Governor LePage: Maine’s Growth in Personal Earnings is a Sign of Improving Economy

June 25, 2014

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement today about Maine’s personal income growth, which shows net earnings growing .8% in the first quarter of 2014undefinedhigher than the national growth in net earnings.

“While the Obama administration and other states use the increase of welfare payments as a measure of personal income growth, my administration has reduced welfare and added real jobs,” said Governor LePage.

“Since I took office, 18,000 private-sector jobs have been created, Maine’s unemployment rate has stayed below the national average, and it is now the lowest since 2008. We have fewer government jobs, fewer people on welfare, and we have stopped the growth of Medicaid.”

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) claims the other five New England states saw higher personal income growth than Maine, but that growth was driven by an increase in welfare benefits, especially in the form of Medicaid expansion. The BEA conceals welfare benefits by calling them “Personal Current Transfer Receipts.”

These “Transfer Receipts” include: Social Security benefits; Medicare payments; Medicaid; and state unemployment insurance benefits.

In addition to counting welfare benefits as personal income, the BEA includes another category called “all other personal current transfer receipts.” These are the health insurance premium subsidies paid as tax credits to enrollees of the Obamacare exchanges.

“It doesn’t matter what liberals call these payments, it is welfare, pure and simple,” said Governor LePage. “Liberals from the White House all the way down to Democratic leadership in Augusta believe that redistribution of wealthundefinedtaking money from hard-working taxpayers and giving it to a growing number of welfare recipientsundefinedis personal income. It’s not. It’s just more welfare expansion. Democrats can obfuscate the numbers any way they want. The fact is that we have created thousands of jobs, more Mainers are working, and their income is going up.”

On Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released preliminary estimates of state personal income for the first quarter of 2014, along with revised estimates for all four quarters of 2013. Total personal income for Maine grew 0.5% in the first quarter of 2014, with net earnings – the largest component of personal income – growing 0.8%.

The largest contributors to Maine’s increase in earnings were in the construction industry and the manufacturing of nondurable goods, with growth of $96 million and $60 million. “These are real jobs with real incomes, not welfare handouts,” said Governor LePage.

Maine’s growth in net earnings was in line with the other New England states, which ranged from 0.8% to 1.0% growth. Net earnings growth in Maine was actually higher than for the U.S., which saw growth of 0.7%.

“Maine’s personal income growth is being driven by growth in earnings, an indication that the economy continues to see real improvement as a larger share of Mainers find employment,” according to Maine State Economist Amanda Rector.

The release from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis is available at: http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/spi/2014/pdf/spi0614.pdf.

 

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area celebrates:

Buttons for Babes volunteer bracelet project reaches milestone, raising more than $25,000 to help children.

 

Chris Bourassa has a dream. Actually, she has many dreams that keep her up at night making bracelets out of buttons that have been unearthed from dusty attics, clipped off clothes, and found at thrift stores nationwide. Chris dreams that every child should have his or her needs met and no child should go hungry, not have enough clothes to wear, be homeless, or not have access to appropriate medical care. That dream reached a milestone this month raising an astounding $25,000 since Chris linked with the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area in June of 2012, and the project grew as more and more volunteers became involved in making bracelets. An estimated 3,000 bracelets have been made so far and the project is not slowing down. Many of the five dollar bracelet donations have been generously matched by Barclays, a committed partner who not only has matched funds that are raised, but actively allows employees to become involved in the project. Employees sew bracelets, collect buttons, and creatively scrapbook thank you cards that are sent to button donors and others who help. The project has sparked the imagination and involvement of many. The International Emblem Club has become involved extending the project to help Shriners and St. Judes.

The bustling project is coordinated by Trish Wurpel who volunteers 20 hours a week making bracelets, overseeing the quality of each bracelet returned to the United Way for sale, and offering workshops and individualized trainings. Trish can be reached for more information on Mondays and Fridays from 10 – 4 at 207.778.5048 or at pawurpel@yahoo.com. She is joined in her efforts by many others, and, in fact, a Buttons for Babes Advisory Board has recently been formed with policies and procedures approved by the United Way Board of Directors. This Advisory Board includes United Way board member Lillian Lake, of Wilton; Cherylann Jerry of Jay; Martina Eastman of Jay; Gayle Long of Livermore Falls, Trish Wurpel of Starks; Kathy Gregory of Chesterville and a United Way Community Partner representing Community Dental; Shannon Smith of Wilton; and Chris Bourassa of Mercer. United Way staff Lisa Laflin, Nicolasa Navarro, and Eleni Margaronis also participate in the discussions.

