Governor Designates $25,000 in Contingency Funds to Downeast Salmon Federation

July 18, 2014

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 18
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has designated $25,000 from his contingency funds for the Downeast Salmon Federation to support operations and construction at the East Machias Aquatic Research Center. Located in Columbia Falls, the Downeast Salmon Federation focuses on conserving the remaining U.S. wild Atlantic salmon populations in Maine and works to reinstate a healthy fishery.

“I commend the results of the cooperation between the Downeast Salmon Federation, the North Atlantic Salmon Fund and the Atlantic Salmon Federation,” said Governor LePage. “Thank you for all you are doing to restore Maine’s salmon population through hatcheries, education opportunities and more.”

The Downeast Salmon Federation just completed renovating the East Machias Aquatic Research Center, which includes a hatchery and a visitor center. Upon another construction phase, the facility will be able to also host a classroom and water quality lab. The research center is located within a few miles of the University of Maine at Machias, positioned as a prime location for laboratory use by university students.

“This contribution came as such a great surprise and arrived at the perfect time,” said Dwayne Shaw, executive director of the Downeast Salmon Federation. “We are very grateful to Governor LePage for seeing the potential of our new community-based fisheries center in East Machias and the huge impact that this investment will make for recovery of Maine's Endangered Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish. Community-based fisheries management is a win/win model. The Downeast Salmon Federation's programs at the East Machias Aquatic Research Center are becoming a success story in the making.”

At the end of last year, the facility received over 100,000 eggs from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and is expected to receive several more hundred thousand eggs over the next year and a half. “I’m proud to support an organization that has proven itself successful in the construction of a valuable asset to our salmon, Maine’s waters and the local community,” said Governor LePage.

 

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area Kicks off Annual Campaign with multiple Days of Caring:

Reach out a hand to one, and influence the condition of all!

The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area (UWTVA) is excited to announce their 4^th annual Days of Caring which officially kick off the annual campaign effort that engages hundreds of people in giving, advocating, and volunteering. Days of Caring are a great way to get involved in your community this summer and fall! Give an hour or give a day, meet new people, and make a difference.

This year UWTVA hosts four diverse projects and is excited to announce that Cabot Cheese and the Farmers’ Gratitude Grille will be on hand for one or more events! Volunteer opportunities are listed below. Pick one or more ways to LIVE UNITED. Get your friends together, form a team from work, or come alone, join in building a better community – all skill levels are welcome. Last year, 181 volunteers contributed 797 hours in the community through Days of Caring. These hours equated to $16, 020 invested into our community through service hours alone!

Contact Eleni Margaronis, Volunteer Center Coordinator to sign up or for more information at 778-5048 or volunteer@uwtva.org. (Advance sign up is appreciated for planning purposes. All pre-registrants will be provided specific details about their opportunity.)

In addition to the Days of Caring which are scheduled below, UWTVA staff and volunteers will be participating in Farmington Downtown Association’s Farmington SummerFest on Saturday, July 26 from 10 – 5. There will be a treasure hunt for children, balloon raffle, and Community Energy Challenge demonstrations and sign-ups. This event is a great way to get to know the positive impact the United Way has on Greater Franklin County and see what’s ahead for 2014-15!.

Days of Caring Schedule:

North Jay Grange #10

        Saturday, August 9, 9 am undefined 4 pm (flexible times)

        Corner of Route 4 and 17, North Jay

        Assist in building and installing window panels made by key United Way Volunteers, to reduce the North Jay Grange heating costs for next winter. Cabot Cheese and the Farmers' Gratitude Grille will be there serving a FREE lunch to all volunteers! Tony Gill, retired trainer and quality control for Maine’s DOE funded Low Income Weatherization Program, will be providing a workshop during lunch time that is free and open to the public. His presentations will focus on energy efficiency and the small things you can do around your house to save even more on heating costs next winter!

