News

Governor Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Firefighters

AUGUSTA – In commemoration of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (October 4 – 6) and Fire Prevention Week (October 6 – 12), Governor Paul R. LePage has ordered flags on all public buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Sunday, October 6.

"Every October, Americans remember our nation’s brave firefighters and first responders who have died in the line of duty,” said Governor LePage. "In honor of all of our state and nation’s fallen firefighters, as well as those who continue to serve, I have ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, October 6, 2013.”

In accordance with Public Law 107-51, the President of the United States has ordered the American flag to be flown at half-staff on the first Sunday in October in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Flu shots will soon be available from the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County. Starting October 11, Healthy Community Coalition staff will be available to administer the influenza vaccine (flu shot) at the following sites. 

Due to the cost of the vaccine, there is a suggested donation of $25 at Healthy Community Coalition clinics (or by donating what you can afford). Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can not be accepted. The Healthy Community Coalition purchases all vaccine used and appreciates donations to help cover costs.

Flu shots will be provided to individuals 18 and older. Those who are under the age of 18 are advised to contact their primary care medical provider. 

For more information, contact the Healthy Community Coalition at 779-2750 or 779-2214.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

Governor provides $10,000 for completion of Maine Murder Victims’ Memorial  

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

Governor LePage proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to highlight the affects the abuse has on Maine families and communities, support victims and celebrate advocates who dedicate themselves to eradicating the violence.

“Domestic violence takes the lives of too many every year here in Maine. The physical violence alone is heart-wrenching,” said Governor LePage. “However, the emotional scars from domestic violence are lasting as well.”

There have been 17 homicides in Maine this year – 6 are related to domestic violence. Every murder is a somber reminder of the reality many families face, and why efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide Mainers with resources about this abuse have remained a top priority for Governor LePage since taking office in 2011.

On Wednesday, Governor LePage announced he is directing $10,000 from his contingency fund to help pay for the completion of the Maine Murder Victims’ Memorial. Ground was broken this past weekend for the monument at Catholic Holy Family Cemetery in Augusta. The Memorial, an effort of the Maine Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, will have the names of 400 to 500 Maine murder victims inscribed in black granite tablets.

Art Jette, director of the Maine Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, says the funds are a blessing and a tribute to every Maine family who has encountered the devastation that domestic violence brings with it. “Whenever the life of a loved one is taken, there is an unbelievable grief, like no other,” he said. “We are gracious for the Governor’s support and faith in a cause that will bring comfort to families, survivors and victims, as well as a place to remember those lost at the hands of violence.”

There are many organizations in Maine working to end domestic violence, including the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV). In July, Governor LePage directed $100,000 to the MCEDV from his contingency fund in the wake of federal program cuts.

Members of MCEDV, the Maine Chief Justice, law enforcement and others, have worked closely with the LePage administration to improve domestic-violence laws and hold perpetrators accountable.

Earlier this year, Governor LePage signed into law an emergency measure directed at reducing the number of domestic violence victims and ensuring offenders receive the tools they need to identify and end their abusive behavior. The new law focuses on batterer’s intervention programs, which hold abusers accountable for their actions, making certain that offenders can be sentenced to these programs.

Governor LePage also has worked to amend Maine’s bail code to ensure judges determine bail for domestic violence offenses, expanded financial resources for victims and their families by requiring abusers to pay into the Victim’s Compensation Fund and helped create a workplace policy for responding to domestic violence abusers, which all state agencies implement.

The Administration also teamed up with business leaders throughout Maine to create a toolkit, which includes domestic violence facts, a sample policy for businesses and a video to assist businesses of all sizes recognize and respond to domestic violence abusers in the workplace.

Hammond Tractor Company was one of the first Maine businesses to support the domestic violence workplace policy after an employee was murdered by her ex-husband. Hammond Tractor president Gary Hammond attended today’s ceremony encouraging business owners to take a proactive approach to end this violence. “Domestic violence begins in the home, but it does not end there,” Hammond said. “It follows the victim to work, and everywhere else the victim goes. We aim to provide a supportive environment for employees in an abusive situation. We want our employees to know that there is help and support available to ensure their safety.”

In commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and victims killed at the hands of violence, Governor LePage and the First Lady will shine a purple light – the official color of domestic violence awareness – on the Blaine House during the month of October.

“Together, we remember those who are no longer with us,” said the Governor. We honor their memories by raising awareness and carrying hope that one day we can end the violence.”

To locate your local Domestic Violence Resource Center, call the Statewide Helpline at 1-866-834-HELP (4357) or visit www.mcedv.org.

Contact:  Janis Walker, Healthy Community Coalition (207) 779-2750

Healthy Community Coalition to Provide Breast Health Outreach

Farmington ¾

As part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) is offering five breast cancer awareness events throughout Franklin County through the generosity of funding from the Avon Breast Health Outreach Program.  

In conjunction with area providers and the Martha B. Webber Breast Center staff, HCC staff is promoting breast cancer awareness through education and resources, clinical breast exams, and assistance in scheduling mammograms and obtaining financial coverage of services. Additional services being offered include: flu shots and cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, and nutrition, physical activity and tobacco education.  Gifts are being offered for those who attend.