 

The Advisory Board meets monthly to oversee the project’s growth and to make timely funding decisions. Funding is by application. The simple request document can be found on the United Way website at uwtva.org/give or by calling 207.778.5048. Applications for funding – up to $500 once per year, are designed to support unmet needs of children 0 – 18 in Franklin County, Livermore, Livermore Falls, and Starks. Applications were originally accepted from individuals, and case managers working on a client’s behalf because there was a tremendous unmet need for assistance. The project’s success has allowed for an expansion of the guidelines. Now, organizations or a collaborative (such as a youth group working on a specific initiative with a civic organization) may apply to support programs that help children. In addition to supporting requests (by application) 30% of funds raised each month through Buttons for Babes will be allocated to a local homeless shelter.

Funds have been awarded to meet a diverse array of needs including purchase of winter clothing for elementary schools students in the Mt. Blue Regional School District; transportation to visit a child admitted for in-patient psychiatric services; food; and a number of requests have been fulfilled for adaptive equipment for children with special needs. Applications are encouraged! Please help spread the word.

Buttons for Babes has involved more than 400 volunteers and welcomes many more to become involved. The project is thriving due to the support of many volunteers -like those who meet at the Jay Button Bee the second Tuesday of the month at 12:30 at Otis Federal Credit Union, and members of the Farmington Emblem Club #460. Other volunteers have emerged at workplaces including LEAP, Inc. where volunteers have friendly competitions to make bracelets as part of a wellness activity, and Work First where participants clip off buttons from clothes that will not be sold at the organization’s thrift stores.

 

This article would not be complete without sharing a story or two that demonstrates the power of this project: Shannon Smith, who has been very involved with Buttons for Babes with the Farmington Emblem Club, made a purple bracelet for a mom in honor of her child. Soon after, her child died unbeknownst to Shannon. When she saw the mother months later the heartbroken woman said “this will be with me forever.”

Bracelets are available at the United Way office, 232 Broadway in Farmington; Salon West, West Farmington; Wears and Wares in Farmington, United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem; Shears to You in the East Side Mall Farmington Falls; seasonally in Phillips, and from many volunteers. Bracelets have found themselves traveling nationally and throughout the world, most recently they have been sent to Taiwan, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ecuador. Politicians have supported the project, including Angus King, Susan Collins, and Governor LePage.

In recognition of her efforts in 2013, Chris Bourassa was awarded the Channel 6 Six Who Care award. A well deserved recognition. Chris is quick to blush when the recognition is mentioned. She is humble and uses every opportunity to energetically deflect the attention she gets away from herself. She calls all those involved in this project her “League of Angels” and  proclaims, “2014 should be the year of the child! Every child deserves a chance.”

 

Best,

 

Lisa Park Laflin

Executive Director

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area

PO Box 126, 232 Broadway

Farmington, ME 04938

www.uwtva.org, (207) 778-5048

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Annual Healthcare Golf Classic Taking Place July 13–14

Openings remain for teams and sponsorship opportunities

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Community Health Network’s (FCHN) annual Healthcare Golf Classic will be a two-day, two-tournament event at the Sugarloaf Golf Club that will take place on July 13–14. The beneficiaries will be the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center. Both provide health services to people in need. 

 

Monday’s tournament is a four-person scramble and anyone is welcome to participate as part of a team or as an individual (individuals who register will be assigned to teams needing members). “This tournament has been recognized by past participants as one of the most enjoyable golfing events in Maine,” said Janis Walker, tournament chair.

 

The Healthcare Golf Classic festivities will begin with a late morning best ball tournament and reception on Sunday for the tournament’s major sponsors. On Monday, there will be a continental breakfast for all players, followed by 18 holes of tournament play, a luncheon, and awards ceremony. Both men’s and women’s first place and runner-up low gross and net scores will be awarded.

 

“There are still an assortment of sponsorship opportunities for businesses that wish to participate including team sponsors, breakfast and award sponsors, and hole sponsors,” added Walker.

 

For additional information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750.

