Governor LePage and Trade Center Leading Maine Delegation to Iceland and United Kingdom

June 9, 2014

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 09, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531
Doug Ray, DECD Communications Dir., 207-624-9802

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage departed Maine Monday for a six-day trade mission to Iceland and United Kingdom, coordinated by the Maine International Trade Center (MITC). The mission, the third during the Governor’s administration, will take Maine’s delegation, including a contingent of Maine business leaders, to the cities of Reykjavik and London. Sixteen Maine businesses and educational institutions will be featured during the mission, which seeks to create linkages between Maine and the North Atlantic region.

“Maine is going to be well represented,” said Governor LePage. “I am very proud of the delegation we have put together. This is a tremendous mix of businesses and educational institutions, partnering with government and trade organizations, all sharing a common goal of developing new business relationships leading to new private investment and greater prosperity for Maine people.”

Trade Missions and international trade shows continue to be some of the most effective tools in getting small and midsized Maine companies connected to importers, partners and distributors, and attracting new export revenue leading to new jobs for Maine people.

“Since Eimskip moved its U.S. shipping hub to Maine, it has been a tremendous partner in growing Maine’s trade linkages. I have had the opportunity to meet with Iceland’s President Grimsson and Senior Icelandic officials as well as Maine business leaders,” said Governor LePage. “We have been working over the past year putting into place a multifaceted approach to increasing Maine’s outreach and influence in the North Atlantic markets.”

Part of that plan included the creation of the Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO) late last year to focus on furthering trade opportunities with Eastern Canada, Northern Europe and the Arctic region. “Northern Europe represents approximately $350 million of Maine exports and has numerous opportunities for growth for Maine businesses,” said MENADO Director Dana Eidsness.

The Maine Delegation departed from Boston June 8th with matchmaking meetings and industry tours taking place in greater Reykjavik through June 11th. (Governor LePage is scheduled to depart June 9th and return to Maine from Iceland June 11th.) On the evening of June 10th the delegation will be welcoming Maine Maritime Academy’s training vessel – the “State of Maine” to Reykjavik and hosting a State of Maine reception providing networking for the participating companies and featuring Maine as a tourism, trade, and foreign investment destination.

"We are truly looking forward to meeting with grain importers and distributors in Iceland. Iceland augments its locally-sourced foods like lamb, dairy, fish, and greenhouse vegetables with imported food products, including grain,” said Amber Lambke-Owner, Maine Grains, Skowhegan. “With the Eimskip shipping company having recently created a direct link between Maine and Iceland, we have a unique opportunity to trade high-quality Maine-grown and processed goods, like grain, with our Icelandic neighbors,” she added.

The Trade Center and a Maine group of food processors, life science, and logistics companies will continue on to the United Kingdom June 11th for business matchmaking meetings while MITC’s Invest in Maine team will be featuring Business Attraction sessions in Cambridge for the Life Sciences industry and London for the Food Processing and tourism industries.

“We currently enjoy a small presence in the UK and believe with a better understanding of current consumer and retailer trends within the specialty food arena we can enhance and expand that presence,” Cynthia Fisher-VP, Bar Harbor Foods, Whiting said. “We hope the retail sector in the UK will respond with the same enthusiasm for our authentic Maine seafood products as we experience in Canada, Japan, Mexico and throughout the U.S,” she stated.

A small delegation with the Maine Port Authority and MENADO will be continuing on to Greenland post mission for preliminary discussions with Greenland executives and government leaders. The mission is organized in a coordinated effort by the Maine International Trade Center, MENADO, the Maine Technology Institute, and with support from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

 

S&P Affirms Maine Bond Rating and Stable Outlook

AUGUSTA – Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has assigned their “AA” long-term rating and a stable outlook to Maine’s 2014 A and B general obligation bonds and has affirmed its “AA” rating and stable outlook on the state’s GO debt outstanding.

“I am pleased that S&P has affirmed our rating and has recognizedundefinedas did Moody’sundefinedthe efforts our administration has made to reform Maine’s public pension system, to pay $490 million in welfare debt to our hospitals and the reigning in of our welfare spending,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “These significant accomplishments have improved the financial stability of the state. Just as important, S&P notes our continually improving unemployment rate, which in April was below the national level again in April at 5.7%.”

