Federal Government Cutting Military Retiree Benefits Disgraceful 

Budget can be balanced without hurting our military men and women

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement today denouncing Washington’s budget agreement, which cuts military retiree benefits, including disabled veterans who retire because of their injuries:

“It is disgraceful that within a $47 trillion dollar budget over ten years, the federal government chose to cut funding for the men and women who defend our country and risk their lives to protect our freedoms. These are unfair benefit reductions to service members who have medically retired – including those who have suffered injuries in combat. All the while changes made to federal civilian employee retirement benefits apply only to new hires. This is wrong.

“There are billions of dollars of wasteful spending in Washington, and I urge Congress to reconsider cutting these benefits that our military men and women rightly deserve.”

Mainers demand accountability from their government, and that should apply to our welfare system too

Progressives and liberals think the status quo in our welfare system is just fine. They refuse to support any reforms, but Mainers know they’re out of touch. Mainers know the system is broken.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Current leadership rejected proposed legislation that requires applicants to look for work before signing up for welfare. This is common sense legislation, and 19 other states already have these work-search requirements.

We will submit legislation that would require those asking for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to show that they applied for three jobs before seeking TANF welfare benefits. This requirement is for able-bodied applicants who have no extenuating circumstances, such as disabilities, that prevent them from being able to work immediately. 

TANF already requires that recipients participate in ASPIRE and search for work or get job training while receiving benefits. This bill simply says that those who are able to work must look for work before they can get TANF benefits.

We believe that people who are able to work should try to find work before they ask taxpayers for help.

We will also submit legislation that eliminates or amends exceptions to the requirement that TANF recipients must participate in ASPIRE work-search programs. A variety of exceptions now allow TANF recipients to skip participation in ASPIRE. When able-bodied people receive welfare from the taxpayers, they must be looking for work.

We believe in a welfare-to-work system that transitions people off government benefits and puts them on the road to independence.

Mainers are good people who are always willing to lend a helping hand. But now they feel like they’re being taken advantage of.  These bills make sure that those who are receiving welfare benefits are working just as hard as the Maine taxpayers who are providing them. 

Finally, we will submit legislation that will crack down on the widespread abuse of EBT cards. These are debit cards that are loaded each month with cash and benefits for those on welfare. This cash is supposed to provide assistance to the children of needy families.

Unfortunately, too many people use their EBT cards to purchase illegal drugs, alcohol, lottery tickets and cigarettes. They also use them at casinos and other places that have nothing to do with providing the basic necessities to children and families.

Children do not need alcohol or cigarettes or lottery tickets. Our bill will make it illegal to purchase these items with EBT cards.

We have found some EBT cards issued in Maine are being used in places such as Las Vegas and Florida, as well as other states. Our bill will limit use of the cards to a certain geographic area. Hard-working Mainers do not provide these cash benefits so people can have fun in other states.

The reforms in these bills won’t harm those who are truly needy or who need a hand up during tough times. If they really need assistance and agree to play by the rules, Mainers are more than happy to provide them with benefits.

But we can no longer tolerate an unchecked welfare system that has no accountability. Mainers demand accountability from their government, and that should apply to our welfare system too.

 

Winter Windfall Raffle Tickets on Sale

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Healthy Community Coalition

Farmington¾

 

Tickets for the Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) 4th annual Winter Windfall raffle are now available until the end of January. The raffle is sponsored by Franklin Community Health Network.

 

By donating $10 per ticket to HCC, the donor will be eligible for 31 prizes to be drawn daily throughout January. Prizes include: a Saddleback mini-vacation for four ($950 value); Portland Pirates tickets; Oral-B PC 5000 electric toothbrush kit; area business, restaurant and massage gift certificates; ski passes to Sugarloaf and Sunday River; a fitness membership, and more!

 

The Winter Windfall raffle, now a popular annual event, gives a person the chance to win multiple times as all winning tickets are reentered into the drawing daily. Most prizes are valued at $50 or more. The tickets are the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for those who are hard to buy for.

 

“Proceeds from the raffle will allow HCC to offer services in the community not covered by grants, and allow for the expansion of current programs such as mobile health unit screenings and home visits to community members in need,” said Jennifer McCormack, executive director of Healthy Community Coalition.

