News

Healthy Community Coalition Mobile Health Unit Outreach

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, Tranten’s Store 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.

 

Governor LePage backs MaineHousing’s bonds to finance affordable rental housing projects 

AUGUSTAundefinedGovernor Paul R. LePage has notified the Maine State Housing Authority that he supports its efforts to boost Maine’s construction and affordable housing sectors through the issuance of moral obligation, tax-exempt private activity bonds.

With Governor LePage’s backing, MaineHousing will finance approximately $40 million in affordable rental housing projects in the coming months and could issue up to $120 million total in the next couple of years. Private investors like these bonds because of the economic stimulus they bring and the 4% tax credit they get in return for investing.

“This type of bond is one more economic stimulus tool the state has in its tool box to create jobs and improve Maine’s economy through private investment,” said Governor LePage. “Most importantly, it will fund the creation or renovation of affordable rental housing for income-eligible working individuals and their families.”

The Governor’s signature is required by law for these “moral obligation” bonds to be issued by MaineHousing. These bonds are not part of the bond package agreed upon last week by the Governor and the Maine Legislature.

“MaineHousing is appreciative of Governor LePage’s support for our bonds,” said John Gallagher, MaineHousing director. “We’re ready to put them to work. We’ve notified developers and investors that the process is underway, and they’re just as anxious as we are to get started.”

Up to 35 businesses are employed at each housing job site, from plumbers and electricians to architects and landscapers.

MaineHousing’s bond rating is Aa1/AA+ by many of the top rating agencies.

 

The mission of MaineHousing is to assist Maine people to obtain and maintain decent, safe, affordable housing and services suitable to their unique housing needs. Please visit our Web site at www.mainehousing.org.

MaineHousing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, or familial status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, and activities. MaineHousing will provide appropriate communication auxiliary aids and services upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing will also provide this document in alternative formats upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing has designated the following person responsible for coordinating compliance with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination requirements and addressing grievances: Louise Patenaude, MaineHousing, 353 Water Street, Augusta, Maine 04330-4633, Telephone Number 1‑800‑452‑4668 (voice in state only),(207) 626‑4600 (voice), 1‑800‑452‑4603 (TTY in state only), or (207) 623‑2985 (TTY).

Governor LePage congratulates Irving Forest Products on $30 million expansion

New sawmill in Aroostook Country to create 60 new jobs

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today offered his congratulations to Irving Forest Products, Inc. on the announcement of a major expansion in Aroostook County. The company is set to build a modern, small log sawmill at Ashland (Nashville Plantation), creating 60 new jobs.

“This is the kind of news we like to see in the State of Maine: a good company expanding and creating quality jobs for Maine people,” said the Governor. “Maine is open for business, and we will continue our efforts to make Maine as competitive as possible for private investment and job growth.”

Irving’s expansion will take place on the site of the wood processing facility closed in 2008. Company officials say the new sawmill is scheduled to open in late Spring of 2014 and will complement other timberland operations in the County, as well as a pine sawmill in Dixfield.

“We will keep working with the company to see this expansion through,” said Rosaire Pelletier, who is Governor LePage’s Senior Forest Products Advisor. “This is a great example of what can happen when business and government work together.”

First Lady Ann LePage to Host Third Annual Military Families Ice Cream Social

 

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann LePage will host her third annual Military Families Ice Cream Social on the Blaine House lawn this Wednesday, August 21, 2013 from 5 to 6 p.m. Last year, more than 50 people joined the First Lady for the Social, and this year between 80 and 100 military connected guests are expected to attend.

The Ice Cream Social is a “Back to School” event, where each child will receive free school supplies, thanks to Operation Homefront and community members through sales at the Dollar Store. This event is free of charge and is open to Maine military families of any age and any branch of service. Guests are encouraged to wear play clothes and join in a variety of lawn games with the First Lady while they enjoy their ice cream.

“Maine’s military service members and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us,” said First Lady Ann LePage. “Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home during deployment, and this is an opportunity for Maine’s military families to network, interact with each other, and enjoy some summer fun.”

Registration is required to attend the event. Individuals can contact the Child and Youth Program Office of the Maine National Guard at (207) 430-5773. People should leave their name, phone number, and how many guests will be attending. The Child and Youth Program Office will provide each registrant with a confirmation call.

Unemployment Rate Still Down, Governor Highlights Recent Economic Development Activity

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today highlighted the most recent efforts by his Administration to strengthen job creation in Maine and attract jobs from out of state.