S&P states that Maine’s rapid debt amortization and access to a large cash pool were considered strengths in the rating. It cites repayment of hospital debt and substantial pension reforms as improvements that offset the accumulated general fund deficits and unfunded pension ratios on the state’s balance sheets. It also notes the effort to control costs in the Medicaid (MaineCare) program, including reductions in income levels for eligibility and the elimination of coverage for childless adults.

“Today’s rating by S&P reinforces what Moody’s Investors Service reported yesterday,” said DAFS Acting Commissioner Richard Rosen. “Our responsible revenue forecasting model has allowed Maine to avoid the budget shortfalls and subsequent rating downgrades that have troubled other states.”

The S&P rating comes on the heels of yesterday’s rating from Moody’s Investor Services. Moody’s affirmed their ‘Aa2” rating of Maine’s GO debt, while improving their outlook on Maine’s debt from negative to stable.

S&P identified some areas of concern that could pressure the state’s credit rating over the next two years. Those include continued budget challenges, particularly with Medicaid spending, a slow economic recovery and minimal levels in the state’s

 

Androscoggin Land Trust Board Announces Transition of Executive Director Jonathan LaBonte

 

Auburn – Jonathan LaBonte is leaving his position at the Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT), after six years as its Executive Director. He submitted his letter of resignation to the Board of Directors on Monday, June 2, explaining that he had been appointed to the position of Director of Maine’s Office of Policy and Management by Governor Paul LePage.

 

“In one’s career, unique doors of change at times open, and this is where I find myself today,“ said LaBonte.  The Land Trust Board has always known that LaBonte was interested in exploring career opportunities in state and perhaps national government.  “He is a natural leader, who is a passionate visionary for our community and State.  It was only a matter of time before we lost him to bigger opportunities,” commented Judy Marden, the Board’s current President.

 

“In his nine years as part of ALT, Jonathan has brought energy, vision, and visibility to the organization,” Marden added.  LaBonte joined the ALT Board in the summer of 2005, and shortly thereafter became President of the Board of Directors.  LaBonte became ALT’s Executive Director in 2008. “As we searched for the right person , it became clear that the best person for the job was already on the Board,” said Marden, who has served on the Board of ALT for most of its 25 years.  

 

As Executive Director he has accomplished many important projects throughout the organization’s service area, which covers nineteen municipalities .  ”He[LaBonte] was a major force  in the process of expanding and giving State Park status to the Androscoggin Riverlands Preserve.  He secured grant funding and organized citizen input to create an extensive plan for the Androscoggin Greenway.  He identified opportunities for land and water-based trail connections along the river between Interstate 95 to the south and Gulf Island Pond to the north.  During his tenure as both President and Executive Director, the Land Trust protected approximately 2500 additional acres of land including natural areas, working farmland and recreational trails,” noted Jim Pross, ALT’s Vice President, in an email listing some of ALT’s accomplishments during LaBonte’s tenure

 

“Jonathan is well-known for saying that he can paddle to work in his kayak from his home in New Auburn, upriver to ALT’s office in the Gritty’s block.  Thanks to his energy in starting guided paddling excursions during Balloon Festival launches, canoes and kayaks on the Androscoggin are now a common sight on warm summer days Downtown.  This attitude shift about the River and the lands around it is a part of Jonathan’s legacy as ALT’s Executive Director,” Marden said.

 

The Androscoggin Land Trust protects important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experiences within the Androscoggin River watershed by promoting stewardship and supporting a network of public and privately held conservation land. ALT currently conserves nearly 4,850 acres of land, including over ten miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River. For more information, call 207-782-2320 or visit www.androscogginlandtrust.org.

Governor LePage Appoints Jonathan LaBonte as Director of Office of Policy and Management

June 4, 2014 

For Immediate Release: June 4, 2014
Contact: Peter Steele, Director of Communications, (207) 287-5086

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today the appointment of Jonathan P. LaBonte as the Director of the Governor's Office of Policy and Management.