 

Tickets for Winter Windfall are available from any HCC staff or board member, or by printing out and mailing in the form found at www.fchn.org/news. The Healthy Community Coalition is located at 105 Mt. Blue Circle, Suite #1 in Farmington.  For additional information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750.

 

Union Contract Requires Sending Layoff Notices in Advance of Possible Federal Government Shutdown

Governor’s Office Must Comply with Strict Deadline

AUGUSTA – With the vote last week by the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor Paul R. LePage is optimistic that the federal budget compromise will pass swiftly through Congress and avert a January shutdown.

However, there is still a possibility that the federal government will shut down on January 15. Since the Governor is required to adhere to a rigid timeline specified in the state employee contract, layoff notices will begin to go out this afternoon to 58 state employees who are either in federally funded positions or subject to displacement by more senior employees in those positions.

“I was opposed to the October shutdown, and I am opposed to a shutdown in January,” said Governor LePage. “But the MSEA contract is not flexible. It does not allow for late notice of layoff, even in circumstances like these, where there is a strong possibility that the notice will not be needed. The union contract does not take into account government shutdowns or any other unforeseen factors.”

The Governor sent a letter to the employees on Friday, informing them that the notices would be going out.

“It is my sincere hope that by Monday we will have a budget resolution that has passed both houses of Congress so that we can avoid having to send out these notices,” the Governor wrote. “I want to stress that even if the layoff notices are sent out on Monday, my office is hopeful that there will not be a shutdown in January and that the budget deal will be adopted shortly by Congress. Sadly, by the time we know for sure what Congress has done, the contractual notice deadline will have passed.

“I understand this is a very difficult time of year to think about layoffs, and I regret having to take these steps,” Governor LePage wrote. “Our thoughts are with you and your families who may be adversely affected by another federal shutdown, and I sincerely hope Senators in Washington D.C. will do what needs to be done to avoid another shutdown.”

Dr. Benoit Blondeau Joins Franklin Health Surgery

Professional interests include venous disorders and hernia surgery

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital President/CEO Rebecca Arsenault is pleased to announce that surgeon Benoit Blondeau, MD, FACS, MBA, joined the staff of Franklin Health Surgery on December 17. Other providers in the practice include Dr. Eric Gunther and Dr. Thomas Marshall.

 

Franklin Health Surgery provides comprehensive evaluation and management of most conditions requiring general surgery, as well as advanced laparoscopic surgery, upper and lower GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, and stereotactic needle breast biopsy.

 

Before joining Franklin Health Surgery, Dr. Blondeau provided general surgery and trauma care at Truman Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, both in Kansas City. He has a professional interest in hernia surgery, venous disorders, and palliative care.

 

Dr. Blondeau completed a fellowship in hepato-biliary surgery and multi-organ transplantation at Recanati/Miller Transplant Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Prior to that he completed another fellowship in vascular medicine from CHU Tours in France. Dr. Blondeau completed his residency in general surgery at University of Missouri in Kansas City after receiving his medical degree at University Francois Rabelais in Tours France. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and holds certification in hospice and palliative medicine.

 

Dr. Bloundeau recently completed his master’s degree in business administration at Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

 

“We are extremely fortunate to have recruited a surgeon who brings complementary skills to Franklin Health Surgery and 14 years experience,” said Arsenault. “Dr. Blondeau brings advanced methods of surgical care to our community.”

 

Dr. Blondeau resides in Auburn with his wife Whitney. They are the parents of two grown sons. During his free time, he enjoys mountain climbing and bicycling.

 

Franklin Health Surgery is located on the second floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus. To schedule an appointment call 778-6579.

 

Governor Declares Limited Emergency to Ensure Fuel Deliveries to Maine Homes

AUGUSTAundefinedGovernor Paul R. LePage has signed a limited Emergency Proclamation that will allow Maine fuel transport and delivery trucks to drive additional hours to ensure timely heating fuel deliveries during the unusually cold weather that is expected over the next several days.

“This declaration will allow heating fuel to be delivered to Maine families when they need it most during this frigid weather,” Governor LePage said. “Keeping homes warm is critical to protect the public health and safety of Mainers.”

