News

Governor LePage Joins Western Maine Business to Announce Expansion, Creation of 200 Jobs

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais will join officials from a large worldwide company, already doing business in western Maine, to announce a major expansion and creation of 200 new jobs.

“I congratulate this company for its continued investment and expansion in western Maine,” said Governor LePage. “The company is a solid, reputable and dynamic part of the Maine economy. Their continued success makes us even more determined to keep improving Maine’s overall competitiveness so we can increase our ability to attract private investment.”

Details of the expansion will be made public on Tuesday, August 27.

Media are encouraged to attend the event.

WHEN: 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27

WHERE: Maine State House, Augusta, Hall of Flags

First Lady Ann LePage to speak at Travis Mills Project National Veterans’ Family Center

Maine’s First Lady will welcome Travis Mills and three other disabled veterans from Walter Reed to Maine

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann M. LePage, also known as “First Lady of Camp,” will speak at the Travis Mills Project National Veterans’ Family Center on Wednesday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. and welcome the first group of veterans from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during the camp’s “Founder’s Week.”

The center, located at Camp Kennebec on the shores of Salmon Lake in Belgrade, is the first fully accessible family camp for disable veterans. It offers disabled veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy all of the traditional sports and activities offered at summer camps, such as water skiing, golf, tennis and volleyball.

On April 10, 2012, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was on patrol during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan when he fell victim to an IED explosion. He is only the fifth quadruple amputee from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. The center is his dream, which is to provide disabled veterans a summer camp where they can relax and enjoy the brotherhood of fellow veterans and their families. 

Mrs. LePage will be joined by Governor Paul R. LePage to offer thanks to Bread of Life Ministries, Camp Kennebec owners Joel and Crista Lavenson, and Travis Mills for helping to make the National Veterans’ Family Center a reality in Maine. She will also welcome three other veterans and their families: Drew Mullee, U.S. Army, from Ohio; Taylor Morris, U.S. Navy, from Iowa; and Eric Burkett, U.S. Marine Corps, from Pennsylvania.

“It has been a truly amazing experience to be a part of this project,” Mrs. LePage said. “Travis is a truly inspiring person who motivates me to want to do more each and every day. Thanks to Travis and Bread of Life Ministries, this camp is truly Maine’s gift to the Nation.”

To learn more about Travis Mills and the National Veterans’ Family Center, please visit www.veteransfamilycamp.com.

Governor LePage Attends U.S. Manufacturing Summit

Governors focus on job growth in the manufacturing industry

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and state economic development officials are in Florida for a meeting aimed at finding ways to increase employment in the manufacturing industry. Governor LePage joined seven other governors and representatives of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers Thursday at the U.S. Manufacturing Summit in Orlando, Fla.

Sponsored by Walmart and the National Retail Federation, the summit focuses on manufacturing and supply chains in the U.S. and on Walmart's 10-year commitment to buy more "Made in the USA" products. More than 500 supplier companies, 32 states and major retail industry leaders are participating in the event.

“This summit is a big step in the right direction to attract and keep more businesses in the U.S.,” Governor LePage said. “In Maine, we know that small businesses are the engine of our economy, and our commitment to American manufacturing will bring even more companies and jobs to our state.”

On Thursday, Governor LePage met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Peggy Pitzkler before participating in a panel with Governors Butch Otter and Earl Tomblin to discuss manufacturing success stories within their respective states and how government has the potential help to promote economic growth. Governor LePage said Maine has made progress in reducing red tape, lowering the cost of doing business, and helping businesses navigate the maze of government.

“We have Governor’s Account Executives within our Department of Economic and Community Development, which has created one stop shopping for business,” said Governor LePage. “A business looking to expand or relocate to Maine gets assigned to one person who is their single point of contact for dealing with government. I firmly believe customer service is critical to attracting business to Maine, and now we have individuals assigned to navigate government so business people can focus on creating jobs and running their business.”

In addition, supplier companies met with Governor LePage and Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais to share information about potential projects and learn about resources available in participating states.

The State of Maine also has an exhibit space highlighting the state’s business-friendly climate, robust infrastructure, and strong manufacturing industry sector.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for us to share the message that Maine is a great place to create new jobs and to do business,” said Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais.

To learn more about the Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Summit, visit http://corporate.walmart.com/global-responsibility/us-manufacturing.

Governor LePage Meets With Nova Scotia Economic Minister About New Ferry Service

New ferry service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Portland, Maine proposed to begin in 2014

PORTLAND – Governor Paul R. LePage welcomed Nova Scotia's economic development minister to Maine on Wednesday as productive talks continue on the development of a new ferry service between the two regions. The Governor met with Graham Steele, the province’s Minister of Economic and Rural Development, at the Ocean Gateway in Portland yesterday afternoon.

During the meeting, Steele provided an update on Nova Scotia's plans as it moves forward with negotiations with STM Quest – the Maine-based company – chosen to set up and run a new ferry service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Portland, Maine.