LaBonte will take over the leadership of OPM from Richard Rosen, who has been appointed Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

"I am pleased to appoint Jonathan LaBonte as head of OPM," said Governor LePage. "He has a deep understanding of municipal, county and state budgets, and he is not afraid to propose bold and innovative solutions that protect the taxpayer, but continue to provide services more efficiently and with less cost. We appreciate his out-of-the-box thinking, and we welcome his knowledge and his enthusiasm for moving the state forward.”

LaBonte has served as a county commissioner in Androscoggin County. In 2011, he was elected as the youngest mayor in Auburn’s history. He is now serving his second term.

A native of Auburn, LaBonte attended the University of Maine in Orono, graduating with a B.S. in chemical engineering. He worked at a consulting firm in the private sector in Massachusetts before returning to Maine for graduate courses in public administration and governance at the University of Maine.

LaBonte has served as a municipal policy consultant in higher education and transportation planning. Most recently, he was the executive director of a regional land trust focused on supporting working forests and farms and securing recreation and public access along the Androscoggin River.

He has been named to the MaineBiz “Next” list, which features individuals who are predicted to influence Maine’s economy, as well as to MaineToday Media’s “Forty under 40” list, which recognizes young leaders under 40 who are making a difference in the business community and throughout the state.

LaBonte has also been named the Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year.

Statement of Governor LePage on Rise in Number of Drug-Related Deaths

June 2, 2014

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 02, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released the following statement about the newly released 2013 drug-induced death statistics:

“Our Administration is focusing on the fact that Maine is subject to ever-increasing numbers of out-of-state drug trafficking organizations establishing drug markets in the state. This disturbing trend tears at the very fabric of our communities and puts our children at risk.”

“As I have said in the past, we must be proactive in combating drug dealers and target our limited resources to better protect our communities. It’s extremely discouraging that Democrats shot down my bill just a few months ago and ignore the value of increasing the number of drug investigators, prosecutors and judges to fight drug crime. We even secured the funding that would have strengthened efforts to identify, investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who distribute drugs within Maine, but Democrats refused to take action.”

“Attorney General Janet Mills has admitted that these ‘criminals are targeting our state to sell drugs, bringing a shocking level of violence with them’ and has said her office ‘is committed to prosecuting these cases’. She should know that if we do not have a way to catch the drug dealers and develop a case, her staff cannot prosecute them.”

“I think we all agree we also need to find more effective and efficient ways to treat addicts and provide them options that lead to successful long-term outcomes. In fact, the State has increased substance abuse funding in recent years from $7 million to more than $9 million. However, until we are able to curb the amount of drugs coming into our state, we will likely see the number of drug-induced deaths continue to rise.”

 

Boothby's Orchard Farm Winery is hosting an Open House on Saturday, June 7th. 11 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Samples of 3 types of apple wine, and I dry red wine will be available. Cheeses from local Maine Farms will be presented by the Maine Dairy Council.

Entertainment will be provided by Denny Breau on the guitar from 12-3 p.m.

Location: Boothby's Orchard Farm Winery
366 Boothby Road
Livermore

 

Governor LePage Issues Statement on VA Inspector General’s Report

Veterans Affairs Committee knew about deficiencies since 2005

AUGUSTA –Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement today about the release of the VA Inspector General’s report that details serious deficiencies in the Veterans Administration going back to 2005. (See PDF of report.)

“What is most stunning is that the VA Office of Inspector General has issued 18 reports to Congress since 2005, exposing long-term gross mismanagement of health care for our nation’s veterans.” (Links to reports are listed at end of release.)

“Congressman Mike Michaud has been in Washington for six terms and is the ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. For years Michaud has told the people of Maine he has inside knowledge on what happens at the VA, but he took little to no action about this scandal until an election year. We now find out that he should have known about these deficiencies for nine years.”

“It is unconscionable that Mike Michaud waited until an election year before he finally took some action.”

