News

Governor Helps Bridge Federal Funding Gap to Domestic Violence Programs in Maine  

$100,000 donation will help victims receive the resources and services they need

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that on behalf of the people of Maine he is directing $100,000 to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) from his emergency contingency fund in the wake of federal program cuts. Efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide Mainers with resources about this abuse have remained a top priority for Governor LePage since taking office in 2011.

“We’re seeing an increase in use of domestic violence shelters and emergency hotlines across Maine, so it is critically important that victims have the resources they need to ensure they are safe,” said Governor LePage. “This contribution will help provide those resources to victims and empower them to rebuild their lives.”

Domestic violence reports in Maine rose for the second consecutive year in 2012, but victim advocates and law enforcement attribute the increase to better awareness of the issue and willingness to call for help.

“More Mainers today are speaking out against this heinous crime because of the willingness of victims, friends, family and others who are no longer accepting this behavior,” stated the Governor. Domestic violence not only affects the victim, but it changes families and communities. We must come together to stand up, speak up and man up to make this behavior socially unacceptable,” Governor LePage added.

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence executive director Julia Colpitts says this contribution will help bridge the funding gap for programs in Maine that in recent months have experienced reductions from the federal government.

"The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence is very grateful for Governor LePage's ongoing commitment to domestic violence victims," said Colpitts. "I hope that the federal government follows his lead by restoring the damaging national funding cuts. We also hope that private donors continue to step up in their local communities. We do not ever want to turn victims away from safety because of funding gaps,” she added.

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

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

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

Governor Signs Offshore Wind Power Bill 

Bill provides the University of Maine the opportunity to compete

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed today LD 1472, “An Act to Provide for Economic Development with Offshore Wind Power.” The Governor advocated for an amendment to the bill which requires the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to conduct a second round of competitive bidding for offshore wind projects.

A Norwegian multi-national oil and gas company, Statoil, has expressed interest in developing offshore wind technology off Boothbay Harbor. Recently, the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved a term sheet for Statoil, subject to contract negotiations with the PUC. LD 1472 allows the University of Maine to bid for an offshore wind project in our state’s own waters.

Governor LePage has pushed for weeks to include the University of Maine during the bidding process. The State of Maine sends more than $175 million of taxpayers’ money to the University of Maine system each year and the congressional delegation has worked to provide nearly $30 million in federal funding to support offshore wind research at the University.

“Prior to moving forward with a $200 million contract I would prefer to consider the economic opportunity to our own university system, right here in Maine,” Governor LePage said.

“The hard-working citizens who fund the University every year would be pleased to see that their ratepayer dollars are going to a project that will benefit Mainers, rather than subsidizing a foreign oil company,” the Governor said. “Our own university has made significant progress in offshore wind technology recently and we have already invested millions into this research. I am pleased to sign this bill, which allows the University to compete on a level-playing field and permits the PUC to determine which one makes the most sense for Maine’s economy.”

My fellow Mainers, as many of you may know, I grew up on the streets, and I’m a blue-collar Governor. I’m not a politician, and I tell it like it is.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Some say my language is colorful and refreshing. Others say it is rough and offensive. If I have offended anyone, I apologize. But folks, it is time to wake up. Sometimes the only way I can get your attention is to use straight talk.

Over the years, I’ve been criticized for my comments about the President and the dangers of the federal government growing too large and too powerful.

Since then, we have seen an administration embroiled in scandals over the IRS, Benghazi, drones, spying on the press and gun-running. Talk about offensive! And that doesn’t even include the 17 trillion dollars in national debt or a health insurance mandate that will crush the life out of the economy.

Some of my comments about politics in Augusta have also caused outrage. If the Maine people saw what really happens under the dome, they would be outraged too.

Politicians, lobbyists, unions and special interests ignore what is best for Mainers and fight to maintain the status quo. They work overtime to expand welfare and to grow government, and they will gladly increase your taxes to pay for it.

They would rather enact a bad budget that harms Mainers than make the hard choices and face the consequences at the next election. I find that obscene.

I proposed legislation that would reduce electricity costs for everyone, decrease taxes, reform welfare, create jobs and improve education. These proposals would benefit all Mainers.

