in support of businesses like Jøtul regarding the EPA’s far-reaching proposed wood heater rule,” the Governor added. “I believe that heating with wood is good for Maine’s economy both because of the savings it can provide in energy costs and in the jobs it creates here at Jøtul and in our forest products sector.”

“We are honored to employ so many highly skilled, hard-working people,” stated Bret Watson, president of Jøtul North America. “Our workforce will grow over the next six months as we double our capacity. It is an exciting position to be in and a challenge my entire team and I are ready to face.”

Watson added, “We’re aware many job applicants look out of state since manufacturing jobs aren’t prevalent. We’re pleased to offer good positions to keep more Mainers here.”

The Norwegian trade union and Ratos AB, private equity owners from Stockholm, Sweden, approved the transfer of wood stove production to Jøtul’s North American headquarters. These moves will be phased in over the next several months in order to absorb nine different wood burning models currently built in Norway. These developments will double the current production of the Gorham facility.

Jøtul North America currently imports approximately 9,000 wood stoves from their parent company in Fredrikstad, Norway to be sold throughout North America. Jøtul AS will continue to produce the cast iron parts and flat pack them to Jøtul NA where they will be assembled.

Jøtul North America sells approximately 17,000 wood and gas stoves, inserts, and fireplaces throughout North America annually. It is considered the dominant cast iron player in the North America hearth products market.

Governor LePage: FERC Must Address New England’s Energy Crisis Now

AUGUSTA – With electric bills set to increase an unprecedented 37 percent in Massachusetts coupled with predictions of another bitter winter bearing down on the region, Governor Paul R. LePage has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address the skyrocketing electricity prices in New England.

Electricity rates in Massachusetts will hit a historic highundefineda 37 percent increase from last winter, an increase of $33 a month for that state’s households. Average electric bills are expected to be $121.20 per household each month.

“It is time to wake up. New England is in an energy crisis right now, and we desperately need additional natural gas to power our businesses and keep electric bills affordable for households,” said Governor LePage. “While prices are spiking, liberals in Massachusetts have opposed natural gas infrastructure, saying they need to study the issue more. This is unconscionable.”

Governor LePage is taking action in Maine to build out natural gas infrastructure. He has written to William Yardley, vice president of Spectra Energy, requesting that Spectra build out its current system and add natural gas capacity while working with Maine businesses to address these rising energy costs.

“New England households and our businesses are about to experience a catastrophic increase in electric bills,” the Governor said. “This situation is similar to a massive Nor’easter having just hit Massachusetts and their Governor refusing to plow the highways, blocking access to Northern New England. More studying now is the equivalent of watching the weather instead of preparing for the storm. We need action now. It’s well past the time that New England should have added natural gas pipeline capacity. FERC must step up and address the unprecedented situation that liberals in Massachusetts have created.”

In Governor LePage’s letter to the chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, he requests that FERC take immediate action to expand natural gas infrastructure in New England, including steps to move incremental expansions, fast track the regulatory approval and consider natural gas storage as a temporary step. These actions can be taken while the region awaits Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s decision whether to support the rest of New England’s initiative to significantly expand natural gas capacity.

Media Advisory: Governor LePage to Visit Jøtul to Welcome Jobs Back to Maine

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

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will visit Jøtul’s plant in Gorham to welcome jobs back to Maine.  One-hundred percent of the Jøtul brand wood and gas stoves, inserts and fireplaces sold in North America will now be manufactured in Gorham.

“I am pleased to see another internationally renowned Maine business bringing jobs and manufacturing back to our state,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “We congratulate Jøtul on their expansion.  As we continue to make Maine more competitive with lower taxes, lower costs for heat and energy and a better business climate, we will be able to retain and gain more jobs like these.  We will show Jøtul that Maine appreciates their capital investment.”

Jøtul North America currently imports approximately 9,000 wood stoves from their parent company in Fredrikstad, Norway to be sold throughout North America. Jøtul AS will continue to produce the cast iron parts and flat pack them to Jøtul NA where they will be assembled.

øtul North America employs approximately 75 people and sells approximately 17,000 wood and gas stoves, inserts, and fireplaces throughout North America annually.  It is considered the dominant cast iron player in the North America hearth products market.

WHEN: 2 p.m., Monday, September 29

WHERE: Jøtul, 55 Hutcherson Drive, Gorham

Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center Achieves Certification

Certification reflects the staff’s dedication to providing patients with the highest quality breast care possible

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center has achieved the status of a Certified Participant in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program™. This distinguished honor represents a commitment by this breast center to provide the highest level of quality breast health care to patients in its community.

This quality program measures the performance of more than 33 National Quality Indicators™ of data, such as timeliness of care from screening mammograms to diagnostic mammograms, surgical timeliness of care from time between needle biopsy and initial breast surgery, and pathology report completeness, among others.