 

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital Caregiver of the Year Announced

Honors physical therapist Rebecca Gagnon-Pillsbury

Farmington¾

 

Physical therapist Rebecca Gagnon-Pillsbury, MSPT, ATC, CLT, has been named Caregiver of the Year for Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) according to Gerald Cayer, executive vice president. Cayer made the announcement during a recent manager’s meeting, praising Gagnon-Pillsbury’s 17 years of service at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

 

“When the FMH Physical Rehabilitation Department was ready to develop a new lymphedema program in 2004 with a focus to meet the post-operative needs of breast cancer patients, Rebecca stepped up to challenge of building this program from the ground up: developing documentation tools to assure compliance; determining supply needs; and implementing a computer program that is used to monitor patients’ fluid measurements,” Cayer said. “This program has proved to be successful for all lymphedema patients despite its initial focus on breast cancer, treating upper and lower extremities and neck lymphatic drainage issues.”

 

Gagnon-Pillsbury’s nomination cited that she has also spent a significant amount of time educating the medical staff about early diagnosis, appropriate referrals, and lymphedema care and treatments. Due to her efforts, a second therapist became certified to assist with this successful program. Rebecca serves as a mentor to this individual as she has set a very high standard of care for our patients. 

 

Marie Wade, FMH Physical Rehabilitation Department director, added, “It has been an incredible experience over the years to see Rebecca grow and develop from a new graduate athletic trainer to an experienced and highly skilled physical therapist with unique expertise. She is caring, considerate, and confident with these patients in assisting them with this rather complicated diagnosis. These patients have survived cancer and now are dealing with this longstanding complication. They are usually seen in two-hour sessions, requiring extensive hands-on manual lymph drainage for the entire treatment.”

 

“This annual award honors a caregiver who on a daily basis demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the delivery of care to patients and their families,” said Cayer. “Each hospital is allowed only one applicant to be considered for statewide recognition, so being nominated is truly an honor.”

 

As the FMH nominee, Gagnon-Pillsbury was considered among 38 candidates for this year’s Maine Hospital Association (MHA) Caregiver of the Year Award that was announced on June 18 at the MHA Summer Forum.

 

Dr. Charles Hendricks, a surgeon at Mount Desert Island Hospital, whose humanitarian work includes providing surgical services to disadvantaged, underserved South American populations was selected as this year’s MHA Caregiver of the Year. 

 

 

Governor LePage Announces $19 Million Contract Awarded to Maine Military Authority

June 19, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 19, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

Governor LePage Announces $19 Million Contract Awarded to Maine Military Authority

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Military Authority are pleased to announce the award of a $19 million military contract, which will preserve and create good-paying career opportunities for the people of Northern Maine.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Board of Directors this week unanimously approved the award of a contract to the Maine Military Authority in Limestone for the mid-life overhaul of 32 Dual Mode Articulated NEOPLAN Buses.

The $19 million award to MMA marks the culmination of years of strategic and deliberate planning to gain access to new markets as military budgets decline. The contract could likely increase to $24 million as optional and additional tasks are requested.

“I appreciate the hard work of MMA in securing this contract, which will sustain and grow good career jobs for the citizens of Aroostook County,” said Governor LePage. “During the last couple of years, it has been exciting to see MMA successfully transition into the bus refurbishment market. It’s this type of strategic action and partnering with the state and federal governments that have strengthened the economic opportunities in the region.”

In 2012 MMA completed a major renovation of its facilities specifically designed to support large and over-sized vehicles. That same year, MMA coordinated with the LePage Administration and entered the bus refurbishment market, launching its School Bus Refurbishment Program. Since 2012, MMA has successfully developed an end-of-life rebuild program for Para-Transit (shuttle) buses and a mid-life overhaul for mass transit buses. Without these strategic actions, MMA would have lacked the history of performance required to win the MBTA project.

According to MMA spokesman Tim McCabe, “The rehabilitation of these buses will increase its service life expectancy by an additional 6 years beyond it intended life of 12 years. Our process is extremely thorough and painstaking. These buses will be rehabilitated with the same dedication and workmanship as we have for all the military vehicles we have produced for our National Guard Soldiers.”

The DMA bus is a “dual mode” bus. It is powered by a diesel engine for part of its route and a traditional electric-powered trolley for part of its route. It is a one-of-a-kind dual bus/trolley and one of the most complex systems in North America. MMA has teamed with SKODA Electric, the original equipment manufacturer of the electric propulsion system, to form a team capable of this demanding project.

The mass transit overhaul/rebuild market is growing, and MMA has the talented personnel and facilities to achieve significant market share. MMA will continue to leverage its vast experience refurbishing military and mass transit vehicles to develop new opportunities to expand employment at its facility located in Limestone.