“Since 2009, Nova Scotia and Maine have missed a critical link between our citizens and economies,” said Governor LePage. “On behalf of the people of Maine, we welcome restoration of this important service and economic driver.”

Governor LePage was pleased to learn that Nova Scotia chose STM Quest and formally offered Minister Steele marketing assistance from the State of Maine, as well as help to secure an operating line of credit from a lending institution.

“I’m really pleased with the response of the State and City leaders that I met with in Maine,” said Minister Steele. “They’re excited about the prospect of a re-established ferry link, and are ready to do their part to make to make it happen.”

STM Quest, Inc., is a joint venture between Quest Navigation of Maine and ST Marine of Singapore. The ferry service is proposed to begin in the spring of 2014 using a new 161 meter ship that has capacity for 1250 passengers and 300 vehicles, and was the only Maine-based company to bid and commit in its plans a port of call in Portland, Maine.

This is the second economic development initiative the LePage Administration has assisted with to help bring business to the Portland waterfront. Governor LePage announced earlier this year that Eimskip (The Icelandic Steamship Company) signed a contract with Maine Port Authority to begin operations out of the International Marine Terminal in Portland.

Additionally, the Governor has dedicated $24 million in a proposed transportation bond for improvements to multimodal facilities that support projects, such as major development, on the Portland waterfront.

“Our roads and ports continue to be a focus of economic opportunity that helps create jobs,” said Governor LePage. “The restoration of the ferry service will boost Portland’s economy and Eimskip’s service will open new markets for businesses to generate economic growth throughout Maine.”

Governor LePage Praises Appropriations Approval of Bond Package

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement following the unanimous endorsement this afternoon by the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee a bond package he’d initially introduced.

The $149.5 million package includes the Governor’s original proposal of $100 million for infrastructure improvements to Maine’s highways, bridges, ports and railroads, critical to the economic development of the state. The Appropriations-approved proposal also includes $14 million that the Governor requested for military armory upgrades and $35.5 million for higher education.

“Investing in transportation infrastructure is critically important to rebuilding not just our roads, rails, bridges and ports, but Maine’s entire economy,” said Governor LePage.“Today’s unanimous support of my bond package from the Appropriations Committee puts Maine further down the road toward prosperity and increased productivity. I look forward to this package being approved by the full Legislature next week and by Maine voters this November so construction crews can quickly get to work and people and goods can continue to move safety and swiftly in and out of our state.”

Legislature must act swiftly to protect patients and staff at Riverview

Some of Maine’s most vulnerable residents are in danger, and we need to act quickly before someone gets hurt. Our administration proposed a solution to this situation back in May, and we cannot delay any longer .

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

The Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta may lose its certification and federal funding because the management of patients who exhibit criminal behaviors must be more consistent with the process used in a correctional setting. But that is not allowed by federal hospital certification standards.

These patients come to Riverview through the corrections system, and they can pose a serious risk for physically harming themselves or others because of their mental illness.

Riverview is not authorized to implement the security measures or to employ the trained correctional personnel that are necessary to prevent serious physical harm by these patients. This spring, a staff member was seriously injured in an attack by one of the patients. Federal regulations for Riverview are not designed for managing this population of patients.

That’s why our Administration sounded the alarm about this situation. Back in May, we submitted a bill to create a facility within the Department of Corrections that has the trained staff and capacity to handle these patients.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee recognized the urgency of this matter and unanimously endorsed the bill. In fact, it was their top priority. But the Appropriations Committee failed to allocate 3-million-dollars for the facility. Instead, they chose to increase welfare to Maine communities.

We all say we want to care for our most vulnerable citizens, but actions speak louder than words. Quite simply, the time to address this unsafe situation is now.

Our first concern is for the safety of the patients and our staff. We want to assure these patients, their families and Riverview employees that our Administration is working toward a resolution, and we request the Legislature to act swiftly.

We must create a mental health unit that will provide care for those in our jails who need mental health treatment. This will create a safer environment at Riverview, and it will allow the staff to serve the patients that the hospital is authorized to help.

This is a dangerous situation that needs to be resolved immediately. Protecting our patients and our staff should not a partisan issue. It is the right thing to do.

Governor Issues Proclamation Calling Legislature Back to Take Action on Bond Package

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a proclamation today calling for a special session on Thursday, August 29 for the Legislature to take action on issuing on a bond package of $149.5 million for infrastructure improvements.

The bond package, which was negotiated with Legislative leadership, includes the Governor’s original proposal of $100 million for improvements to highways and bridges, as well as ports and railroads. In addition, the package includes $14 million the Governor requested to maintain and upgrade Maine’s armories, many of which are in dire need of repair and rehabilitation.

Bonds will also be used for infrastructure improvements at Maine’s universities and community colleges.

“We were able to work with Legislative leadership to put together a bond package based on my original proposal, which is a good deal for the people of Maine," said the Governor. "Our roads, bridges and ports are important economic drivers that help create jobs. Now is the time for the State to invest in these much-needed infrastructure improvements, especially when the federal government is flat-funding these projects."

