News

Governor LePage Highlights Opportunities to Honor and Remember Victims of 9/11 

Proclamation issued to recognize ‘Day of Service and Remembrance’

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage is recognizing September 11, 2013 as a “Day of Service and Remembrance” and highlighting opportunities to serve in communities throughout Maine in the coming days to honor those lost on September 11, 2001.  In issuing a proclamation to mark the observance, Governor LePage emphasized the significance of service as a way to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals, families and communities directly impacted by the terrorist attacks.

“People across Maine and throughout the nation came together in the aftermath of 9/11 with an extraordinary spirit of patriotism and unity,” Governor LePage said.  “They demonstrated tremendous kindness and generosity, and performed countless acts of service.  We can never forget those killed on 9/11.  Remembering them through community service will also help to ensure that we never forget the remarkable way Americans responded.”

To pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and in the ensuing conflicts, Governor LePage will speak at two remembrance ceremonies Wednesday: the Freeport 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the corner of West Street and Main Street, Freeport at 9:30 a.m., and the American Legion 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 208 Maine Street, Brunswick at noon.

The Governor will recognize and thank Maine’s first responders and for their daily service, and for the acts of heroism they regularly perform.  “While remembering those lost on 9/11, we should also recall the incredible courage displayed that day, and use the anniversary to express our appreciation to all police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and those serving in the military.”

In 2009, Congress enacted the Serve America Act to recognize each September 11 as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance” and charged the Corporation for National and Community Services with leading the nationwide effort.  The Maine Commission for Community Service plays a lead role in organizing the annual observance in our State, and in providing ways for people to serve---not just on the 9/11 anniversary, but throughout the year.  More information and ways to get involved can be found at www.maineservicecommission.gov/.

“Maine people have a well-deserved reputation for helping their neighbors and supporting one another in difficult times,” the Governor added.  “That sense of duty to serve others was on full display following the terrorist attacks twelve years ago, and this annual observance continues to bring out the best in the people of our State.”

Flags to be Lowered to Half-Staff on Wednesday, September 11 

Governor LePage to speak at two remembrance ceremonies 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has directed State of Maine flags to half-staff at all state office buildings from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 in honor of the tragic terrorist attacks 12 years ago.

“Across our country, Americans watched in horror as one of the darkest days in our history unfolded. But as the days, weeks and months passed after these terrible acts of terrorism, one thing became evident: Americans had found strength from each other, and our spirit had not been conquered,” said Governor LePage.

“Together, we remember the families and the innocent individuals whose lives were lost. We must also remember and thank all of our first responders, who went above and beyond the call of duty in the months that followed these tragic events. Our police, firefighters, EMT’s and our service members demonstrated a fearless commitment to our nation, and they displayed courage undaunted by this terrible tragedy. Communities came together in support of the victims and their families, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers.”

To pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and in the ensuing conflicts, Governor LePage will speak at two remembrance ceremonies: the Freeport 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the corner of West Street and Main Street, Freeport at 9:30 a.m., and the American Legion 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 208 Maine Street, Brunswick at noon.

Additionally, the President has issued a proclamation for Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  In it, he calls upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on September 11, 2013.

Governor LePage Reaffirms Commitment to More Welfare Reform  

TANF caseloads decrease, fraud prosecutions increase

AUGUSTA – Noting the announcement last week that Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has dropped by 41 percent since 2011, Governor Paul R. LePage has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing welfare and prosecuting fraud within the system.

Under Governor LePage, caseloads in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program have fallen from about 15,000 cases in January 2011 to about 9,000 cases in June 2013undefineda decrease of 41 percent.

In addition, the number of prosecutions for welfare fraud and abuse is on the rise. In its progress report released in May, the Fraud Investigation and Recovery Unit reported that it was investigating 711 current and active complaints of fraud through January 2013. Including criminal and other investigations, the unit was pursuing a total of 1,092 cases as of January. Eight more investigators were hired in May.

“While we are pleased with the results of our efforts to reduce welfare and prosecute fraud, we know there is much more work to be done,” said Governor LePage. “We will continue to push for more welfare reforms in the next session. We must ensure our welfare system provides a safety net for Mainers who truly need it, but is not abused by those who would use it fraudulently.”

While only 10 cases of fraud were referred to the unit in 2010, the number tripled to 32 under the LePage administration in 2011 and jumped to 45 in 2012. Seventy-one percent of the referrals came from the new public reporting system, featuring a form on the DHHS website and a new fraud hotline, which was established in 2011 under the LePage administration.

“We have been aggressive in our efforts to root out fraud, waste and abuse,” said Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew.  “Through our efforts targeting consumer and provider fraud, we have recovered millions of tax dollars and we look forward to even better results going forward. Our goal is to make sure that every single dollar is spent appropriately.”

