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Governor LePage Signs Executive Order Protecting Students, Local Control

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed an executive order today affirming Maine’s commitment to protecting local education control and student privacy rights.

The Governor’s action prohibiting the influence of the federal government into Maine’s education policy comes after parents and educators have raised concerns about the Obama Administration’s attempts to hijack successful state-led education reforms, including more rigorous, relevant standards in mathematics and English language arts Maine voluntarily adopted in common with other states in 2011.

Maine has had statewide accountability standards for eight content areas since 1997. Known as the Maine Learning Results, these standards are periodically updated to align with the evolving expectations of employers and post-secondary institutions, mostly recently in 2011.

While standards set the expectation of what students should know and be able to do as they progress through each K-12 grade, the curriculum to get there – including textbooks, lessons, teaching methods – is entirely controlled at the local level.

“Maine students deserve the best education in the world that they will one day lead,” said Governor LePage. “Higher standards play an important role in that, but the federal government does not. With my executive order, Maine is making clear that we set the standards for our state, that implementation of those standards is locally controlled, and that students and families have an unalienable right to their privacy that will never be infringed on so long as I am Governor.”  

In addition to the executive order, the LePage Administration will continue to assert its constitutional right to state sovereignty over education.

Last week, Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen sent a letter to the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce saying Maine would not disclose any identifiable student information to the federal government or connect its data systems with that of any other state or nationalized system.

“We believe this sovereignty is critical to the privacy of Maine students and their families, and to the autonomy of our state’s public education system, which is based on a fundamental right to exercise local control,” Commissioner Bowen wrote.

The Governor’s order also establishes that any future adoption of statewide education standards go through a transparent process with opportunities for public review and comment beyond what is legally required under Maine’s Administrative Procedures Act, including a 60-day posting period.

The Executive Order language is as follows:

 

AN ORDER REGARDING PROTECTION OF LOCAL EDUCATION CONTROL AND STUDENT PRIVACY RIGHTS

WHEREAS, Under Maine law, the state’s ultimate goal with regard to its schools is that they will “enable today’s students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for postsecondary education, career, citizenship and military”; and

WHEREAS, rigorous state standards detailing expected learning outcomes for students are essential if the state is to meet that goal; and

WHEREAS, The adoption of state standards for learning outcomes should be done in an open, transparent way that includes ample opportunity for public review and comment, and

WHEREAS, The federal government has no constitutional authority to set learning standards in Maine or any other state, nor determine how children in the State of Maine or any other state will be educated; and

WHEREAS, The Maine Constitution specifically grants to local governments responsibility for “the support and maintenance of public schools”; and 

WHEREAS, It is therefore the right of local school units, not the state, to develop and or adopt curricula and instructional approaches consistent with state learning standards; and 

WHEREAS, The protection of student and family privacy is a fundamental right of all Maine people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, hereby order as follows:

That the Department of Education shall not adopt any educational standards, curricula or instructional approaches that may be mandated by the federal government.  

That the Department of Education shall not apply for any federal grant that requires, as a condition of application, the adoption of any federally-developed standards, curricula or instructional approaches.

That, consistent with state statute, the Department of Education may provide guidance and technical assistance to schools, but may not require the adoption of specific curricula or instructional approaches.

That any amending of Maine’s Learning Results standards must be done through a transparent public rulemaking process that allows Maine people ample time and opportunity to review proposed changes and provide feedback. Specifically, the Department of Education shall ensure that any amendment to the Learning Results be posted for public review and comment for at least 60 days. Any comments received during this notice period shall be made public prior to final adoption of any changes.

That the collection of student data by school districts and the state Department of Education must be done in a manner consistent with state and federal laws intended to protect student privacy. No personally identifiable data on students and/or their families’ religion, political party affiliation, psychometric data, biometric information, and/or voting history shall be collected, tracked, housed, reported or shared with the federal government, nor provided to private vendors for the purposes of marketing or business development.

The effective date of the Executive Order is September 4, 2013.  

Paul R. LePage, Governor

A copy of the signed Executive Order is here.

More Mosquito Pools Test Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in York County

 

AUGUSTA – Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the presence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in mosquito pools from the towns of Alfred and York in York County. This increases the number of mosquito pools from Maine to test positive for EEE in 2013.

According to Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine CDC, additional positive tests are likely. “We still have plenty of warm weather ahead in the next few weeks and this increases the possibility of additional positive pools.”

EEE is a virus that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause serious illness in humans, large animals like horses and some species of birds. Maine confirmed EEE in a flock of pheasants during 2012 and experienced unprecedented EEE activity during 2009 with multiple animals and mosquito pools testing positive for the virus.