“Measuring and comparing quality performance is essential in assessing patient care. A breast center’s staff must not only be familiar with existing standards of care, but also be aware of new advances in technology,” said Dr. Eric Gunther, surgeon and lead physician at the Martha B. Breast Care Center. “Franklin Memorial Hospital and the dedicated staff at the breast center have taken a major step to ensure they provide the best possible quality care to breast patients in our community.”

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center offers timely access to state-of-the-art screening, diagnostic, and definitive surgical care. A comprehensive line of support services is offered that include: digital mammography, breast ultrasound, physical therapy including lymphedema treatment, post-operative care support, wig and prosthesis referrals, and dexa bone density scans.

The center has two convenient locations: in Farmington at the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center and in Livermore Falls at the Androscoggin Valley Medical Arts Center. For the patient, this means having a variety of services available in an environment of convenience and efficiency.

To make an appointment at the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center in Farmington call 779-2375; for appointments at the Androscoggin Valley Medical Arts Center call 897-6601.

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center is a program of Franklin Memorial Hospital. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify for both screening and treatment. To learn more, contact a financial counselor at Franklin Memorial Hospital at 779-2777.

Chat with your health team at Apple Pumpkin Festival

LIVERMORE FALLS – Western Maine Family Health Center will sponsor a table at the Apple Pumpkin Festival located at the Livermore Falls Recreational Field on Saturday, September 27.

All fair-goers are encouraged to stop by the health center’s table to meet staff members and receive health tips, free giveaways, and information about saving money on health care.

The Apple Pumpkin Festival is a cultural celebration and harvest festival held on the last Saturday of September in Livermore Falls, Maine. The Festival highlights the rich cultural, agricultural and industrial heritage of the area with vendors and craft artisans, agricultural products, historical items, seasonal decorations and plenty of food all day long!

Western Maine Family Health Center is located at 16 Depot Street, Suite 300 in Livermore Falls. For more information, call (207) 897-4345 or visit www.WesternCHC.org.

Western Maine Family Health Center is a practice of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a system of eleven federally qualified health centers in Central and Western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver high quality health care to citizens in over 80 rural communities. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare and major insurances. In addition, we offer an Affordable Care Program to uninsured and underinsured residents and assist with applications for other programs that help with the cost of health care and medications including the new Health Insurance Marketplace. A private, non-profit organization with a 39-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient fees, grants and individual donations.

Health Network Staff Presented with EPIC Awards

Four recipients announced

Farmington¾

September’s recipients of the EPIC awards established by the Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) Spirit Committee and announced quarterly include: TJ Lambert, Maintenance; Jamie Medrano, Franklin Health Women’s Care; Kellie Donahue, Franklin Health Pediatrics; and Marian Hastings, Franklin Health Women’s Care.

Joseph Bujold, board chair, and Joline Hart, vice president human resources, presented each recipient with a trophy and monetary gift at the September 22 FCHN board meeting. Each also has a designated parking spot of his choice for the next three months. According to Hart, the EPIC awards were developed as a way to recognize employees who demonstrate on a daily basis their commitment to FCHN’s values of Excellence, Pride, Innovation and Caring.

TJ Lambert’s nomination from Jodi Cordes cited him as one of the responders to a small fire in the Emergency Department in May. “TJ was able to keep a cool and calm head in reacting to the situation. Because of TJ’s knowledge of the facility and building equipment system, this led to a quick resolution, eliminating a potentially larger incident. I believe he should receive the award for his quick reaction and ability to take charge in an emergency situation.”

Jamie Medrano’s nomination from Molly Chaplin said, “Every day Jamie shows me what it means to be engaged in her job. She has started working with one of our nurses to streamline our recall system for women who have had abnormal test results. She is in the process of taking a paper reporting system and creating an excel spreadsheet to track what follow up has be done and what is needed next.”

Kellie Donahue’s nomination from 23 Franklin Health Pediatric staff members described an individual who is well known for her compassion, energy, infectious sunny spirit, and win win attitude. “The energy and enthusiasm as she goes about her life is remarkable making her an exceptional role model for all. The dedication she puts into her work by always stepping in without prompting to lead huddles, take on front desk roles when needed, and smoothing out any wrinkles that come along each day is a rare quality she possesses.”

Marian Hastings’ nomination from coworker, Rebekah Brown said that an anxious patient had requested that Marion be present during an upcoming procedure. Marian graciously obliged the patient’s request even though she was busy in her primary role as a triage nurse. “The patient felt grateful to Marion for making her feel a little more at ease and a little less afraid of what was to come. And isn’t that what being a nurse is all about?”

Additional nominations were received for: Jeanine Lake, Day Surgery; Donna Eaton, Environmental Services; and the entire Ultrasound Department.

All nominees received a certificate, pin, and a copy of their nomination form.

Governor LePage Requests House Members Support Natural Gas Expansion

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – As part of his ongoing efforts to lower the cost of electricity and heating costs for Mainers, Governor Paul R. LePage has written Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Michael Michaud requesting that they support expediting natural gas projects in New England. The Governor asks that they reconsider their opposition to H.R. 1900, “The Natural Gas Permitting Reform Act.”