“We need to be absolutely certain none of these problems exist with VA services in Maine. Based on Congressman Michaud’s lack of action about this scandal and the cover-ups in the VA, I will do everything in my power to ensure Maine’s veterans are treated with the care and services they have earned and deserve. In this administration, actions speak louder than words.”

 

OIG Oversight Reports on VA Patient Wait Times  

A list of the published OIG reports follows:

1. Audit of the Veterans Health Administration's Outpatient Scheduling Procedures (7/8/2005)  

2. Audit of the Veterans Health Administration's Outpatient Waiting Times (9/10/2007)  

3. Audit of Alleged Manipulation of Waiting Times in Veterans Integrated Service Network 3 (5/19/2008)

4. Audit of Veterans Health Administration's Efforts to Reduce Unused Outpatient Appointments (12/4/2008)

5. Healthcare Inspection – Mammography, Cardiology, and Colonoscopy Management Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Muskogee, Oklahoma (2/2/2009)

6. Audit of Veterans Health Administration's Non-VA Outpatient Fee Care Program (8/3/2009)

7. Veterans Health Administration Review of Alleged Use of Unauthorized Wait Lists at the Portland VA Medical Center (8/17/2010)

8. Healthcare Inspection – Delays in Cancer Care West Palm Beach VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, Florida (6/29/2011)

9. Healthcare Inspection – Electronic Waiting List Management for Mental Health Clinics Atlanta VA Medical Center Atlanta, Georgia (7/12/2011)

10. Review of Alleged Mismanagement of Non-VA Fee Care Funds at the Phoenix VA Health Care System (11/8/2011)

11. Healthcare Inspection – Select Patient Care Delays and Reusable Medical Equipment Review Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Temple, Texas (1/6/2012)

12. Review of Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care (4/23/2012)

13. Healthcare Inspection – Access and Coordination of Care at Harlingen Community Based Outpatient Clinic, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, Harlingen, Texas (8/22/2012)

14. Healthcare Inspection – Consultation Mismanagement and Care Delays, Spokane VA Medical Center, Spokane, Washington (9/25/2012)

15. Healthcare Inspection – Delays for Outpatient Specialty Procedures, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas (10/23/2012)

16. Audit of VHA's Physician Staffing Levels for Specialty Care Services (12/27/2012)

17. Healthcare Inspection – Patient Care Issues and Contract Mental Health Program Mismanagement, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia (4/17/2013)

18. Healthcare Inspection – Gastroenterology Consult Delays William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center Columbia, South Carolina (9/6/2013)

Healthy Community Coalition June Mobile Health Unit Events

Farmington¾

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) announces its June schedule for mobile health unit outreach events.

 

Services offered include body composition analysis, an excellent tracking tool for fitness and nutrition programs including weight loss; blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks; cancer prevention, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco information; and information and assistance enrolling in the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program and other health assistance programs. HCC’s trained staff can assist individuals in taking steps toward improving their health through one-on-one health counseling.

 

In addition, colon cancer screening kits will be distributed to those who qualify. The kits are a noninvasive way to screen for colon cancer that can be completed in the privacy of one’s own home.

 

The Mobile Health Unit will be offering services at Food City in Livermore Falls on June 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Food City in Wilton on June 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Fotter’s Market in Stratton on June 4 from 10 a.m.-noon; Tranten’s Market in Kingfield on June 4 from 1-3 p.m.; IGA in Rangeley on June 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Edmund’s Market in Phillips on June 9 from 10 a.m.-noon; White Elephant in Strong on June 9 from 1-3 p.m., Farmington Save-A-Lot on June 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and at the Antique Tractor Show at the Farmington Fairgrounds on June 28 from 8 a.m.-noon.

 

All services are provided free. Donations are accepted. For more information contact Janis Walker at 779-2750 or jwalker@fchn.org.

Governor LePage and State Officials Highlight Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation

May 29, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 29, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage this morning joined law enforcement officials, elder abuse advocates and administration officials from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other agencies to focus on Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of Maine.