Regionally, all of our surrounding states have also identified EEE in 2013 including mosquito pools in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Two horses have tested positive for EEE in Massachusetts as well. Massachusetts has also had a resident confirmed with EEE.

“EEE is a very serious illness” says Dr. Stephen Sears, State Epidemiologist, “Mainers need to take appropriate precautions against mosquitoes to prevent this illness.” Maine CDC recommends the following preventative measures to protect against EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellent when outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk. Always follow the instructions on the product’s label;
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors, including long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks;
• Keep window and door screens down to keep mosquitoes out of the home;
• Limit time outdoors at dawn and dusk when many species of mosquitoes are most active;
• Remove containers holding water in and around the home, as water can attract mosquitoes.

Maine's Health and Environmental Laboratory (HETL) routinely performs testing for EEE and West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes, large animals and humans. Maine stopped testing individual dead birds for mosquito-borne illnesses in 2006 and no longer uses them as an indicator for disease.

Maine CDC will continue to update information on mosquito-borne disease surveillance in Maine on a weekly basis. These reports are posted every Monday from May through September at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/arboviral-surveillance.shtml

Future positive tests will be announced through this report.

Information on pesticides and repellents is available at the Maine Board of Pesticides Control website at: http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/pesticides/public/index.htm#mosquito

Sudanese Community Welcomes Governor LePage to Portland

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage toured Friday the Sudanese Community of Maine, meeting with several families in Portland to learn more about the culture and the Community’s future involvement with the State of Maine.

This is the second time Governor LePage has met with members of the Sudanese Community – one of the largest in the United States. After meeting with families and one business in Portland, Governor LePage participated in a town hall style meeting with Chairman of Sudanese Community of Maine Mariano Mawein and Executive Director of Community & Financial Literacy Cloude Rwaganje.

“I had the opportunity to meet with members of this community in July. It was an informative meeting, which left me wanting to learn more about the needs of the Sudanese in Maine,” said Governor LePage.

Economic opportunity was a central focus at Friday’s town hall meeting, where Governor LePage said that across the globe America is known as the land of freedom and opportunity.

“Individuals of all cultures want to come to our country to seek their own American Dream. They want a chance to become prosperous, to find good work and to raise their children in a safer environment,” the Governor said.

Governor LePage encouraged government policies that foster a culture in which self-reliance is rewarded and high taxes are thwarted, adding that bigger government is not the answer to prosperity.

“We want government to provide services that are available in an efficient and effective way, whether its employment opportunities through the Department of Labor, space for a community center or housing by partnering with the Maine Housing Authority,” the Governor said. “My administration wants to be there to help, and we want you to feel safe and welcome in Maine’s community.”

Governor and Legislators Agree to Address Bonds and Riverview during Special Session 

Democrats agree to hold other bills until January  

AUGUSTA – After a productive discussion Wednesday morning, Governor Paul R. LePage and Democratic and Republican leadership agreed on a course of action for tomorrow’s special session. Attending a meeting in the Cabinet room, which lasted about a half hour, were Senate President Justin Alfond, House Speaker Mark Eves, Senate Republican leader Michael Thibodeau and respective senior staff members.

Governor LePage issued a proclamation on Wednesday, Aug. 21 to convene the Legislature for a special session. The Governor prompted the session to address a bond package of $149.5 million for infrastructure improvements and the situation at Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta, which may lose its certification and federal funding because it is not authorized to manage the growing number of patients who exhibit criminal behaviors.

However, the Governor did speak with Democrats about their plan to raise unrelated issues during the special session, including a bill to reopen a Maine Revenue Services office in Houlton. While the decision to close the office was regrettable, it was a decision within the purview of the administration, said Governor LePage. He added that the administration will improve its communications to legislators regarding state government position eliminations, but that the special session was not the way to address the issue.

“The recent closure of a Maine Revenue Services office in Houlton was a difficult decision made by the administration,” Governor LePage said. “Legislators have rightfully questioned the decision to eliminate 9 jobs, particularly at this time in an economically depressed region of the state, and we agree. The situation was made more difficult because the administration did not discuss the decision with legislators who represent Aroostook County in advance.

During the meeting with President Alfond and Speaker Eves, Governor LePage committed to communicating in advance about future position eliminations that are required to balance the state budget, within the bounds of the employee notification requirements in the collective bargaining agreement.

“We also commit to seeking the least burdensome options that will have minimal impact on employees, particularly in our state’s most economically challenged counties,” said Governor LePage. “Though additional difficult decisions will need to be made in the future as we seek efficiencies and budget savings, by working together and communicating, we are optimistic that we can minimize the impact on state employees.”