      

Packs for Progress

        Backpack stuffing event, Friday August 22, 2 pm --- 4 pm

        Big Lots Parking Lot, 640 Wilton Rd, Farmington

        Join The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Big Lots, the Farmington Rotary, the Jay/Livermore/ Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Franklin Volunteer Network Mentoring Collaborative, the Early Childhood Initiative and TD Bank as they team up to collect and fill donated school supplies and backpacks. Backpacks are made available to students with limited resources in the fall on a first come first serve basis through the United Way. (Please sign up for a backpack by August 15.) Help us reach our goal of stuffing 250 backpacks to assist students in starting off their academic year successfully!

 

Western Maine Homeless Outreach Shelter

        Saturday, September 6,  9 am undefined 4 pm

Living Waters Assembly of God Church

547 Wilton Road, Farmington

        Join The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area for a potluck and a day of ‘buttoning up’ The Western Maine Homeless Outreach shelter, by installing window panels and other jobs that are needed to make the shelter more energy efficient. Tony Gill, retired trainer and quality control for Maine’s DOE funded Low Income Weatherization Program, will be providing a workshop during lunch time that is free and open to the public. His remarks will focus on energy efficiency and the small things you can do around your house to save even more on heating costs next winter!

Phillips Community House

        Saturday, September 27, 9 am undefined 4 pm

        Main St., Phillips

        Join us for a potluck and a day full of weatherization! All skill levels welcome. Tony Gill, retired trainer and quality control for Maine’s DOE funded Low Income Weatherization Program, will be providing a workshop during lunch time that is free and open to the public. His presentation will focus on energy efficiency and the small things you can do around your house to save even more on heating costs next winter!

Volunteer engagement through the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Maine Commission for Community Service.

Photo Captions: Marie Real helps button up air leaks at a recent Day of Caring at the United Methodist Economic Ministry; Volunteers assist in stuffing backpacks at the previous Packs for Progress backpack stuffing event; Volunteers help spruce up the Wilson Grange in East Wilton and volunteers prepare window panels as part of the Community Energy Challenge. Energy conservation is the focus of this year’s events.

 

Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.5%

July 18, 2014

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 18
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the 5.5% unemployment rate for June, which is down from 6.7% in June a year ago and is the lowest since August 2008.

The employment-to-population ratioundefinedthe percentage of the population who are employed and a better indicator of economic recoveryundefinedis 61.6%. June was the 81st consecutive month the employment-to-population ratio was above the national average.

"Since we took office, almost 22,000 private-sector jobs have been created in Maine," said Governor LePage. "There are still plenty of jobs available, including almost 7,000 posted on the Maine Job Bank. Combined with our efforts to move individuals from welfare to work, there are more opportunities than ever for Mainers to get good-paying jobs that will improve the quality of life for them and their families."

The number of private-sector jobs is up 8,800 from one year ago. The number of government jobs is down 800.

“We have made progress, but we cannot stop now. Maine is still facing economic challenges that resulted from decades of failed policies from the past,” said Governor LePage. “Our aging population presents a difficulty we must overcome to continue with economic and job growth. That’s why we must keep working to bring more companies with good-paying jobs to our state, which will help attract and retain more young people and families. We must continue our efforts to transform Maine from a

 

Last week I met a woman in her 80s whose husband has dementia. She has lunch with him every single day at the nursing home that cares for him. If the nursing home had to close, she would be forced to drive hours to see him in another facility.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

The Legislature must take action on our nursing homes.

Many Mainers have loved ones in nursing homes. But some of them in rural areas are in danger of closing. Two have already announced they will shut their doors in July.
Not only is this sad for our elderly and their families, it is also avoidable. I worked with Republican leadership just a few short months ago to find more than $5 million that could be used to care for our elderly in Maine’s nursing homes.

But the liberal legislative leadership rejected this source of funding, which would have spurred about $8 million in federal dollars.

The $5 million is still sitting there. The Legislature can take action on my proposal to fund nursing homes before another facility is forced to close. Our elderly should not have to live in fear. They should not have to worry if they will have a place to call home tomorrow.

On behalf of all Mainers who are concerned about our elderly, I have sent a letter to Senate President Justin Alfond and Speaker of the House Mark Eves to call back the Legislature to vote on funding the nursing homes.