Successful welfare reforms under the LePage administration include:

• Imposing a five-year limit on certain welfare benefits, while allowing some exceptions for hardship for the elderly, disabled and other needy Mainers;
• Allowing drug tests for welfare recipients convicted of a drug related felony;
• Removing the right for legal non-citizens to receive welfare benefits on day one, ensuring Maine’s limited resources are spent on Mainers.

Governor LePage to Join Governors and Premiers in Quebec at Conference on Energy

Six Governors and five Eastern Canadian Premiers will collaborate on the region’s energy future 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will attend the 37th New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference on September 8-9 in La Malbaie, Quebec.

 The conference is an opportunity to advance the mutual interests of six states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) and five provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec). This year’s conference will focus primarily on the region’s energy future.

“Both energy and environmental policy are critical for economic success,” said Governor LePage. “Through common-sense regulatory reform, greater utilization of Canadian and New England energy sources and allowing the private sector to drive energy innovation, we can build a more prosperous economy for Maine and the region."

Director of Energy Patrick Woodcock, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho and Senior Economic Policy Advisor John Butera will also attend the conference.

Background: The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers is an inter-regional, bi-national, trans-border organization established in 1973 in recognition of the special bond that exists between the six New England states and the five Eastern Canadian provinces. Its members are the governors and the premiers of those provinces and states. The meetings are held alternately in New England and Eastern Canada. The last meeting was held in Burlington, Vermont in 2012.

Governors of the six New England States:

Hon. Dannel P. Malloy, Governor of Connecticut

Hon. Paul R. LePage, Governor of Maine

Hon. Deval L. Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts

Hon. Margaret Wood Hassan, Governor of New Hampshire

Hon. Lincoln D. Chafee, Governor of Rhode Island

Hon. Peter Shumlin, Governor of Vermont

Premiers of the five Eastern Canadian Provinces:

Hon. Pauline Marois, Premier of Quebec

Hon. Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia

Hon. David Alward, Premier of New Brunswick

Hon. Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island

Hon. Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Hospital Auxiliary to Sell Raffle Tickets at the Fair

Purchasers can choose from two prizes: heating oil and 42″ LG television

FARMINGTON , MAINE ¾

 

The Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) Auxiliary will be present in the Starbird Building at the Farmington Fair from September 15–21 selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser to support its mission: to support technology and programs at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

 

The two prizes that will be drawn on the final day of the fair include $200 of oil from Twitchell Fuel and a 42" LG television. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Winners need not be present to win.

 

The Auxiliary is providing free giveaways all week at its space including weekly pill organizers on the fair’s senior days, Tuesday and Thursday. Stop by to support a worthy cause and learn more about the organization and its many fundraisers including the Memorial Stone Path in the Healing Garden at Franklin Memorial Hospital .

 

The Auxiliary is always looking for new members to staff its gift shop, to share their special skills (baking, woodworking, decorating, etc.), and to help with its many fundraisers. Interested community members can stop by the fair booth to learn more and pick up a membership form.

Medical Providers and Health Services at Farmington Fair

                                                            FREE $15 GIFT CARDS

Farmington ¾

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) is pleased to announce that staff will be providing outreach services at the Farmington Fair from September 15–21. Look for the mobile health unit, which will be at its usual location near the High Street entrance. Hours are 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

 

Area medical providers will join HCC staff to offer one-on-one health counseling and screenings. Participating providers include: Rebecca Sylvester, FNP; Molly Clark, NP; Susan Eastler, NP; Michael Rowland, MD; and Shamila Das-Watley, DPM. Information will be available on how to find a physician, and about the many other services that Healthy Community Coalition and Franklin Community Health Network provide in the region.

 

HCC, in collaboration with Emory University , will also be offering a $15 Walmart gift card to the first 200 people who complete a brief confidential health survey related to their cancer risk and screening frequency. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to complete the survey and surveys will be available beginning on Monday, September 16.

 

Raffle tickets for an Old Town Heron 9XT Kayak will be available during the week as well as healthy snacks and water.

Welfare Reform: A Road to Economic Independence

I believe in giving back, and that is one of the reasons I was compelled to become Governor.  

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

If people are provided with opportunity, they can lift themselves from poverty.

This is the attitude our administration has embraced – a path that empowers people to take control of their lives.

Our goal is to help Mainers successfully and sustainably transition off welfare assistance.

While we have a generous spirit in Maine, we do not have an unlimited ability to pay for welfare.  