On Wednesday morning, the Legislative Council considered matters for Thursday’s special session deciding to hold three bills unrelated to bonds and Riverview.

 

Annual Healthcare Golf Classic Nets $25,000

Benefits two local health care services

Farmington ¾

 

More than $25,000 was raised at Franklin Community Health Network’s (FCHN) annual Healthcare Golf Classic held July 14 and 15 at the Sugarloaf Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) of Greater Franklin County and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center .

 

Twenty-two teams from throughout New England took part in the event.

 

Androscoggin Bank comprised of Ike Goodwin, Paul Soucie, Gregg Leighton, and Bob Stone took first place gross at Monday’s tournament, a four-person scramble. Other winners were second gross Hancock Lumber and third gross Team Webber. Kozak & Gayor team members Joseph Kozak, Steven Johnson, Mike Burian, and Taylor Fawns took first place net, followed by BerryDunn in second place and Shiretown Insurance in third.

 

The tournament featured closest-to-the-pin and longest drive contests. Closest-to-the-pin winners were David Morin, Paul Soucie, and Peter Webber, while the men’s and women’s longest drive winners were Mark Still and Deb Bowker, respectively.

 

Jill Gray , FCHN community relations manager stated, “We are delighted to have celebrated the twenty-sixth year of the Healthcare Golf Classic. Its longevity and success is due to the fantastic support from teams and players who take part each year, as well as the corporate sponsors that make this a successful event.”

 

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center , a program of Franklin Memorial Hospital , provides timely access to state-of-the-art breast cancer screening, diagnostic, clinical, and care support services. The Center, with locations in Farmington and Livermore Falls , memorializes the Carrabassett Valley resident who died from breast cancer.

 

The HCC and its mobile health unit uses a coordinated public health approach of education, health promotion, and outreach to improve the health and well-being of area residents. HCC is an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network.

 

For additional information, contact Gray at 779-2555.

Governor to Sign Bipartisan Bond Package and Bill to Address Problems at Riverview Psychiatric Center 

State receives approval from feds on Riverview plan

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will sign a package of bond bills totaling $149.5 million for infrastructure projects, college and university improvements and rehabilitation of Maine’s National Guard armories, as well as a bill to address safety concerns at the State’s psychiatric hospital.

“I am pleased that we can send these bonds to voters in November," said the Governor. "Infrastructure projects create good-paying jobs in the construction industry, and our roads, bridges and ports are important economic drivers that help attract and retain jobs. We are improving our transportation network, and we are putting Mainers back to work.”

The bond package, which was negotiated with Legislative leadership, includes the Governor’s original proposal of $100 million for highways, bridges and multimodal facilities, such as ports. The package includes $14 million to maintain and upgrade Maine’s armories, many of which are in dire need of repair and upgrades.

In addition, the package includes $15.5 million for community colleges; $15.5 million for Maine’s university system; and $4.5 million for the Maine Maritime Academy. 

Legislators approved a separate measure to address problems involving Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta.

“I am also pleased that the Legislature has acted to remedy a serious problem at Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta, which is a dangerous situation that needed to be addressed quickly,” said the Governor. “Our first concern is for the safety of the patients and our staff. There is still work to do, but this is the first step in that process.”

This spring, Governor LePage sounded the alarm to address the need for additional safety measures and the capacity to handle the increase in forensic patients. As a result, the Governor proposed LD 1515, “An Act To Increase the Availability of Mental Health Services”, to establish an inpatient-level treatment facility within a correctional institution. That bill was supported and passed today.

In the meantime, the Administration learned that certification of Riverview was in jeopardy for its Medicare deficiencies, which requires compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS certifies the hospital. The Administration submitted a plan of correction this summer.

Today, the Administration received a letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services accepting the state’s plan of correction for Riverview.

There is Good Economic News Worth Talking About

In three years, Maine has experienced a declining unemployment rate, and our Administration is working nationally and within Maine to promote job creation.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Hundreds of new jobs have been announced during the last month, and last week we attended the U.S. Manufacturing Summit in Florida, where my administration met with companies who are interested in expanding and we invited them to Maine.

At the Manufacturing Summit hosted by Walmart and the National Retail Federation, we met with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, and are confident that the connections we made will bring more companies and jobs to our state.

A beauty products company from China and rug manufacturer from Canada expressed interest in locating to Maine. Another company that is already in our state providing products to Walmart would like to increase their production to the retailer. And the list goes on. These are real businesses interested in creating real jobs in Maine, and it’s important that they know the state wants to partner with them.