Senator Alfond represents an urban area with plenty of nursing facilities, and Representative Eves represents people who have easy access to urban areas. They may favor large corporations that buy up nursing homes and consolidate them in urban areas.

But that doesn’t help Mainers in rural parts of our state. They simply do not understand how difficult it is for Mainers in the rest of the state to find nursing homes that are close to home.

Maine families should not have to drive hours to see their loved ones. We must do everything we can to support all of our nursing homes, but especially those in the rural areas.
All members of the Legislature should have the opportunity to show Mainers whether they support our elderly by taking a straight up-or-down vote on my proposal.

The Senate is already coming back into session on July 31 to vote on judicial nominations. That would be a good day to convene the entire Legislature. Our elderly cannot wait any longer.

 Annual Healthcare Golf Classic Nets $24,000

Benefits two local health care services

Farmington¾

 

More than $24,000 was raised at Franklin Community Health Network’s (FCHN) annual Healthcare Golf Classic held July 13 and 14 at the Sugarloaf Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) of Greater Franklin County and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center.

 

Twenty-two teams from throughout New England took part in the event.

 

Creative Digital Imaging comprised of Nick Winchester, Rob Tiensivu, Jon Henderson, and Craig Daigan took first place gross at Monday’s tournament, a four-person scramble. Other winners were second gross Team Webber and third gross Shiretown Insurance. King Real Estate team members David Mills, Mark Pietras, Andrew Mills, and Jeff Kennedy took first place net, followed by Franklin Printing in second place and Western Mountain Financial Services in third.

 

The tournament featured closest-to-the-pin and longest drive contests. Closest-to-the-pin winners were Greg Nemi, Peter Judkins, Walter O’Brien, and Tom Weigle, while the men’s and women’s longest drive winners were Matt Casavant and Ann Nemi, respectively.

 

The winner of Sunday’s preliminary tournament for the event’s major sponsors was Team Mercer, followed by Nason Mechanical, Cigna, Cianbro, and Kazak & Gayer.

 

Jill Gray, FCHN communications and fund development manager stated, “We are delighted to have celebrated the twenty-seventh year of the Healthcare Golf Classic. Its longevity and success is due to the fantastic support from teams and players who take part each year, as well as the corporate sponsors that make this a successful event.”

 

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center, a program of Franklin Memorial Hospital, provides timely access to state-of-the-art breast cancer screening, diagnostic, clinical, and care support services. The Center, with locations in Farmington and Livermore Falls, memorializes the Carrabassett Valley resident who died from breast cancer.

 

The HCC and its mobile health unit uses a coordinated public health approach of education, health promotion, and outreach to improve the health and well-being of area residents. HCC is an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network.

 

 

Governor LePage Announces Additional Funding for Elderly in Nursing Homes

July 17, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 17, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

*Please note the attached document

AUGUSTA – With several Maine nursing homes on the brink of closure, Governor Paul R. LePage and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew announced today that Maine nursing facilities will receive $25.4 million in additional funding in the upcoming fiscal year.

“Maine is one of the oldest states in the nation, and these nursing homes are critical to our seniors and the family members who care for them,” said Governor LePage. “As we prioritize spending within Maine’s Medicaid program, the elderly stand at the front of the line when it comes to needing our help.”

Underfunded by the state since 2005, many of Maine’s 106 nursing homes have been facing financial difficulties because of less-than-adequate Medicaid reimbursement rates. In fact, two have recently closed their doors.

“Democratic leadership chose to play politics and ignore our elderly by refusing to take action to fund the nursing homes,” said Governor LePage. “I offered a solution to lawmakers in April, but it was rejected. So I directed Commissioner Mayhew to do everything she could to find the money within DHHS. As a result of the department’s successful efforts to rein in spending in the Medicaid program, they were able to find the funding. When that revenue is combined with federal matching funds, our nursing homes will now receive $25.4 million.”

Today, Commissioner Mayhew explained where the additional state money was identified and how it will be allocated.

“Our ability to better manage the Medicaid program has led to virtually no growth in the program in State Fiscal Year 2014 and a reduction in growth in 2015,” stated Commissioner Mayhew. “Per the Governor’s direction, DHHS began working to identify a possible funding source to support this critical need. Now we can begin to prioritize spending and care for those who are most at risk.”