The Governor also expects the Legislature to address 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. These patients are being sent to the facility from the corrections system. This spring, a staff member was severely injured in an attack by one of the patients.

Back in May, the Governor submitted LD 1515, “An Act To Increase the Availability of Mental Health Services,” which would create a facility within the Department of Corrections that has the trained staff and capacity to handle these patients.

“Our first concern is for the safety of the patients and our staff,” said the Governor. “We want to assure these patients, their families and Riverview employees that our Administration is working toward a resolution, and we are requesting swift action from the Legislature. This is a dangerous issue that needs to be resolved now.”

The proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, the Legislature of this State should meet in special session to consider legislation concerning the timely issuance of bonds; and

WHEREAS, the funds to be gained from the issuance of said bonds are urgently needed to promote the good order of the State; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature must statutorily enact legislation relating to the issuance of said bonds; and

WHEREAS, the necessity of issuing the bonds creates an extraordinary occasion,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, by the virtue of the power vested in me as Governor by Article V, Part 1, Section 13 of the Constitution of the State of Maine, convene the Legislature of this State, hereby requiring the Representatives and the Senators to assemble at nine o'clock in the morning in their respective chambers at the Capitol in Augusta on, August 29, 2013, in order to receive communications, and to consider and determine on such measures as in their judgment will best promote the welfare of the State.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed given under my hand at Augusta this Twenty-first Day of August in the Year Two Thousand and Thirteen.

            Paul R. LePage

Governor

American Made Products Focus of U.S. Manufacturing Summit

Governor LePage will attend Summit to help create more jobs in Maine  

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, August 22, Governor Paul R. LePage will join governors and businesses leaders from throughout the country at the U.S. Manufacturing Summit to discuss economic growth in the United States. Governor LePage will travel to Florida where the Summit is being held to talk about strengthening the economy by creating more products in the United States, which is a central focus at the conference.

“This summit is a big step in the right direction to attract and keep more businesses in the U.S. In Maine, we know that small businesses are the engine of our economy, and our commitment to American manufacturing will bring even more companies and jobs to our state,” Governor LePage said.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has partnered with Walmart to host approximately 1,500 people – including representatives from more than 500 supplier companies, 32 states, major retail industry leaders and other retailers for the two-day Summit.

Business leaders attending the Summit include the Walmart President and CEO, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and President and CEO of the National Retail Federation. The following governors are also expected to attend: Gov. Mike Beebe, (AR); Gov. Phil Bryant, (MS); Gov. Nikki Haley, (SC); Gov. Susana Martinez, (NM); Gov. C.L. Otter, (ID); Gov. Rick Scott, (FL); and Gov. Earl Tomblin, (WV).

When: Thursday, August 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Orange County Convention Center

9800 International Drive

Orlando, FL 32819

The summit will be webcast live and can be followed on Twitter @Walmartnewsroom #MadeinUSA.

September schedule of events

Farmington ¾

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) announces its September schedule for Mobile Health Unit outreach events. Staff will be offering services such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks; body composition analysis; information on cancer prevention, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco; one-on-one health counseling; and information and assistance on the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program and other health assistance programs.

The Mobile Health Unit will be offering health screenings on the following dates: Tuesday, Sept. 3, Save-a-Lot in Farmington ; Sept. 6, Edmunds Market in Phillips; Sept. 10, Tranten’s Store in Kingfield; Tuesday, Sept. 13, IGA in Rangeley; Sept. 15-21 at the Farmington Fair (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Tuesday, Sept. 27, town office in Eustis. Services will be provided from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All services are offered free thanks to funding from the following: Avon Foundation, Healthy Maine Partnership, Helen & George Ladd Foundation, Maine Community Foundation, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, and US CDC Community Transformation Grant.

Donations are accepted. For more information, contact Janis Walker, HCC program manager, at 779-2750 or jwalker@fchn.org.

State is Prepared to Sell Liquor Revenue Bond

Governor LePage delivers on promise to pay hospital debt

AUGUSTA – Standard and Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, leading providers of global credit benchmarks, have assigned credit ratings on the State of Maine’s proposed liquor operation revenue bond. S&P has assigned its ‘A+’ rating with a stable outlook. Moody’s assigned their ‘A1’ rating with a stable outlook.

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 that the state owes to Maine hospitals. This payment will trigger a federal match of $305 million, fully repaying the hospitals for the welfare debt that was accrued due to the Medicaid expansion approved by the previous administration.

“As a result of these new bond ratings, our administration is one step closer to repaying Maine’s hospitals the $484 million in welfare debt that is owed to them,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine hospitals provide good jobs and are vital to the local economy. Repaying our hospitals is the right thing to do, and I am proud to deliver on my promise to finally pay off this burdensome debt.”

In May, both Moody’s and S&P cited the state’s Medicaid program, known as MaineCare, and the outstanding hospital debt as hindering the State’s bond rating.

The Maine Municipal Bond Bank expects to sell the liquor operation revenue bond next week.