But politicians work around the clock to kill common-sense legislation, just because I proposed it. They would rather ignore the best interests of Maine people than see the Governor get good legislation passed. That is truly offensive.

Being hateful toward me is one thing. But punishing Mainers just to see me lose is absolutely disgraceful. One Democratic leader told the media that it doesn’t matter what the Governor does because they have the votes to override the budget veto. This kind of obstructionist has no place doing the people’s business. They come to Augusta to keep score for political losses and wins, not to do what’s right for the Maine people.

You won’t see these stories in the media. When the politicians step in front of the cameras, they say they are seeking bipartisan solutions to improve the lives of Mainers. Sounds good. Then they turn around, ignore the Maine people and get back to their score sheets.

Folks, if you believe the status quo is working, then you are sadly mistaken. I might have to use some street talk to wake you up.

Politicians strive to be politically correct and end up doing the wrong things. I’m not politically correct, but we strive to present good public policy.

I worked in the private sector as a successful turn-around consultant for failing businesses. I see our state as a failing organization in need of a turn-around. It will take tough decisions and bold moves to eject Maine from its status as one of the nation’s highest-taxed states and the 50th worse place to do business.

It’s not a job for the weak or faint-hearted. But Augusta is full of politicians who refuse to reduce the size of government. They refuse to improve education, and they absolutely refuse to reform welfare. They won’t consider resources that would reduce the cost of electricity for everyone. They won’t even attempt to lower your taxes.

Yes, folks, this makes me mad. And it should make you mad, too.

I came to Augusta to make a difference in the lives of Mainers, not to count votes and compromise my principles. I’ve told my Cabinet that if we are in Augusta only to get re-elected, we are in the wrong business.

We are not here to get through the next election; we are here to protect the next generation.

Healthy Community Coalition Mobile Health Unit Outreach

July schedule of events

Farmington ¾

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) has announced its July 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: July 2 at Tranten’s Store, Kingfield; July 9 at Tranten’s Store, Farmington; July 11 at the Oquossoc Strawberry Festival; July 12 at IGA, Rangeley; July 16 at Tranten’s Store, Kingfield; July 19 at Edmunds Market, Phillips; July 23 at Tranten’s Store, Farmington; July 26 at Town Office, Eustis; and July 30 at Tranten’s Store, Kingfield.

 

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.

 

Amendment Allows University of Maine to Compete for Offshore Wind Project  

Democrats favor Norwegian oil corporation over Maine program

AUGUSTA – In a letter to Members of the 126^th Legislature, Governor Paul R. LePage applauded an amended bill that allows the University of Maine to compete in offshore wind development. With this issue resolved he requested that legislators support an energy bill he previously vetoed.

During consideration of LD 1559, “An Act to Reduce Energy Costs, Increase Energy Efficiency, Promote Electric System Reliability and Protect the Environment,” the Governor pushed for the amendment to requiring the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to conduct a second round of competitive bidding for offshore wind projects. The amendment would allow the University of Maine to bid for an offshore wind project in our state’s own waters.

The amendment failed, but the Senate resurrected it Thursday in LD 1472, “An Act to Provide for Economic Development with Offshore Wind Power,” and was supported in a 22-13 vote.

In a letter sent to legislators Wednesday, the Governor explained why he vetoed LD 1559, also referred to as the Omnibus Energy Bill. “I had a discussion with chairs regarding this provision, and we came to an agreement that I would allow the bill to become law without my signature if this provision was included,” he said.

The Governor stated that since the amendment passed and allows for an “equal playing field” to compete in offshore wind development, he encouraged the Legislature to enact the energy bill. The energy bill was enacted by the Legislature Thursday.

Senate President Justin Alfond decried the amendment, rejecting the notion that Maine’s flagship university should compete in offshore wind development.

Alfond claimed that opening up the bidding process will jeopardize an investment by a Norwegian multi-national oil and gas company, Statoil, to build wind turbines off Boothbay Harbor. Recently, the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved a term sheet for Statoil, subject to contract negotiations with the PUC.