Since the Legislature adjourned in April, Governor LePage has requested lawmakers return to Augusta to address the nursing home funding shortage. Despite Republicans’ offer to reconvene and do the necessary work, Democratic leadership has refused to call the Legislature back. President Senate Justin Alfond and House Speaker Mark Eves sent a letter to Republican leadership indicating they would not be returning to do any work in Augusta. Even if the Governor were to call the Legislature back, Democratic leadership has the power to recess without taking any action.

Governor LePage said the decisions to reduce Maine’s Medicaid coverage to conform to federal requirements and not to expand taxpayer-funded health coverage to 100,000 additional able-bodied Mainers have been key factors in freeing up funds for nursing facilities.

“DHHS and the taxpayers of Maine do not have the ability or the resources to be all things to all people,’’ said the Governor. “That’s why we must set priorities that take care of our state’s most vulnerable people. The needs of our elderly, as well as people with developmental disabilities who remain waiting for services, are a priority of my administration.”

Today’s announcement took place in Augusta at the Maine Health Care Association. Rick Erb, president and CEO of Maine Health Care Association, which represents over 200 providers of long-term care, praised the Administration’s efforts to make Maine’s senior citizens a top priority.

“I learned of this news today and am pleased to hear of it. On behalf of Maine’s nursing homes, we are deeply appreciative of the Administration’s efforts to provide the level of funding these facilities require for our seniors,” said Erb. “Adding these funds to what was appropriated by the legislature is a big step forward and puts our nursing homes in a better position to serve the needs of our elderly throughout the State of Maine.”

Each of Maine’s remaining 104 facilities statewide will receive funding. The rate increase is expected to take effect retroactively July 1.

 

State of Maine Flags to be Lowered in Bangor to Honor Former Police Chief Don Winslow

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

Governor Paul R. LePage today ordered the State of Maine flag lowered to half-staff in the City of Bangor on Thursday, July 17 in honor of former police chief Don Winslow, 57, who died on July 10. U.S. flags must remain at full staff.

“The First Lady and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Winslow,” said Governor LePage. “His career in public safety, first as a firefighter, then as a police officer, exemplified the love he had for his community and his dedication to serving it.”

After serving three years with the Old Town Fire Department, Mr. Winslow turned his career toward law enforcement. He spent nearly 28 years with the Bangor Police Department, working his way up to become chief in 1998. He retired in February 2007.

Mr. Winslow served as Bangor’s first community relations officer, interacting with the public and teaching children that police not only enforce the law, but to help and serve. He taught Drug Awareness Resistance Education to students and helped organize Neighborhood Watch programs. He also recorded “Police Files,” safety tips broadcast on WABI-TV 5.

State of Maine flags should be flown at half-staff in Bangor only on the day of the funeral, Thursday, July 17.

 Governor LePage Designates $25,000 in Contingency Funds for Family Hope

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has designated $25,000 from his contingency funds to support services offered by Family Hope in Scarborough. Founded in 2012, Family Hope serves the needs of those struggling with mental illness by providing resources to their families and caregivers.

 “Family Hope is an excellent example of Mainers working together to fulfill an unmet need in their community,” said Governor LePage. “I commend the community of stakeholders who have dedicated themselves to supporting those who care for mentally ill loved ones.”

Family Hope’s services include recommendations for therapists and counselors, as well as phone support and one-on-one consultations. Their Family Support Navigator Program is equipped with licensed clinical social workers who connect families with resources, answers to questions and a “next steps” plan.

“Family Hope is dedicated to educating, providing encouragement and suggesting resources to aid family members of people living with mental illness in Maine,” said Donna Betts, founder and executive director of Family Hope. “We are very grateful for this generous designation from Governor LePage to support our Family Support Navigator Program, an innovative, new model of support for these families.” 

 

Federal Government Gridlock Jeopardizing Maine Jobs and Transportation Infrastructure

July 11, 2014

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 11, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has announced that he will take action, if necessary, to avoid losing hundreds of construction jobs this summer and fall.