Event times and locations:

Thursday, October 3: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Farmington Save-a-Lot

Friday, October 11: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rangeley IGA

Monday, October 14: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Farmington Save-a-Lot

Friday, October 18: 11 a.m. –  3 p.m., Edmunds Market

Friday, October 25: 11 a.m. –  2 p.m., Eustis Town Office

For additional information contact Janis Walker, program manager, at Healthy Community Coalition at 779-2750.

##END##

Maine National Guard Forced to Furlough More Than 400, Governor LePage Urges Congress to Pay Our Troops

Governor sends letter to congressional delegation

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Governor Paul R. LePage urged Mainers to contact their Congressional delegation and demand that they put federally funded employees of the National Guard back to work.

When the federal government shut down Tuesday, about 400 employees who work for the Air and Army National Guard were put on furlough. Many of these same employees, who are called “federal technicians,” were also impacted by furloughs that resulted from sequestration.

“Many Soldiers and Airmen who are considered ‘federal technicians’ are now deployed overseas,” said Governor LePage. “But if they came home today, they would be furloughed because of the shutdown. This is just wrong.”

The Governor said the government shutdown is a failure of the Commander and Chief and Congressional leadership in Washington, D.C., and our military service members should not be punished for it. “Some of these men and women have been deployed multiple times,” Governor LePage said. “Now they are being used to make a political point. This is a shameful tactic to use against Mainers who have put their life on the line to protect our freedoms.”

The Governor also urged Mainers to contact their Congressional delegates to guarantee that soldiers and airmen of the National Guard are included in the “Pay Our Military” act sponsored by Republicans and signed by President Barack Obama late Monday. The act mandates that service members will continue to receive paychecks despite the shutdown. But it is uncertain whether all National Guard members will be included in the “Pay Our Military” act.

Wednesday afternoon, Governor LePage sent a letter to Maine’s congressional delegation asking for support in ensuring that spirit of the “Pay Our Military Act” is upheld, and strongly urged them to ensure that National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are treated fairly. “I strongly believe that all service members, and the civilians that support them, should receive equitable and fair treatment under this law,” he wrote.   

“To exclude these Soldiers and Airmen is unconscionable,” Governor LePage said. “The Maine National Guard can trace its lineage to 1760, even before the United States became a country. The Guard has been deployed in every war since then and has been called upon repeatedly to serve during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. To say that the Guard is not part of the military is beyond absurd. It is offensive. Our brave men and women serving in the Guard should be treated with the respect and honor they deserve. Put them back to work today, and pay them what they are owed.” 

AUGUSTA—The Maine Department of Labor will be raising awareness of the benefits of employing people with disabilities throughout the month of October. The theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “We are EQUAL to the task.”

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), as part of the labor department, provides services to Maine residents with disabilities who want join or return to the workforce. BRS provides career assessment, vocational training, support services for people with disabilities including assistance with obtaining adaptive equipment, job coaching and assistance and advice for employers who want to retain or hire employees who have disabilities.

“In 2012, about 206,000 people with disabilities lived in Maine. Everyone has something to contribute to our workforce and economy,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Hiring people with disabilities is an excellent investment in a company’s human assets: research shows that they are loyal employees and loyal customers.”

BRS is highlighting several success stories of both the individuals with disabilities and the businesses the bureau has assisted. These will be posted on www.employmentforme.org and shared on the Department of Labor’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

“Vocational rehabilitation works with all kinds of employers, from small offices to hospitals to manufacturing facilities to distribution warehouses, to identify specific jobs that match a person with disabilities’ skillset,” explained Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. “Many people have misconceptions about what disabilities are or the types of jobs we can place people in.”

She said, “Let me dispel those stereotypes. We assist people with a range of disabling conditions and help them function at their best in the workplace. We have helped an adult with an autism spectrum disorder obtain a job in information technology making more than $50,000 a year. We have helped large retail chains find a reliable and steady workforce. This is a tremendous program that serves not only the employee and the employer, but every community in the state.”

“In the past year,” Paquette added, “BRS has assisted more than 900 individuals gain employment—an 18 percent increase from last year. Since the Vocational Rehabilitation program eliminated its waitlist in 2010, it has increased the number of people assisted by 67 percent.”

People can access the services of the Vocational Rehabilitation program through Maine’s statewide network of CareerCenters or by visiting http://www.employmentforme.org .

To find out the location of your local CareerCenter, call 1-888-457-888 (TTY users dial Maine Relay 711) or visit http://www.mainecareercenter.com . Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Short-term Shutdown Will Not Significantly Impact State Government

Almost 300 Federal Employees at Maine Army National Guard Put on Furlough

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement today about the federal shutdown of the U.S. government.

“Although some positions and programs in state agencies are federally funded, all functions of state government will proceed as normal through the end of the week,” Governor LePage said.

A short-term shutdown of the federal government is not expected to directly impact the Maine Department of Education or Maine schools. A short-term shutdown will not affect public assistance programs administered through the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor. It will not affect the Maine Emergency Management Agency or the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

However, the shutdown has impacted federal employees working for the Maine Army National Guard—many of the same workers who were furloughed because of sequestration. About 280 of these federal employees have been put on furlough until further notice.