Although we work all year to help Maine businesses to create or retain jobs, our efforts in August highlight some of the strides we are making. Here is a sample of jobs that we announced just this month:

Barclaycard announced this week that it will create a total of 200 customer-service jobs in Wilton.

Irving Forest Products will create 60 new jobs at a 30-million-dollar modern sawmill it will build at Nashville Plantation.

Maine Wood Concepts of New Vineyard was honored for adding more than 30 jobs in the past six months.

The Ameridial facility in Fort Kent will add 90 new jobs in the tele-services field.

A global company that makes surgical dressings will spend $7 million on its second recent expansion in Maine, adding 10 to 30 jobs in Wiscasset.

Still, there is more news. Allagash International of South Portland sent its first shipment of valve products to Puerto Rico using the new Eimskip container service. Eimskip plans to expand its operations to ship products from Maine internationally.

Additionally, we sent products last week to all 49 governors, promoting Maine’s world-famous lobster fishery and gaining national attention for the industry.

Most of these announcements I mentioned received not so much as a byline. But it’s not because our Administration isn’t sharing this information with reporters. It’s simply because the media has the power to pick and choose what is news. It’s a fast-moving digital age in which reporters would rather tweet than write an investigative report and where doom and gloom headlines are sensationalized.  

However, we know these success stories are worthwhile because they are stories that affect real families – these are the Mainers who truly matter to us and why we w

AUGUSTAundefined As autumn approaches, many employers are partnering with Maine’s CareerCenters and local organizations to hold job fairs across the state. Hundreds of employers will be hiring for both permanent and seasonal positions.

“We are continuing to see improvement in Maine’s jobs numbers,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This translates into the need to hire workers for the fall tourism and holiday shopping seasons as well as year-round positions.  These career fairs will help connect our businesses with people who are looking for new jobs.”

Several of the job fairs have a special focus on veterans. The Hiring Our Heroes events focus on matching veterans with employment and other resources, but the general public is welcome to participate as well.

Businesses interested in participating in any of these fairs should contact their local CareerCenter.  To find the nearest CareerCenter, visit http://www.mainecareercenter.com or call 1-888-457-8883.

• Sept. 5: Job Fair at the Lewiston CareerCenter, 9 a.m. to noon
• Sept. 17: MaineJobs Fall Career Fair at the Italian Heritage Center, Portland, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sept. 19: Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair for veterans and families at the Lewiston Ramada
• Oct. 4: Job Fair at the Lewiston CareerCenter, 9 a.m. to noon
• Oct. 8: Hiring Our Heroes at the Augusta Armory for veterans and families from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Oct. 9: Presque Isle Area Job Fair, Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Oct. 29: 16th Annual Bangor Fall Career Fair, Cross Insurance Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; first hour focused on veterans
• Nov. 13: Job Fair, Brunswick; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  
• Nov. 14: Portland Hiring Our Heroes, U.S. Chamber Job Fair for veterans and families at Season’s Grille, Riverside Street, Portland
  

Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette reminds job seekers that the Department of Labor offers a many resources for people looking for a new job. “Visit any CareerCenter for help brushing up your resume or practicing for interviews. We can help you put your best foot forward this fall.”

For those who might need training to make a career change or to get a dream job, the job fairs and the CareerCenters can help job seekers make those connections. Paquette explained, “People do not have to try to find resources or a job on their own or even wait for a job fair near them. They can visit a CareerCenter at any time to learn about training and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as discover the kinds of jobs that suit them best and which employers in their area are hiring.”

To find more information about jobs fairs across the state or to locate the closest CareerCenter and information about job training programs, visit the CareerCenter website, http://www.mainecareercenter.com .

CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of workshops and services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O’Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

AUGUSTA – At a news event held in the Hall of Flags this afternoon, Barclaycard announced that it would be expanding its Wilton, Maine operations by adding 200 new jobs.

Patrick Wright, Chief Operating Officer of Barclaycard, stated that the company will be adding 100 jobs within the first year, with 100 more to follow in 2014. Barclaycard has been operating at its facility in Wilton since 2008, providing inbound telephone support for its card services and for its many partners.

Governor Paul R. LePage was on hand to personally congratulate the company and tout the economic success resulting from the administration’s policies to make Maine more business-friendly.

“We congratulate Barclaycard on its investment and expansion in western Maine,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The company is a solid, reputable and dynamic part of the Maine economy, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow in our state. Their success makes us even more determined to keep improving Maine’s overall competitiveness so we can increase our ability to attract private investment.”

Barclaycard is an international financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, investment management, and wealth management.