 

Healthy Community Coalition Presents WorkHealthy! Awards

 

Businesses recognized as community leaders in promoting good health

 

Farmington-

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) presented four area businesses with WorkHealthy! awards for their outstanding efforts in promoting good health for their employees. Awards were presented on June 17 at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce board meeting hosted at Calzolaio Pasta Company.

 

Darryl Wood, LEAP executive director, and Cassie Smerdon, direct support professional; Rebecca Scott, Health Quest team leader; Tricia Robinson, University of Maine Farmington Wellness Team chair; and Joe Tinkham, Care and Comfort’s Wilton site district manager, accepted WorkHealthy! awards on behalf of their organizations.

 

Businesses that received awards place high priority on promoting health for their employees by conducting health assessment surveys to measure employees’ interests and readiness to focus on a healthy lifestyle. Businesses also created substance abuse and tobacco-free policies along with promotion of physical activity and healthy eating while at work.

 

HCC Program Associate Heather Fellman stated “Since we spend a majority of time at work, it’s beneficial for everyone to encourage employers to focus on healthier habits at work so we can reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease, workplace injuries, and obesity, and create overall happier employees.”

 

By supporting a tobacco-free lifestyle, encouraging physical activity, and/or promoting healthy eatingundefinedbusinesses and organizations may realize the benefits of a healthier workforce including reduced absenteeism, reduced disability and health care costs, improved productivity, and increased morale and loyalty. HCC’s WorkHealthy! program focuses on all these aspects along with taking the time to recognize participants as community leaders for promoting good health for employees.

 

HCC can also provide worksites with other services to promote healthy behaviors including flu shots, health screenings, lunch-and-learn educational sessions, newsletters, technical assistance, and educational materials. Any business or organization that would like more information on the WorkHealthy! program is encouraged to contact Heather Fellman at 779-2934 or hfellman.org.

 

Employment Numbers Show Maine’s Economy Improving Under Governor LePage

June 18, 2014

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about Maine’s improving economy.

“The New York Times, has affirmed the efforts we have made to recover jobs lost during the great recession,” said Governor LePage. “The unemployment rate for April was 5.7 percent, which was the lowest since September 2008, and thousands more Mainers are working in the private sector now than when I took office."

The New York Times highlights Maine as one of three states that have recovered a significant number of jobs lost during the recession. “Employment rates have rebounded in some states with strong growth, like Utah, Nebraska and Montana. But only three states undefined Maine, Texas and Utah undefined have retraced more than half their losses,” The New York Times reported.

Under the LePage administration, 15,000 private-sector jobs have been created; there are 8,000 job openings on the Maine Job Bank; and Maine’s employment-to-population ratio remains higher than the national average.

The New York Times states that the number of people employed is a more accurate indicator of how the economy is doing. The share of Maine’s population that is employed remains at 61.8 percentundefinedwell above the U.S. average of 58.9 percent. April was the 79th consecutive month the employment-to-population ratio was above the national average.

The story also notes that “most economists do not expect employment rates to rebound completely,” pointing to a national trend that Maine is now experiencing: an aging population leaving the workforce with fewer younger people to fill those jobs.

“Maine's aging population presents a challenge to economic and job growth, as do Maine's energy rates that Democrats refuse to address,” said Governor LePage. “We have to bring more companies with good-paying jobs to our state, which will help attract and retain more young people and families. That's why we proposed Open for Business zones, which would have enticed large companies that offer high-paying career jobs to come to Maine. But the Democrats pursued an aggressive anti-business agenda this legislative session. They even prevented teens from getting jobs in movie theatres and bowling alleys.

"We must continue our efforts to transform Maine from a high-tax state with a large welfare population to a low-tax, business-friendly state that encourages companies to create good-paying career jobs for Maine families,” the Governor said.

 

Governor Calls on Democratic Leadership to Convene Legislature and Pass Drug Bill

June 17, 2014

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA –Governor Paul R. LePage issued the following statement today about the failure of Democratic leadership to call the Legislature back into session to pass his bill to fight drug crime:

“Drug trafficking by ruthless, out-of-state street gangs is on the rise, but Democrats are still pretending Maine does not have a problem with violent drug crime. Organized drug gangs are flooding the state with cheap heroin, but Democrats remain obstinate. They refuse to provide the manpower law enforcement agencies need to prevent these criminals from addicting Mainers with this killer drug.”