“I am pleased to see that the unemployment rate is still down, but we need to continue our efforts to create jobs and improve Maine’s economy,” said Governor LePage.

The July unemployment rate of 6.9% is down from 7.3% one year ago. The number of unemployed Mainers is down 3,000 over the year, and 8,000 more people are working in the private sector now than when the Governor took office. July was the 70^th consecutive month that Maine had a higher share of employed population than the nation.

“We work all year to help Maine businesses expand and create or retain jobs,” said Governor LePage. “Our efforts are paying off. In August alone, the Governor’s Account Executives were actively helping communities and businesses, many jobs were created and investments are already paying off.”

Economic Development activities in August alone include:

Jobs Announcements

Irving Forest Products has announced the creation of at least 60 new jobs at a small, modern sawmill it will build at Nashville Plantation.

Governor Paul R. LePage congratulated Maine Wood Concepts of New Vineyard, the 2013 Pine Tree Award winner chosen by the Maine Wood Products Association. Over the last six months this company has added more than 30 jobs and made significant capital investment to expand their product lines. The company employs 105 peopleundefinedsignificantly more than the 70 employed at the end of 2012.

Ameridial’s Fort Kent facility, which is projected to be operational by mid-September, will add 90 new hires in the teleservices field.

Molnlycke Health Care will spend $7 million on its second recent expansion in Maine, which will add 10 to 30 jobs to the Rynel facility in Wiscasset. The company began constructing a new facility at Brunswick Landing earlier this year, where it will employ 45 people to manufacture wound-care products.

The Maine Film Office has issued a media production certificate to Emmy Award-winning Engel Entertainment. The certification means Maine could once again be the backdrop for a new reality TV series. The pilot focuses on a "very unique Maine family". If the pilot is successful, the new show would air on ABC Family.

Almost 100 new jobs are being created across Maine thanks to recently announced Economic Development Program awards. EDP provides communities with gap funding to assist businesses in the creation and/or retention of jobs for low- and moderate-income people:

Anson – Cousineau Wood Products of Maine, LLC. $150,000 for purchase of equipment; creating 6 jobs.

Gouldsboro – Prospect Holding, LLC and Maine Fair Trade Lobster, LLC. $500,000 for purchase of equipment; creating 90 jobs.

Milo – Michael Anderson d.b.a., Milo Taxi and Delivery. $60,000 for garage construction, garage equipment purchase, and software and hardware purchases; creating 2 jobs.

One of Maine's premier manufacturing companies, Allagash International, Inc. of South Portland, shipped its first shipment of valve products to Puerto Rico using the new Eimskip container service. The LePage Administration, which focuses on port and infrastructure improvements to attract private-sector investment, acted swiftly to rehabilitate facilities at the port, which was necessary to secure Eimskip’s commitment to locate in Portland. Eimskip plans to expand its operations to ship products from Maine internationally.

Governor promotes Maine lobster nationwide. Governor LePage shipped boxes of lobster products to all 49 Governors, promoting Maine’s world-famous lobster fishery and economic opportunities for the industry that will result from national attention. He informed the Governors that Maine’s iconic lobster resource has received the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council’s certification as a sustainable fishery.

Governor’s Account Executives. Six Governor’s Account Executives, each responsible for different regions of the state, help business owners access the state’s many programs available to them so they can focus on what they do best: create jobs and help move Maine’s economy forward. The Governor’s Account Executives are part of the Maine Dept. of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Governor’s Account Executive Jaimie Logan assisted John Foster of Searsmont, who invented an efficient heating unit, to get his product manufactured and marketed in Maine. She referred Foster to the Maine Technology Institute and Manufacturers Association of Maine, and on August 15 the unit began rigorous efficiency testing at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

On the same day, August 15, Governor’s Account Executive Brian Doyle was making his second visit to Norway this month, taking part in a meeting of Norway Downtown’s Economic Restructuring Committee. Doyle met with the owners of about 10 Norway businesses to discuss a variety of programs and services that are available to help them grow their businesses.

When economic development planners in the Town of Gray needed some advice and direction, they called DECD, which alerted Governor’s Account Executive Ron McKinnon. Gray’s 2003 comprehensive plan was approved by the town, but not by the State Planning Office. Governor’s Account Executive McKinnon has since contacted the Municipal Planning Assistance Program in the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to facilitate a renewed application process for Gray. Upon approval, the town will be in a much better position to compete for new industry and economic opportunity.