In a letter, Governor LePage urges Maine’s Representative from the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to work to resolve pending funding shortfalls in the federal Highway Trust Fund.

The immediate risk for Maine is an approximate 70 percent reduction in federal highway reimbursements in August. The lack of reauthorization from Congress of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act by October 1 may also cause the USDOT to reduce new federal highway obligations by almost 100 percent in 2015.

Recently the federal government notified the State of Maine that due to the lack of a long-term deal providing transportation infrastructure funding to states, new cash management procedures will take effect on August 1 if Washington cannot resolve the pending shortfalls in the Highway Trust Fund.

“Inaction on both of these matters has both short- and long-term negative effects on transportation infrastructure and construction industry jobs, as well as Maine’s economy as a whole,” said Governor LePage. “This is another example of the federal government playing games, which harm Maine’s ability to keep people working and fix our roads and bridges, which are in need of repair after the long winter.”

The LePage Administration is working hard to address these funding problems. As Governor LePage states in his letter, the Administration is adopting methods to address the cash flow shortfall. “If necessary, I will seek additional bonding to offset federal shortfalls,” Governor LePage wrote.

Additionally, Governor LePage in his letter suggests if Congress is unable to reach an agreement that States ought to be allowed to collect taxes, such as the gas tax, which is now sent to Washington. “My Administration knows how to manage money, and it knows how to get it done.”

From a longer-term planning perspective, the Maine Department of Transportation operates on a three-year Work Plan that may require a delay or suspension of that publication of the fall construction forecasts, as well as the CY 2015 Construction Advertisement Plan (CAP) and the three-year Work Plan itself in early January. These are eagerly awaited and closely watched by contractors making employment decisions, as well as communities and policymakers that are looking for their projects to proceed.

“This potential inaction would have devastating effects in Maine,” said Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt. “Unlike warm-weather states, Maine has hundreds of capital projects that are performed in a short construction season.”

Based on average federal reimbursement for the month of August over the last two years, it is estimated that the need for reimbursement will be $40 million. That means that the cut to the expected federal reimbursement is estimated at $27 million to $29 million, or about 70 percent.

As a short-term cash-flow strategy, the MaineDOT intends to get through August by temporarily accessing cash from a state trust fund established for future capital transportation projects. This is a one-time temporary solution; it is not new money.

“For the month of September, MaineDOT hopes to access state bond funds from the State Treasurer. Again, this is not new money, and if federal funds for full reimbursements are not restored, there will be a need to curtail projects statewide,” Commissioner Bernhardt said. “If there is still no resolution to the cash-flow crisis by October 1, there will be few options left and would likely force a devastating decision to reduce and/or delay payments to contractors for work already performed,” Bernhardt concluded.

“The inaction by Transportation Committee authorizers is a stark contrast to the effective work by Senator Susan Collins. Time and again, Sen. Collins’ work ends with results, not gridlock. She continues to recognize the need for a strong transportation infrastructure by securing funds that have helped build and maintain Maine’s transportation network,” said Governor LePage.

 

 

Maine State Flags to be Lowered in Cape Elizabeth to Honor Richard D. Hewes

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today ordered the State of Maine flag lowered to half-staff on Thursday in the Town of Cape Elizabeth in honor of Richard D. Hewes, 87, who died Tuesday, July 8. U.S. flags must remain at full staff.

“The First Lady and I were saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Hewes, and we send our deepest condolences to the family,” said Governor LePage. “Mr. Hewes served the State of Maine with great distinction, and his record of public service had a profound influence on politics.”

Mr. Hewes began his political career when he was elected to the Cape Elizabeth School Board. Elected in 1966, he served as the State Representative to the Maine legislature, representing Cape Elizabeth until the late 1970s and serving as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives from 1972 to 1974. From 1978 to 1980, he represented Cape Elizabeth, South Portland and part of Scarborough in the State Senate.

In 1983, Governor Joe Brennan appointed him as Cumberland County Commissioner, where he served into the 1990s.

State of Maine flags should be flown at half-staff only on the day of the funeral, Friday, July 11.