As he has done with the issue of domestic violence, Governor LePage is encouraging greater awareness of elder abuse. To highlight what is sometimes referred to as the ‘crime of the 21st century,’ because of its increasing prevalence and devastating impacts, the Governor issued a proclamation designating June 15th “Maine Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” The Governor signed the proclamation Thursday morning in the Cabinet Room, which the State’s residents to join this effort by reporting suspected abuse of Maine’s seniors.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized each June 15th throughout the United States and in other countries. Officials are also highlighting an effort by the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention to raise awareness by encouraging businesses and nonprofits to post “No Excuse for Elder Abuse: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15th” on their signage.

“Elder abuse comes in many forms, including emotional, physical, financial,” Governor LePage said. “It can involve neglect, abandonment or the draining of a senior’s monetary assets. Sadly, these crimes are under-reported, leaving too many victims to suffer. The State of Maine has resources and a strong desire to provide assistance, but it’s imperative that more people speak up and report their concerns.”

Commissioner Anne L. Head from the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) noted that financial abuse, which includes investment fraud and exploitation, is among the most common forms of elder abuse, costing its victims an estimated $2.9 billion a year. “Seniors are disproportionately the target of financial exploitation,” Commissioner Head commented. “All too often, the abuse is perpetrated by caregivers, family members or financial advisers.”

Members of Maine law enforcement and others joining Governor LePage included, Sgt. Patrick Hood, Maine State Police; Sheriff Joel Merry, Sagadahoc County; Elizabeth Ward-Saxl, Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Jessica Maurer, Maine Area Agencies on Aging; Jaye Martin, Legal Services for the Elderly; Judy Shaw, Securities Administrator (DPFR); Lloyd LaFountain, Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection (DPFR); Lynne Caswell, Office of Aging and Disability Services (DHHS); Jim Martin, Office of Aging and Disability Services (DHHS); and Doreen McDaniel, Adult Protective Services (DHHS).

There are five agencies within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation’s dedicated to educating the public and helping the victims of financial abuse. As examples, Commissioner Head highlighted the Bureau of Financial Institution’s online Consumer Library (www.maine.gov/pfr/financialinstitutions) and the Downeaster Guide to Elder Financial Protection available through the Department’s Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. The 32 page publication is available free of charge to Maine residents by calling 1-800-332-8529 (1-800-DEBT-LAW). It can also be found at www.Credit.Maine.gov under “Publications”.

The proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, seniors are valued members of our State and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with independence and dignity; and

WHEREAS, elder abuse is an ever-increasing problem in today’s society as the growing senior population across socio-economic boundaries is increasingly targeted; and

WHEREAS, there are multiple types of elder abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation; and

WHEREAS, all forms of elder abuse continue to be vastly underreported to law enforcement officials and to State agencies, with estimates indicating that 1 out of 5 cases or fewer are currently being reported; and

WHEREAS, many agencies of State government, including the Office of Aging and Disability Services, Adult Protective Services, the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Public Safety, are actively engaged in elder abuse education, prevention and service delivery; and

WHEREAS, numerous non-profit organizations and community groups are devoted to the protection of seniors, such as the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention, the Maine Triads and Elder Abuse Task Forces, the Maine Long-term Care Ombudsman Legal Services for the Elderly, the AARP/Maine, the Area Agencies on Aging, the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine, and Volunteers of American Northern New England; and

WHEREAS, Elder Abuse Awareness Day will raise awareness of elder abuse and financial exploitation and will reinforce our universal commitment to protecting seniors in our communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby recognize June 15, 2014 as ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

 

Ultrasound Service at Franklin Memorial Hospital Accredited

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level

FARMINGTON¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital, including its satellite location the Androscoggin Valley Medical Arts Center, has been awarded its first three-year term of accreditation in ultrasound as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury, or other medical problems.

 

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards, following a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

 

“Our patients’ safety is of upmost importance. With this new accreditation in ultrasound, all modalities of imaging offered at Franklin Memorial Hospital are now accredited,” said Kim Turner, radiology director. “This additionally includes: adult and pediatric CT (Image Gently Site), MRI, nuclear medicine, and mammography (Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center locations in Farmington and Livermore Falls).

 

The ACR is a national professional organization focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.