Governor’s Account Executive Kristine Schuman attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the reopening of the Memorial Bridgeundefineda project spearheaded by Governor LePage and the Maine Dept. of Transportation. Schuman recently visited six of the Kittery businesses near the Memorial Bridge that were affected by the two-year closure. One of them, the Union Lobster House, is planning to hire additional employees now that the new bridge is open in preparation for is expected to be an increase in business.

Business Friendly Communities. A total of 24 cities and towns have so far been declared “Certified Business-Friendly” for their continued focus on creating a better environment for private sector job growth. These communities are doing what it takes to partner with business and take down unnecessary road blocks to new investment and job creation.

The City of Belfast is being presented on Monday with its "Certified Business-Friendly" Community certificate and road signs.

Governor LePage Reaches Bipartisan Agreement on Bond Package

$149.5 million bond package to support needed transportation, education and military infrastructure

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced Friday that an agreement has been reached on a bond package to include $100 million in infrastructure funding for improvements to highways and bridges, as well as ports and railroads. The proposed total of the bond package is $149.5 million.

“Paying off the half-billion-dollar hospital debt allows the State to responsibly borrow for necessary infrastructure projects,” said the Governor, noting that fixing Maine's fiscal house is a priority. “Now that the session is over and lawmakers have been gone for a few weeks, everything has been much calmer in the State House. We had productive discussions with legislative leadership, and we were able to put together a bond package based on my original proposal that is a good deal for the people of Maine.”

On Wednesday, Governor LePage said he was willing to compromise on a bond package to not exceed $150 million. The proposed bond provides $76 million for improvement to highways and bridges, and it provides job stability to those in the construction industry, where more than 8,000 jobs have been lost since 2006. Another $24 million is allocated for improvements to multimodal facilities that would support projects such as major development on the Portland waterfront, and preserve rail connections for Maine businesses.

“Our roads, bridges and ports are important economic drivers that help create jobs, but the federal government is flat-funding transportation projects. Now is the time for the State to invest in these much-needed infrastructure improvements, create jobs and stability for the construction industry,” the Governor added.

Governor LePage was willing to consider other areas that proved to be long-term investments needed to improve Maine’s education infrastructure, as well as armories around the State, which require renovations.

“I am pleased that we included $14 million to maintain and upgrade our armories. We owe it to Maine’s military services to provide them with the updated facilities they deserve.

The proposed bond package includes:

Highway and Bridges $76 million

Multimodal Improvements $24 million

Total Transportation $100 million

University of Maine System $15.5 million

Maine Community College System $15.5 million

Maine Maritime Academy $4.5 million

Total Higher Education $35.5 million

Maine Armory Maintenance and Renovation $14 million

Total Military $14 million

Total Bond $149.5 million

Governor LePage sends packages of Maine lobster to 49 other Governors to promote industry

PHOTO LINK AT END OF RELEASE: Governor Paul R. LePage packs Maine lobster meat into one of the boxes he is sending to 49 Governors to promote the industry nationwide.

AUGUSTA –In an effort to promote Maine lobster, as well as the economic opportunities that would result from national attention for the industry, Maine Governor Paul R. LePage today sent a box of Maine lobster products to the 49 other governors across the United States.

“What better time than summer to share the iconic Maine lobster?” said Governor LePage. Boxes full of prepared lobster meat and value added items, including bisques and spreads from Maine processors and dealers were shipped overnight. “I want my friends and colleagues across the country to experience the flavor of Maine.

“These items represent a small sample of products available from Maine companies that process and add value to Maine lobster, which is harvested from the pristine Gulf of Maine waters,” said Governor LePage.

“The lobster industry is vital to Maine’s economy and its identity,” said Governor LePage. “I’m proud of the hardworking men and women who have made this one of the most lucrative industries in Maine. Last year, a record 126 million pounds were landed, generating nearly a billion dollars in economic impact to our state.”

“This fishery is as healthy as it is due in large part to the sustainable harvesting practices pioneered by Maine lobstermen,” added the Governor. “These longstanding practices are why the Maine lobster fishery earned the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council’s sustainability certification this past year.”

The MSC certification is just one of the many attributes of the Maine lobster, the Governor pointed out. “A growing number of people worldwide value a sustainably managed resource, but beyond that Maine lobster is delicious, versatile and healthy. It can be eaten alone, served on a bun, or prepared in a variety of dishes. Lobster has less calories, less total fat and less cholesterol than lean beef; whole poached eggs; and even roasted, skinless chicken breast.”