“The shutdown of the federal government is a result of the failure of leadership in Washington, D.C,” said Governor LePage. “A short-term shutdown won’t impact the operation of Maine state government. But if the shutdown continues for an extended period, then it could affect some state agencies.

“With the politicians constantly fighting over the budget, sequestration and the debt ceiling, in addition to $17 trillion in national debt, we cannot rely on the federal government to pay for public assistance programs or state services for Maine people,” said Governor LePage.

First Lady Ann LePage to Help Set World Record for Reading on Thursday

“Read for the Record” to raise national awareness about the importance of early education

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann LePage will participate in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record on Thursday, October 3. Together with Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation, Mrs. LePage will join children and adults across the country to set a new world record for the largest shared reading experience.

The event is part of a nationwide early education awareness campaign that each fall focuses national attention on the importance of reading.

First Lady LePage will read to over 50 second graders at the Farwell Elementary School in Lewiston beginning at 8:45 a.m. She will then visit to the Sylvio J. Gilbert School in Augusta at noon, where she will read to more than 40 second graders from the Capitol area.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity to bring attention to the importance of reading,” The first Lady said. “I am a firm believer that if you teach a child to read, they can accomplish anything by becoming a life-long learner.”

Read for the Record, presented in partnership with the Pearson Foundation, is an annual event where millions of individuals come together to celebrate literacy by breaking the world record for reading the same book on the same day. On October 3, adults and children across the United States will read the official campaign book, Penguin’s Otis, by best-selling author Loren Long, with many reading the free digital version available at We Give Books.

For more information about Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, including how to register for this year’s campaign, visit www.wegivebooks.org/readfortherecord. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month  

AUGUSTA – A special ceremony hosted by Governor Paul R. LePage to highlight domestic violence awareness, support victims and celebrate advocates who dedicate themselves to eradicating the violence will take place at the State House on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The ceremony, which marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month will be at 9:30 a.m. in the Governor’s Cabinet room where Governor LePage will proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and make a major announcement regarding a community initiative that supports families and victims of domestic violence. 

“Domestic violence takes the lives of too many every year here in Maine. The physical violence alone is heart-wrenching,” said Governor LePage. “However, the emotional scars from domestic violence are lasting as well.”

There are many organizations in Maine working to end domestic violence, including the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) and WomanCare. Members from both organizations are expected to attend, as well as state and local officials, representatives from law enforcement, business and community leaders and victims’ advocacy groups.

There have been 17 homicides in Maine this year – 6 have been related to domestic violence. Every murder is a somber reminder of the reality many families face, and why efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide Mainers with resources about this abuse have remained a top priority for Governor LePage since taking office in 2011.

The LePage administration has worked closely with domestic violence advocates to improve domestic-violence laws and hold perpetrators accountable. Earlier this year, Governor LePage signed into law an emergency measure directed at reducing the number of domestic violence victims and ensuring offenders receive the tools they need to identify and end their abusive behavior. The new law focuses on batterer’s intervention programs, which hold abusers accountable for their actions, making certain that offenders can be sentenced to these programs.

Governor LePage also has worked to amend Maine’s bail code to ensure judges determine bail for domestic violence offenses, expanded financial resources for victims and their families by requiring abusers to pay into the Victim’s Compensation Fund and helped create a workplace policy for responding to domestic violence abusers, which all state agencies implement.

To locate your local Domestic Violence Resource Center, call the Statewide Helpline at 1-866-834-HELP (4357) or visit www.mcedv.org.

AUGUSTA – Maine’s First Family invites Mainers to visit the Blaine House once again this year in an effort to help fellow citizens who are less fortunate. In October, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will open their doors for the annual Blaine House Food Drive. The Governor and First Lady started the food drive three years ago, and have collected thousands of pounds of food for pantries and homeless shelters across Maine.

The food drives will take place on three consecutive Saturday’s during the month of October, which are Oct. 12, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. Mainers will have an opportunity to bring a food donation, receive a tour of the Blaine House led by Governor LePage and enjoy light refreshments.

“As our holiday season approaches, it is very important that we remember those who are less fortunate and are trying to get on their feet,” said Governor LePage. “The First Lady and I recognize how meaningful these food donations can be to those individuals in trying circumstances. Mainers are generous people, and it is heartwarming to see to see so many who are willing to help their neighbors in need. The First Lady and I are happy to open the Blaine House for another food drive this year.”

All donations collected at the Blaine House will be given to Good Shepherd Food-Bank. Good Shepherd Food-Bank will determine the communities that need the food most and distribute the donations.

“Governor and First Lady LePage are setting a great example for Mainers to get involved in the fight against hunger,” said Kristen Miale, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “Hunger is a significant problem in Maine with 15 percent of households not able to access enough nutritious food. We thank the First Family for making a different in the lives of families struggling with hunger and encouraging others to do the same.”

Doors will be open at the Blaine House for the food drive between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on October 12, October 19 and October 26.