Governor LePage has pushed for weeks to include the University of Maine during the bidding process. The State of Maine sends more than $175 million of taxpayers’ money to the University of Maine system each year and the congressional delegation has worked to provide nearly $30 million in federal funding to support offshore wind research at the University. “The hard-working citizens who fund the University every year would be pleased to see that their ratepayer dollars are going to a project that will benefit Mainers, rather than subsidizing a foreign oil company,” the Governor said. “Our own university has made significant progress in offshore wind technology recently and we have already invested millions into this research. Let’s allow the University to compete on a level-playing field and allow the PUC to determine which one makes the most sense for Maine’s economy.”

Alfond said he will personally reach out to Statoil to reassure the Norwegians that they have his support instead of Maine’s own university.

“Senator Alfond and other Democrats are fighting to give preference to a multi-international corporation, which has not guaranteed it will provide long-term jobs for Mainers,” Governor LePage said. “Prior to moving forward with a $200 million contract I would prefer to consider the economic opportunity to our own university system, right here in Maine. I commend Republicans and the few Democrats who voted to support our flagship university as we move forward with this research and development.”

Governor Releases Video to Mainers Explaining Why He Could Not Support State Budget  

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage speaks out about why he could not support the Legislature’s budget, which included tax increases, in a new video released by the Office of the Governor. In the five-minute video, the Governor shares his thoughts about how higher taxes will affect Mainers and condemns decreased funding to programs like Jobs for Maine Graduates.

In the video, he notes that tax increases will have a devastating effect on the elderly and Mainers who live within their own budgets. Sales, meals and lodging taxes will be increased to fund the state budget.

“Retired mill workers living on fixed incomes; elderly widows collecting Social Security; and our veterans, who receive nothing more than their military pensionundefinedeach of them care about this tax increase,” Governor LePage said. “We are already one of the highest taxed states in the nation. We have some of the lowest per capita income in the country. Now is not the time to ask Mainers to give more to fund government.”

The Appropriations Committee cut a total of $18.4 million proposed by the Department of Education and Governor LePage, including reducing funding over the next two years for Jobs for Maine’s Graduates and the Aspiration program, which raises students’ aspirations by allowing students to take college courses at a reduced rate.

Governor LePage noted that money alone will not fix education, but slashing innovative and proven programs that help young Mainers get jobs is a huge mistake.

 

While the Governor recognizes some benefits within the budget, he is deeply concerned by what motivates politicians moving forward. “For some legislators, it was more important to count votes and reject my proposals than do what is right for our citizens. Maine people deserve a considered, reasoned debate, and they will hold legislators responsible for their decisions,” said Governor LePage.

 

“It is time to look past the next election and look forward to the next generation.”

 

The video is available here: http://www.youtube.com/govlepage

Franklin Memorial Hospital Caregiver of the Year

Honors Surgical Services Director Rebecca Wood

Farmington ¾

 

Surgical Services Director Rebecca Wood has been named Caregiver of the Year for Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) according to Gerald Cayer, executive vice president. Cayer made the announcement during a recent manager’s meeting, praising Wood’s 14 years of service at Franklin Memorial Hospital .

 

“Becky is a demonstrated leader in the departments she oversees. During her time at the helm, she has brought all levels of staff together resulting in improved staff morale, and changes that contribute to better patient care and improved patient satisfaction,” Cayer said. “She is supportive and a true working manager, helping out when the need is there.”

 

As surgical services director, Wood oversees: day surgery, operating room (OR), post-anesthesia care unit, preadmission testing, endoscopy, and pain clinic. These busy departments combined treat approximately 4,600 patients each year.

 

Woods nomination cited a collaborative project with anesthesia providers and surgeons, in which nursing staff implemented a comprehensive surgical checklist to reduce preventable mistakes that may occur in ORs. This checklist represents best practices for pre-procedure check in, sign in, time out, and sign out. Since its employ, the surgical team is more engaged with one another, and surgical defects have declined toward the goal of zero.

 

In addition, a patient education program that helps guide patients through the surgical process was implemented. Patients start out in the surgeon’s office and are given a surgical folder with educational information inside including procedure expectations, anesthesia types, pain management, and a magnet with tips for proper post-op care. Patients bring this folder with them to all appointmentsundefinedengaging them in their care and having organized and quick access to all their surgical information.