“Maine lobster is not just a Maine product, it’s a U.S. product,” said Governor LePage. “Eighty-five percent of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported, so I also see this as an opportunity to encourage my colleagues to support a strong U.S. economy.”

In addition to the lobster products, the Governor included recipes and informational material from the Maine Lobster Promotional Council. “I’m sure that everyone who gets a chance to enjoy Maine lobster will agree that, no matter how it is prepared, it is one of the best things they’ll ever taste,” said the Governor.

For more information on the Maine lobster, visit http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com/.

Education Commissioner Tapped to Lead Nationwide Education Innovation
Maine Department of Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen will become the Director of Innovation for the nonpartisan Council of Chief State School Officers starting in September

AUGUSTA – The success of the LePage Administration’s school reforms have been recognized across the country, and now its Education Commissioner is being tapped to take that transformation nationwide.

Commissioner Stephen Bowen has been recruited by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to become their Strategic Initiative Director of Innovation, which includes oversight of their Innovation Lab Network.

In his role with the nonpartisan, nationwide nonprofit that provides leadership, advocacy and technical assistance on major education issues and includes all state education department heads, Bowen will support states in taking on policy and practices changes to transform their public education systems. 

Bowen’s last day at the department he has headed since March of 2011 will be Sept. 12. The Rockport resident will be based in Maine for his new job but will travel across the country on behalf of the Washington D. C. based organization. 

 “I am pleased that Steve will be working to implement innovative practices throughout the nation’s educational systems,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “It is encouraging that a national organization committed to educational excellence has recognized Commissioner’s Bowen passion and dedication for improving schools and student outcomes. We wish him well, and we hope that he can continue to improve Maine’s educational system by introducing best practices from around the country to our state.”

Over the last two and a half years, Bowen has implemented an innovative LePage Administration strategic plan that creates an evolving education system in Maine that has empowered and engaged students at its center.

In that time, education has undergone its most significant transformation in the state’s history, with the arrival of student choice through the authorization of Maine’s first five charter schools and the advancement of school accountability with the launch of A-F performance grading system and the successful application for flexibility from the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Bowen also led enactment of Governor LePage’s landmark legislation to require all Maine schools to adopt educator evaluation systems and to ensure all high school diplomas are awarded starting in 2018 based on student mastery of college and career ready standards.

It is these meaningful, dramatic reforms in putting students first that have made Maine a state to watch, leading to Bowen being approached by the chiefs’ organizations to be a national change agent.

“We are thrilled to have Steve leading this very important work at CCSSO. States across the country are focused on ensuring all students graduate from high school ready for college and career," said CCSSO Executive Director Chris Minnich.  "They recognize in order to achieve this goal they need to provide innovative solutions to traditional problems and rethink how best to deliver education today. Steve has led Maine in developing some of the most innovative education practices in the country and we look forward to bringing his experience and leadership to the national level.”

Bowen admitted the decision to leave Maine DOE was a difficult one, adding he felt “extraordinarily fortunate” to have served a governor with the passion for education of Governor LePage.

“This is not a step I take lightly,” the Commissioner wrote to the Governor in his resignation letter. “I firmly believe in the reform work we are doing here in Maine and I am confident that the reforms we have advanced, both in terms of education policy and in terms of how the Department of Education does its work to support schools and students, will lead to improved student outcomes.”

In his remaining four weeks at Maine DOE, Bowen will work with his senior leadership team including Deputy Commissioner Jim Rier and Chief Academic Officer Rachelle Tome to develop a plan that will ensure the Department’s momentum is maintained throughout the transition, including its commitment to supporting schools improve.  

An Acting Commissioner will be named in the coming weeks.

The Innovation Lab Network that Bowen will direct starting in mid-September is a group of states – including Maine – taking action to identify, test and implement student-centered approaches to spur system-level change by scaling locally-led innovation to widespread implementation, both within and across states.

For more information about the Council of Chief State School Officers and its Innovation Lab Network, visit www.ccsso.org. For more information about the Maine Department of Education, visit www.maine.gov/doe.

Governor LePage Signs Executive Order to Create Drone Policy  

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed Wednesday an Executive Order to create a policy to govern all State law enforcement use and operation of “Unmanned Aircraft Systems.” In his veto message in July regarding LD 236, “An Act to Protect the Privacy of Citizens from Domestic Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Use,” Governor LePage wrote he would establish guidelines surrounding use of drones.

The Executive Order directs the Commissioner of Public Safety, on or before February 1, 2014, to issue an “Unmanned Aircraft System” (UAS) policy to govern all State law enforcement use and operation of UASs.