Propane has been in short supply, and the situation is expected to worsen as demand increases due to cold weather. The supply from Canada has been impacted because the Northern Rail Route is closed due to the tragic accident at Lac Megantic.

Propane has been sent to dry crops in the west because of wet weather, which means fewer trucks are available from other parts of country. Because of these factors, propane inventories are 25% lower than normal in Maine, and fewer outside haulers are available to come to Maine.

More than home heating fuels are impacted: fuels used in manufacturing, business heating, fork lift and other vehicle operations are also affected.

Much colder than normal weather is expected over next 30 days. The Governor’s proclamation waives U.S. Department of Transportation rules and extends the hours of service for heating fuel transport and delivery trucks within the State of Maine for two weeks. 

“We will review supply and weather conditions to decide whether an extension is needed at that time,” said the Governor.

In addition, the Maine Emergency Management Agency has posted safety tips for dealing with severe cold at http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/prep_winter.shtml

The text of the proclamation is:

 

Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver

WHEREAS, Maine is experiencing arctic cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills; and

WHEREAS, this cold weather is expected to continue for the next several days affecting the entire State; and

WHEREAS, heating fuel in Maine is in great demand because of the cold, and

WHEREAS, federal motor carrier safety regulations determine the number of hours the drivers of heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport vehicles may operate; and

WHEREAS, many drivers in the State will shortly be approaching their federal limit on hours of operation and may have to cease delivery of heating fuel and bulk petroleum fuels; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten public health and safety and endanger public property if heating fuels cannot be transported or delivered within the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport drivers to operate additional hours; and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency for fuel drivers operating within the State of Maine exists as of December 13, 2013 through December 27, 2013.

Governor and First Lady Join Thousands of Wreaths Across America Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery 

More than 2

AUGUSTA – On Saturday, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage participated in the annual Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery where more than 142,000 remembrance wreaths were placed on graves. The Governor and First Lady joined more than 25-thousand volunteers from across the country to remember those who have served our nation with dignity and honor.

Governor LePage and Mrs. LePage also placed a wreath at the mast of the U.S.S. Maine with various members of Maine law enforcement, including officers from the Portland Police Department. The U.S.S. Maine mast was removed from the ship in 1905 shortly before the ship was taken out to sea and sunk with military honors. The mast was then installed above a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of those who lost their lives when the ship sank in Havana, Cuba, Harbor in 1898. This sinking was the event that started off the Spanish-American War.

Since 1992, Morrill and Karen Worcester, founders of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine have organized a group of volunteers to place wreaths in Arlington, Virginia. This is the third year, Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage traveled with the Wreaths Across America convoy – referred to as “The Arlington Project” – from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, which began on Sunday, December 8.

“Nearly 100 carriers donated equipment and fuel for transporting the wreaths nationwide and more than 200 professional truck drivers donated their time,” she said. “The support this project has received is overwhelming and it makes me proud to be an American. I truly appreciate the effort of these volunteers. ”

On Friday evening, the Governor and First Lady attended a rally in College Park Maryland for Wreaths Across America volunteers. The rally was held at Moose Lodge to welcome everyone and thank them for their time. “It’s an honor to be here with so many great people from across the country who are remembering and honoring America’s heroes,” Governor LePage said. “The Wreaths Across America mission says it all. Remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach our children the value of freedom,” he added.                             

For many years the Arlington project, had been the quiet mission of Morrill Worcester and his family. In 2006, internet stories fueled attention for his annual quest, and Worcester was contacted by the Patriot Guard Riders who generously offered their help with the project. Since then the Patriot Guard Riders have escorted the wreath trucks down the East Coast and taking several days to make the trip. This allows stops at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities, and gives the group an opportunity to promote their mission: Remember-Honor and Teach. This “parade” of truckers, supporters, and well-wishers has become an annual event and teaching opportunity for Wreaths Across America, and a valued part of the Arlington Project.5,000 volunteers remember, honor and teach

Governor Pledges Support to Lincoln Paper and Tissue Workers 

Rapid Response Team activated to provide immediate assistance

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Governor Paul R. LePage pledged the Administration’s support to Lincoln Paper and Tissue workers. The company notified the Administration Wednesday morning that 200 millworkers will be affected by furloughs.