Recent data shows that the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program caseload has decreased from about 15,000 cases in January 2011 to about 9,000 cases in June of this year.  This reflects a decrease in caseload of 41 percent.

We are experiencing a drop in welfare assistance by promoting job preparation and work. Public assistance is no longer a lifetime benefit but an opportunity to become independent after a financial crisis.

The departments of Health and Human Resources, Education and Labor have teamed up to strengthen efforts to move people off public assistance and into the workforce by creating a comprehensive strategic redesign of Maine’s welfare system.

For those receiving assistance, we are identifying both strengths and barriers to employment and using those comprehensive assessments to arrange for appropriate supports to enable employment.

I believe Mainers can reach economic independence because I’ve done it myself and I’ve seen others do the same.

In 2011, Jennifer Cloukey, who had been married for 15 years, found herself raising four children alone, working toward a nursing degree and on multiple welfare programs, including the one I just mentioned.

When I met Jennifer she told me even though she had a low income and four children she decided she wanted more. She said she felt trapped, but she made a choice to overcome her circumstances.

Today, Jennifer is transitioning successfully off welfare and earning a living in a career she enjoys. Jennifer is an example of what it means to live the American Dream.

Maine’s safety net should provide a helping hand not a permanent hand out and when used correctly it does give Mainers opportunities toward economic independence as Jennifer has shown.

Thank you for listening. 

First Lady Ann LePage to Speak at the 32^nd Annual Toy Run

Ann LePage to Join in the United Bikers of Maine Ride to Windsor Fairgrounds

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage will be participating in this year’s United Bikers of Maine Annual Toy Run.  Mrs. LePage will join up to 20,000 motorcycle riders from around the state at noon on Sunday, September 8 at the Augusta Civic Center, where they will begin their 13-mile ride to the Windsor Fairgrounds.  Once there, First Lady LePage will welcome the crowd with a few remarks and thanks for their service and dedication to the children of Maine.

“I am so pleased to be asked to be a part of this extraordinary event,” Mrs. LePage said.  “The number of donations made in a single day is just overwhelming, and the rallying of support for children by this group of dedicated individuals is something we should all be proud of as Mainers.” 

Each year the United Bikers of Maine hosts an annual Toy Run in which they collect new unwrapped toys that will be donated to some of Maine’s less fortunate children during the holiday season.   

For more information about the 32^nd Annual Toy Run, please visit http://www.ubm-usa.org/.

Liquor Revenue Bond Sold, Hospitals to be Paid Within Weeks 

AUGUSTA – The State of Maine’s liquor revenue bond has been sold. The revenue bond, part of Governor LePage’s plan for a new wholesale liquor contract, will be used to repay $183.5 million in welfare debt the state owes to Maine hospitals. This payment will trigger a federal match of $305 million.

“With the sale of the liquor revenue bond, Maine hospitals are now just weeks away from being repaid the more than $484 million in welfare debt owed to them,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This is good news for these employers and their local communities.”

The full payment is expected to be paid during the month of September. Meanwhile, the $220 million liquor operation revenue bond received an “all-in rate,” or total interest cost, of just 3.79 percent.

“High demand from investors helped drive the interest rate down,” said Mike Goodwin, executive director of the Maine Municipal Bond Bank. “The interest shown by investors and the positive ratings received from the rating agencies demonstrate the strength of the liquor business in Maine.”

Standard & Poor’s assigned its ‘A+’ rating and Moody’s Investors Services assigned their ‘A1’ rating to the Maine liquor revenue bond. Both ratings received a stable outlook from the rating agencies.

The Maine Municipal Bond Bank is scheduled to settle the bond sale on September 5, 2013.

 

Governor Welcomes Expansion of Tempus Jets into Maine

AUGUSTA – Tempus Jets, an international private aviation services provider, announced today that it will be expanding its operations into Brunswick Landing.

The expansion is expected to create 50 new jobs within a year at the former naval air station with the possibility of adding more in the future.

“I would like to personally welcome Tempus Jets to Maine and thank them for their commitment to providing quality jobs to Maine people,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “I commend our Department of Economic & Community Development for working so closely with Tempus Jets and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to respond quickly and capably to meet the company’s needs and to help pave the way for this exciting new project. It’s a testament to our state’s can-do approach and further illustrates that Maine is, indeed, open for business.”

Governor’s Account Executive, Kristine Schuman worked very closely with Tempus to line-up various business incentives and programs. “This deal came together very fast, a true collaboration between Tempus, the State of Maine and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority,” said Schuman.  

Tempus Jets was founded in 2007 and services every aspect of corporate and private aviation. They provide executive charter services, aircraft management, technical services, and aircraft sales and acquisition services to high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and government clients around the world.