“It is reasonable to ensure we have proper safeguards around the use of aircraft, whether manned or unmanned,” Governor LePage said. “That is why I have signed this Executive Order directing the State to create policy on the use of drones.”

The Executive Order is as follows:

AN ORDER REGARDING LAW ENFORCEMENT USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

WHEREAS, the Federal Government has made extensive use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs);

WHEREAS, UASs have the potential to be used by law enforcement for public safety and emergency response;

WHEREAS, ensuring consistency of practice among Maine law enforcement agencies is important to protect privacy rights;

WHEREAS, private and non-governmental use of UASs does not present these same concerns; and

WHEREAS, overbroad statutes could have a negative impact on Maine’s ability to create good-paying aerospace jobs;

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

1. The Commissioner of Public Safety, on or before February 1, 2014, shall issue an “Unmanned Aircraft System” policy (“Policy”) to govern all State law enforcement use and operation of UASs. The Policy shall be posted in a conspicuous location on the Department of Public Safety website, provided that portions of the Policy subject to confidentiality under Maine law may be redacted or withheld.

 

2. The Commissioner is authorized to enlist the assistance of any organization in drafting the Policy, including, but not limited to, the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, the Office of the Attorney General, and county and local law enforcement agencies.

 

3. This Order does not create any enforceable legal or equitable rights or private rights of action.

The effective date of the Executive Order is August 10, 2013.

Legislative Action Needed to Ensure Safety of Patients, Funding at Riverview Psychiatric Center 

Increase in forensic patients, lack of funding for Governor’s bill, puts hospital’s federal certification at risk

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today called on the Legislature once again to fund the creation of a mental health unit within the Department of Corrections in direct response to a notice from the federal government that the state-run Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta may lose its federal certification and federal funding. The notice is largely attributable to the growing number of forensic patients and conflicts with federal hospital standards.

This spring, Governor LePage sounded the alarm to address the need for additional safety measures, capacity to handle the increase in forensic patients and compliance regulation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which certifies the hospital. 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.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee recognized the urgency of this matter and unanimously endorsed the bill. However the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee failed to appropriate $3 million for a facility, effectively rejecting the plan.

“We have now learned the CMS is going to take action that would put federal funding for Riverview in jeopardy,” said Governor LePage. “Democratic leadership and certain members of the Appropriations Committee made the decision to fund other things, such as revenue sharing, while ignoring the needs of our mentally ill.”

“Our Administration worked diligently to provide information to the Legislature knowing that certification and critical funding for Riverview was in jeopardy yet there was a failure to act. These patients, their families and hospital employees can be assured that the Administration is working toward a resolution and we are requesting swift action from the Legislature,” the Governor continued.

As a federally certified hospital, Riverview must operate under federal guidelines to maintain a federal certification and associated federal funding. This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressed concern about compliance with certification at Riverview. A major factor prompting this concern is the significant issues related to the increased number of forensic patients at Riverview. In the past 18 months the level of forensic patients has increased dramatically. In January 2011, there were 44 forensic patients at Riverview. That number reached an all-time high of 62 in April 2012 and has been consistently over 50 ever since.

Forensic patients are individuals who arrive at Riverview through the corrections system and pose a risk for serious physical harm to themselves or others because of mental illness. The hospital has about 300 employees, and there is an average daily population of 83 patients, including forensic patients.

In addition, there is not sufficient security at Riverview to address the threat of serious physical harm by forensic patients. This year, a staff member was severely injured after an attack by a forensic patient. CMS regulations for a certified hospital are not well suited for managing the increased forensic population. For instance, CMS does not allow hospital staff to utilize typical law enforcement tools to manage aggressive patients.

The Department of Corrections and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have worked diligently with federal partners to address challenges at Riverview through corrective action plans, but action is needed to ensure federal certification of the facility.

“First and foremost, we are concerned about the safety of our staff and our patients. We have focused a great deal of attention on addressing these challenges and ensuring we have appropriate care for our civil and forensic patients while maintaining staff and patient safety.” said Mary Mayhew, Commissioner of DHHS.

“We believe that creating a mental health unit within the Department of Corrections will allow for another option for those in our jails who are in desperate need of mental health treatment, create a safer environment at Riverview, and allow us to serve the civil and forensic clients that the hospital was designed to help. We also believe this will assist us in restoring full compliance with CMS regulations and ensuring the maintenance of federal funding for Riverview,” Commissioner Mayhew said.