“Our Administration is going to do everything it can to help these millworkers,” said Governor LePage. “The explosion at the mill was extremely unfortunate, and we stand ready to assist in investing in the facility. In addition, Lincoln Paper and Tissue has received a multi-million dollar fine, far beyond the alleged wrongdoing. As a result of this very aggressive penalty that treats the mill like a sophisticated energy trader hundreds of hardworking Mainers have been affected and are now out of a job two weeks before Christmas. We need rational policies from the federal government that prevents wrongdoing, but does not put hardworking Mainers out of work.”

On Wednesday morning the Maine Department of Labor’s Rapid Response program began advising and assisting Lincoln Paper and Tissue officials and employees. The Rapid Response team will work to safeguard the economic stability of workers and the surrounding community while informing the employer and employees of their rights, responsibilities, and obligations.  Affected workers or their families should contact the Bangor CareerCenter, which serves Penobscot County, at http://www.mainecareercenter.com/ .

Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette will attend a meeting in Lincoln Thursday scheduled by Lincoln Paper and Tissue officials.

"The Department of Labor stands ready to assist these workers through our Rapid Response staff, our CareerCenters, and our unemployment system. Our staff will do everything possible to help those affected and help them through this difficult time," she said.

Governor LePage Honors State Employees for Exceptional Service at Blaine House Ceremony 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today honored more than three dozen State employees whose commitment and attitude are improving the service State government is providing to Mainers.

At the annual William Twarog Employee Recognition Ceremony at the Blaine House, the Governor honored 38 employees with either a Manager or Employee of the Year Award and thanked each of them personally for their dedication to serving the people of Maine.

All were cited by their nominating agencies for their commitment to customer service, strong work ethic and willingness to take on new challenges, all characteristics that Governor LePage says are important to strengthening the culture of cooperation between State government and those it serves.

“I want to thank these outstanding employees for their hard work for the people of Maine and for serving as exemplary leaders within their respective departments,” the Governor said. “One of my priorities as Governor is to improve the quality of the service the State provides to Maine people. I am honored to serve our State and I know you are too. You are recognized today for your excellent service to the people of Maine.”

Among the Manager of the Year Award winners were Cathy Fetterman, who has revolutionized Maine’s fishing licensing system into a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art, user-friendly system, thereby tripling online renewals, as a management analyst at the Department of Marine Resources; Maria Jacques, the Director of the Emergency Services Communication Bureau, who has led the establishment of additional 911 services for Maine’s deaf and hard-of-hearing population; and William E. Vanwickler, Assistant Superintendent of Buildings, who was influential in the implementation of greater energy efficiency for the Military Bureau, resulting in significant cost savings for the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.

Among the Employee of the Year Award winners were Ronda Stone, Consumer Protection Inspector, who developed and instituted training to serve food processors and businesses in order to ensure the safety of consumer food supply; Leona Hatch, an office associate at the Department of Labor who over the past 11 years has earned credit for the smooth running and maintenance of the Bangor Call Center; and Deborah Salley, Senior Technician, who consistently exemplifies the Department of Transportation’s values: “Integrity, Competence, and Service.”

The annual William Twarog Awards were created to honor William “Bill” Twarog and his work by recognizing State employees who promote quality services, listen to consumer voices and provide a role model for excellence in management. As part of his own life-long commitment to people with disabilities, Twarog worked for nearly a decade as a Regional Administration in Lewiston for what was the Bureau of Mental Retardation.

2013 Honorees

Manager of the Year
Joanne Allen, Department of Education

Rebecca Austin, Department of Health and Human Services

Christopher Boynton, Maine State Library

Christopher Coleman, Department of Public Safety

Linda Conti, Office of the Maine Attorney General

Carla Hopkins, Department of Environmental Protection

Maria Jacques, Public Utilities Commission

Vanessa Leon, Department of Professional and Financial Regulations

Emory “Denis” Lovely, Department of Transportation

Marcia McInnis, Department of Audit

David Roy, Department of the Secretary of State

Alison Sirois, Department of Marine Resources

David Struble, Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry

Richard Tompkins, Department of Labor

William Vanwickler, Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management