Rustic Overtones headline Synergy – a benefit concert at Titcomb Mtn., September 14, 2013

 

Synergy is a fun and unique fundraising event sponsored by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area in partnership with Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN). It will be held on September 14, 2013 from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. at Titcomb Mountain in Farmington. Bring the family, chairs or blankets, and enjoy four and a half hours of great live music.

 

The Achords start things off with their spot-on harmonies and unique blend of bluegrass and folk.  Mike Fraley from Farmington and Brent Laflin of New Vineyard have been performing together for the last three years, and recently returned from performing in Kentucky, where the roots of their music lie. For more information visit facebook.com/pages/The-Achords/179585628730869.

 

The Achords are followed by local favorite Mason Strunk. Fifteen-year-old Strunk, grandson of American folk icon Jud Strunk, has opened for comedian Bob Marley and has played with noted folk singer Johnathan Edwards at the Bluegrass Festival at Saddleback in Rangeley. He plays regularly at the Rack in Carrabassett with former members of Jud's band.

 

Next up is Shades of Blue. Members of this quartet began playing together 18 years ago when they met as students of the University of Maine at Augusta’s Jazz and Contemporary Music program. They continued to perform together in various groups until the band was formed in its present configuration in 2008. Since then, Shades of Blue has enjoyed an extensive playing schedule in mid-coast and down-East Maine, pleasing audiences with an eclectic mix of old time jazz favorites, blues, original compositions, and reggae. For more information visit: http://www.julianegardner.net/shades-of-blue.html

 

Rustic Overtones is a 7-piece Portland, ME based funk/rock band known most predominantly for their raw performance power. Widely considered to be “one of the most impressive live acts to ever come out of Maine” (Dispatch Magazine), the band’s collaborative efforts include work with the likes of David Bowie/Tony Visconti, Imogene Heap, Funk Master Flex, and Rustic member Ryan Zoidis also plays with the bands Lettuce and Soulive. Recent awards include 2013 New England Music Award Best Live Act/New England, 2012 New England Music Award Best Band/Maine, and 2012 Portland Phoenix Best Male Vocal. For more information visit therusticovertones.com.

 

Top of the Hill Grill will be on-site with their food truck, offering a selection of sides and sandwiches, from their well-loved pulled pork sandwich to veggie options.  Non-alcoholic beverages will be available as well, and a 21+ area will feature wine and beer for those of age.  

 

Proceeds from Synergy will help FCHN increase its mobile health outreach, and allow the United Way to increase support for children’s services, transportation, homelessness prevention, and mental health services.

 

Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 day of) for those 19 and over. Those 6 – 18 years of age, or students with a college ID, pay just $10 ($15 day of). Tickets may be purchased by calling the United Way at 778-5048, visiting the United Way at 232 Broadway in Farmington, or online at uwtva.org. Tickets are also available at Healthy Community Coalition and at Franklin Memorial Hospital Gift Shop, and at Carlisle’s in Rumford.

 

This outdoor concert will be held rain or shine.

 

This event is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:

 

Black Diamond Sponsors: Colonial Valley Motel, Mount Blue Motel and Collins Enterprises; Franklin Savings Bank; Verso Paper – Androscoggin Mill; and Dr. Sharmila Das-Wattley, Podiatrist

Blue Square Sponsors: Otis Federal Credit Union, and Village Realty, Inc.

Green Triangle Sponsors: 3-D Games Farmington – Opening in Skowhegan in September; Aubuchon Hardware; Bangor Savings Bank; Calzolaio Pasta Company; Clearwater Veterinary Clinic; End of the Rainbow Alternatives; Expenet Technologies; Full Bloom, Inc., Hammond Lumber; The Franklin Group; The Homestead Kitchen, Bar, Bakery; Madore’s Market; Mt. Blue Drug; Mountain View Cottages & Guide Service, Oquossoc; Norton Eye Care, Rick’s Market; Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue Vehicles; Ted Berry Company, Inc.

Media Sponsors: Turner Publishing, Inc. and WKTJ FM 99.3.

Additional support provided by Main-Land Development Consultants, Inc.; Michael Motors, and Snipper’s Salon.

Major In-kind support is appreciated from Comfort Inn and Suites Farmington/Wilton; L/A Music Productions; Titcomb Mtn.; UMF Fitness and Recreation Center; and Farmington Coca-Cola.

 

And don’t miss earlier that day Titcomb Mountain’s Pass Blass Event from 11:00 – 2:00. Reduced season’s passes will be sold and Olympic Champion Seth Wescott will be on-site from 12-2 p.m.!