“We even identified funding to add MDEA agents, judges and prosecutors to help combat the drug epidemic that is ravaging our state. That money is still sitting there. I could call the legislature back to take up my bill, but Democratic leaders could simply recess immediately and go home. I cannot force them to do something they are not willing to do.”

“Democratic leadership stated they won’t call the legislature back unless there is an ‘extraordinary occasion.’ They don’t think that deaths from drug overdoses, babies born addicted to drugs and violent street gangs peddling poison on our street corners amount to an ‘extraordinary occasion.’ But Maine people do.”

 

State of Maine Prepared to Invest in Transportation, Education

Sale of General Obligation Bonds to result in investments of $127 million

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement today about the sale of the State of Maine’s general obligation bonds. The sale of these bonds includes projects to support the University of Maine, Maine Maritime Academy, National Guard armories, and transportation infrastructure projects. It is estimated that projects funded through the sale of these bonds will put as thousands of Mainers to work.

“Earlier this year, I demanded that the Legislature replenish the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund to its $60 million balance,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “When they were unable to do that, I introduced my own plan to replenish the fund and restore fiscal responsibility to state operations. Last week, that fiscal discipline was rewarded with positive ratings from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. This week, the state was rewarded with low interest rates.”

The $127 million in general obligation bonds will finance both tax-exempt and taxable projects. Bonds for tax-exempt projects were sold to Raymond James at an all-in rate, or total interest cost, of 2.019 percent. Bonds for taxable projects were sold to J.P. Morgan at a rate of 0.925 percent.

“This is good news for Maine,” continued Governor LePage. “The projects funded through the sale of these bonds will put hardworking Mainers to work and make critical investments throughout our local communities.”

“The fiscal reforms of the LePage Administration helped drive interest rates down,” said Richard Rosen, commissioner of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services. “The State of Maine has a strong reputation in the bond market, and the positive ratings received from the rating agencies helped ensure we could get the best deal for Maine taxpayers.”

Standard & Poor’s assigned its ‘AA’ rating and Moody’s Investors Services assigned their ‘Aa2’ rating to the State of Maine’s general obligation debt. Both ratings received a stable outlook from the rating agencies.

The State of Maine is scheduled to close on the bond sale next week.

 FMH Auxiliary Donates $20,000 to Hospital

Funds will go toward a refurbished breast-health-themed NorthStar ambulance

Farmington¾

 

A donation to Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH), scholarship announcements, committee reports, and the installment of new officers were just a few of the actions taking place at the annual meeting of the Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary on June 4.

 

Kamilla Hall, Auxiliary president, presented Rebecca Arsenault, FMH president/CEO, with a gift of $20,000 to refurbish a NorthStar ambulance this fall that will be theme-painted with messages on breast health and will adorn the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center logo. Arsenault applauded the work of the Auxiliary and the many gifts Franklin Memorial Hospital has received from the charitable group. “I hope you realize how much we fully appreciate all the hard work you do and the support you give to this hospital,” she said. “On behalf of the board of directors, the medical staff, employees, and the community, thank you for all you have done and thank you for being there for us.”

 

Among the reports, Caroleen Caldwell, chair of the scholarship committee, announced the six recipients of the Auxiliary’s West Central Maine Health Careers Scholarship Program. The following nursing students will each be awarded a $600 scholarship: Bethany Masse of East Dixfield, Cassandra Hutchinson of New Vineyard, Alexandra Harnden of Strong, Althea Mae Drummond of Livermore Falls, Randi Duguay of Jay, and Shula Yeaton of West Farmington.

 

Kitty McDonald reported that 80 individuals had made reservations for the upcoming community tea on June 11 at Franklin Memorial Hospital. The tea, which is free and open to the public will include a 15-minute presentation by Dr. Jay Naliboff, refreshments, and live entertainment by the Narrow Gauge String Band.

 

Jill Gray, staff liaison to the Auxiliary, installed the following officers for the coming year: Dawn Girardin, president; Jean Rand, 1st vice president; Mary Harris, 2nd vice president; Lois Smith, secretary; Priscilla Smith, treasurer; and Shannon Smith, assistant treasurer.

 

The hospital’s gift shop is the Auxiliary’s major fundraiser in its mission to provide financial support by purchasing equipment that the hospital would like to haveundefinedbut cannot fit into its budget. The Auxiliary also raises money by way of membership dues, raffles, Bag Ali sales, memorial stones, dances, food and book sales, special events, and the Remembrance Tree during the holidays.

 

Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary can receive a membership form by contacting Gray at 779-2555.