Thomas Ward, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Galan Williamson, Jr., Department of Corrections

Philip Young, Department of Administrative and Financial Services

Employee of the Year

Chester Barnes, Department of Health and Human Services  

Francis Brautigam, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Jason Brown, Department of Economic and Community Development

Jessica Cummings, Department of Public Safety

Rebekah Douin, Department of the Secretary of State

Dana Faucher, Department of Professional and Financial Regulations

Alan Fecteau, Maine State Library

Cathy Fetterman, Department of Marine Resources

Christopher George, Department of Administrative and Financial Services

Jacqueline Godbout, Department of Education

Leona Hatch, Department of Labor

Priscilla Kelley, Maine Arts Commission

Monique Lemieux, Department of Audit

Michelle Mclauchlan, Department of Corrections

JoAnn Mooney, Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management

Gregory O’Brien, Department of Environmental Protection

Deborah Salley, Department of Transportation

Lucretia Smith, Public Utilities Commission

Nora Sosnoff, Office of the Maine Attorney General

Ronda Stone, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Businesses Should Take Precautions for Winter Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2013 Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009 Avoid workplace injuries by preparing for snow and ice AUGUSTAundefined As Mainers look forward to the fun that comes with winter’s arrival, the Department of Labor advises employers to take precautions against the hazards that snow presents to those walking and working outdoors.  “Although slipping and falling on snow and ice may seem an inevitable nuisance in the winter, the costs are real,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Hundreds of Maine workers are seriously hurt enough to miss work. Each year, slips and falls on ice and snow lead to more than 25,000 days of lost time for almost 700 workers, racking up more than $1.5 million in medical costs.” The total combined costs to Maine workers, employers and insurance providers exceeds $2.3 million annually for falls related to ice and snow. Therefore, the Department of Labor offers the following tips to help keep workers safe and to reduce the lost time and costs associated with fall-related injuries.  For workers who must walk over snow and ice covered roads, parking lots, driveways and walkways: Plan ahead; give yourself time to get to your destination without hurrying and take smaller, slower steps when walking on snow and ice. Wear proper footwear with non-slip treads. Keep your hands free for balance, not in your pockets, and keep your eyes on where you are walking. Use the handrails on steps and inclines and plant your feet firmly as you go. Don’t carry heavy loads across ice or snow covered areas. Don’t jump from vehicles onto snow or ice. Watch for “black ice” on hard surfaces; test for it with the toes of your shoes and use cleared and sanded walkways as much as possible. Try to not use your hands or arms to break the full weight of your fall. Remember that controlled falling is sometimes safer because muscles and tendons can be seriously injured by catching oneself after slipping. Stomp the snow and ice off your feet as you enter a building.  Don’t bring it in with you for others to slip on. For employers: Plan and prepare well ahead of time for ice and snow conditions. Have a snow removal plan; in addition to clearing roadways and parking lots, make sure someone is assigned to keep walkways, steps, ramps and entrances clean and sanded after each snowfall and before each winter workday. Have salt, sand or other inert materials on hand for workers to place on slippery surfaces.  Let employees know they can use those materials on the way to or from their vehicles or outdoor worksites.  Consider providing small individual containers for employees to carry with them. Identify and mark with visible poles or other markers any hazardous terrain or slippery spots that could be covered by snow. Place non-slip floor mats inside entryways and extend them as much as possible to adjacent rooms or hallways to reduce the tracking of snow, ice and water onto slippery surfaces. Have plenty of “Wet Floor” signs on hand in case ice and water do puddle on the floor. Here are a few useful links for more information: Slips, Trip and FallsundefinedWinter Safety Tips Slips, Trip and Falls Safety Tips Winter Slip/Fall Safety Tips Winter Safety: 7 Tips for Winter Slip and Fall Prevention The Department of Labor’s Workplace Safety and Health Division advises employers about best practices for workplace safety and offers free onsite consultations. More information about their services and free safety training courses are available at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com/ . The department’s Research and Statistics Unit manages and analyzes data on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses and issues summary reports that help employers identify areas for improvements in safety and health protection. Their reports and data visualizations using Tableau are located on the department’s website at www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/research.html .