 

Kelli Gats, day surgery charge nurse, added, “As a result of Becky’s leadership style and communication approaches, I feel that the day surgery and OR units have stronger working relationships. We feel more cohesive as a unit, regularly discussing each other’s schedules and needs. Most nurses can function in each area and many can function adeptly in multiple roles.”

 

“This annual award honors a caregiver who on a daily basis demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the delivery of care to patients and their families,” said Cayer. “Each hospital is allowed only one nominee, so being nominated is truly an honor.”

 

As the FMH representative, Wood was considered among 39 nominees for the 2013 Maine Hospital Association (MHA) Caregiver of the Year Award. “All of the nominees demonstrated the superior quality of care given at Maine hospitals,” said Steven Michaud, MHA president. “It was a challenge to select just one award winner from the nominees.”

 

The MHA Caregiver of the Year award was announced at the MHA Summer Forum on June 19. The state winner is Margaret “Miki” MacDonald, a family nurse practitioner at St. Joseph Internal Medicine, part of St. Joseph Healthcare in Bangor . 

 

Governor Signs Biennial Highway Fund Budget

Governor Paul R. LePage today signed the $613.6 million Highway Fund budget into law.

Separate from the state’s general fund budget, the Highway Fund budget funds the Maine Department of Transportation, the Motor Vehicle Division of the Secretary of State, and a portion of the State Police.

“The Highway Fund budget is fiscally responsible,” said Governor LePage. “It does not raise taxes or fees, and it puts people to work. I am pleased to put my name to a budget that makes good sense for Maine people.”

This budget, LD 1480, the FY14-FY15 biennial Highway Fund Budget, received unanimous support from the Transportation Committee on June 11. Subsequently, the Maine House and Senate followed suit with near unanimous support with only one negative vote being cast, allowing it to go to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“We worked hard to make sure all the pieces of this budget were geared to benefit our customers; the citizens of Maine,” said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt.  “In order for us to responsibly provide the safest and most reliable transportation system possible, we allocate the funding where it matters most.  This ensures that today’s infrastructure needs are met, while maintaining the ability to plan for future needs.”

Transportation infrastructure maintained or supported by the MaineDOT includes about 8,500 miles of highway (out of about 23,000 total public road miles, meaning MaineDOT maintains a higher percentage of public road miles than all but eight other state DOT’s) 2,728 state bridges, 1,110 miles of active railroad track (315 miles of which are state owned) the Downeaster Amtrak Service, 6 commercial airports including the majors in Portland and Bangor and 30 general aviation airports, 3 major seaports, the Maine State Ferry Service serving Penobscot Bay island communities, and 20 plus transit providers running about 450 buses.

Governor and First Lady Mourn the Loss of Maine Soldier

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement today about the death of U.S. Army Sergeant Corey E. Garver, who was killed in Afghanistan. Sergeant Garver grew up in Topsham and attended Mt. Ararat High School.

“It is with great sadness that I extend my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Garver,” said Governor LePage. “His service to our great country and unwavering commitment to protect our freedom and our values will not be forgotten. The First Lady and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his family, as well as to all soldiers who continue to serve in harm’s way.”

Sergeant Garver was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry and the 4th Brigade Combat Team. His unit is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, which is home to the 101st Airborne Division.

Governor Applauds District Court Ruling on Pension Reforms

Governor LePage calls on Legislature to continue with efforts to improve fiscal house

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the decision dismissing a challenge by the Maine Association of Retirees to pension reforms made by the Governor and 125^th Maine Legislature. The Maine Association of Retirees is an interest group of retired state government employees.

“I am pleased to see that our efforts to reduce Maine’s debt and overspending are supported by the court’s decision,” said Governor LePage. “It is not always easy to make tough decisions, but it has to be done. I call on the Legislature to continue this momentum and make more structural reforms.”

In the first biennial budget of Governor LePage’s term, the Legislature adopted structural changes to Maine’s pension system to reduce the unfunded actuarial liability (UAL) and address continuing annual shortfalls, providing structural changes to support the system. The structural changes reduced State spending by nearly $325 million in fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

Federal District Court Judge George Singal’s decision found that Maine was within its rights to make structural changes to the pension system. Judge Singal wrote that the pension changes “did not actually reduce the dollar amount of benefits received by any class member. Rather, the only allegation is that the dollar amount paid was not increased.”