The legislation, which Reps. Pingree and Michaud opposed, would expedite the federal regulatory review of natural gas projects, an energy source that would lower the cost of heat and electricity for Mainers.

“New England is in an energy crisis, and we desperately need additional natural gas to power our businesses and keep electric bills down for households,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Liberals in Boston oppose natural gas infrastructure, but the rest of New England understands how critical natural gas is for our economy. Congressman Michaud and Congresswoman Pingree have sided with their liberal allies in Boston to oppose expediting natural gas projects through Massachusetts and to our state. They are leaving Mainers in the cold.”

Last November, the House overwhelmingly passed the legislation in a vote of 252-165, with all Republicans and 26 Democrats supporting the bill. Congresswoman Pingree and Congressman Michaud voted against fast-tracking natural gas permits.

The two companies looking to address this challenge, Kinder Morgan and Spectra Energy, support the legislation and believe it would benefit their proposed projects in New England. The prices of electricity are spiking across New England in large part due to the failure to move forward with natural gas projects.

In Maine, a grocery store or a small saw mill should anticipate an increase in the cost of its electricity from $870 a month in September to more than $2,000 a month in January.

Two major projects to address the crisis are proposed for New England. Kinder Morgan has proposed the Northeast Energy Direct; this would create a new pipeline that would traverse the state of Massachusetts and interconnect with the natural gas system that serves Maine.

Spectra Energy has proposed a project, “The Access Northeast Project;” this would expand Spectra’s existing system to increase the gas flow into New England. Without such significant projects, New England will likely once again rely on petroleum to power the lights during the winter months, costing the region billions in higher electricity costs. Natural gas costs will also remain high.

The Governor also sent a letter to the chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requesting that FERC take immediate action to expand natural gas infrastructure in New England, including steps to move incremental expansions, fast track the regulatory approval and consider natural gas storage as a temporary step. He sent the letter while the region is waiting to see whether Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will ultimately support the rest of New England’s initiative to significantly expand natural gas capacity.

Letter to Congresswoman Pingree and Congressman Michaud re: HR 1900

Welfare Reform Works and is Proving Successful for Mainers

For many years the State of Maine welfare system has gone unchecked, but that has changed under my administration.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Reform is not difficult when you’re doing it for the right reasons. Since 2011, we have made significant strides to improve our welfare system, which serves our most needy and vulnerable Mainers.

Our welfare system is designed to help our children and the elderly, our disabled and the mentally ill, as well as Mainers who need a temporary hand up. We must prioritize our limited resources to ensure they are assisting those in need and empowering Mainers to become self-sufficient.

In the last year, we have added more accountability to the system in a number of ways. We put photos on EBT cards; we eliminated the unauthorized out-of-state use of EBT cards; and we put more resources in our welfare to work programs.

We implemented drug testing for convicted felons who are on welfare; we are leading the country in enforcing federal work requirements for people on food stamps; and we are making sure that our local tax dollars are being used to assist Mainers, not illegal aliens.

In April, the State began putting photos on EBT cards. Today, we have put more than 14,000 photos on EBT cards. That is more than 14,000 Mainers who have voluntarily signed on to the new policy. Mainers understand the value and protection of having a picture on their card, and many EBT card holders have praised the administration for taking this step.  

Earlier this year, we reported there were 365,000 out-of-state EBT transactions in 2013, totaling $13.9 million. Since April, we have identified about 150 intentional program violations within the TANF program. We have also shut off nearly 50 EBT cards for unauthorized, out-of-state use.

Fraud and misuse of welfare benefits continues to be a top priority for our administration. Holding offenders accountable is an important part of the process and deters people from defrauding the system. In 2009, only two cases of welfare fraud were referred to the Attorney General by the Baldacci administration. In 2010, there were only 12.

So far this year, we have referred 61 cases to the AG’s Office for criminal prosecution. Eight have been prosecuted.

During the great recession, the federal work requirements for people receiving food stamps were waived. This year, Maine is one of 17 states now reinstating the federal requirement. Able-bodied people between the ages of 18 and 50 who have no children now must volunteer or be involved in a work training program in order to receive food stamps.

We are helping to provide the skills and training to those who want it. In six months, more than 800 TANF recipients have been referred to our worksite program; more than 200 have been placed in work experiences; and another 121 people are now working. We are pleased that more than 600 Maine employers have agreed to participate in this program.

People who are in need deserve a hand up, but we should not be giving able-bodied individuals a handout. We must protect our limited resources for those who are truly in need and who are doing all they can to be self-sufficient.

The goal is to end generational poverty and get people back to work. We are making progress. Welfare reform does work when it is based on good public policy, not political rhetoric. More importantly, it helps our fellow Mainers get the skills and self-esteem they need to lead productive and satisfying lives.

Thank you for listening.