News

The following is the weekly message from Governor Paul R. LePage. To listen to the audio visit the Governor's website.

 

Here we go again. The Appropriations Committee has finally announced their plan for the budget: raise taxes. Where have you heard that before?

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Folks, I am a fiscal conservative. I believe that smaller government, lower taxes, limited regulation and free enterprise will put our state on the path to prosperity and success. These are not just words to me.

These are the principles that I live by. In my personal life and in my business career, I made tough choices and difficult decisions based on these principles and my integrity. I followed these principles as mayor of Waterville and now, as Governor, these same principles guide my decisions.

It is very hard to make the right decision. It is much easier to go with the flow or make decisions that don’t disturb the status quo.

But I don’t operate that way. Past governors avoided tough decisions because they were more concerned with the next election, rather than the next generation of Mainers. That’s how we ended up with a state government that spends more money than it takes in.

Maine does not have a revenue problem; Maine has a spending problem. We spend more on government than we have money to pay for it. We are victimizing the taxpayer to pay for government greed, and we are ignoring our most needy, our disabled and our elderly.

Five months ago I submitted a balanced budget. Senate President Justin Alfond and Speaker of the House Mark Eves have blasted my proposal, but they have offered no solutions. Now time is running out. So they are going to do what they always do. They are going to raise taxes to avoid making tough decisions.

They don’t want to eliminate fraud and abuse in welfare, and they don’t want to right-size government. So we must find other areas to cut spending or reduce the size of government. That’s why I proposed eliminating revenue sharing.

Revenue sharing accounts for only 2 to 4 percent of the budgets in Maine’s largest municipalities. Many Mainers have trimmed their household budgets far more than that over the past few years.

But property taxes have doubled in the last couple of decades. Cities and towns are part of the problem. If they want to hold the line on property taxes, then they must make the tough decisions, too. 

The growth of government must stop. Maine taxpayers are maxed out. We must look at the bigger picture. If we do not stop raising taxes and growing government now, we may never get the chance again. We cannot increase the burden we are leaving our children and grandchildren.

That’s why I will veto any budget that raises your tax rates. I don’t see it as politics. I see it as good public policy, and good public policy is good politics. I am not worried about the next election. I’m worried about the next generation.

I made the tough choices when I submitted a budget that is balanced. It was not a pleasant process, but it had to be done. We cannot keep taxing and spending, year after year. Mainers just can’t afford it.

Folks, let me be clear. I do not want to shut down government. A shut-down is an act of failure. It is a failure to do the right thing for hard-working Maine families. But it is not up to me. It is up to Senate President Alfond and Speaker of the House Eves.

I proposed a budget based on the principles that I believe in. It is a budget that allows the state to live within its means. It is a budget that puts Maine people before politics.

Governor Applauds Maine Businesses Working Together to Create Jobs

Natural Gas Expansion closer to reality with Lincoln Paper and Tissues’ announcement with Bangor Gas

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage says expanding natural gas service in Maine is critical to retaining the state’s manufacturer base and applauds Lincoln Paper and Tissues announcement earlier today that it has signed a natural gas pipeline transportation agreement with Bangor Gas.

“I applaud the effort of Lincoln Paper and Tissue and Bangor Gas to move forward with ambitious plans to bring this critical resource to power the Lincoln mill,” said Governor LePage. “Expanding natural gas service in Maine is critical to retaining our manufacturing base, attracting business investment, and keeping Mainers employed.  This positions Lincoln Paper and Tissue to be more competitive in attracting new customers and larger orders, which will lead to more jobs. I look forward in working with them in making this critical investment a reality.”

Pipeline service to the mill will begin in late 2014 and will provide clean natural gas for tissue drying and the lime kiln process, according to press release distributed by Lincoln Paper and Tissue.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has proclaimed June 15^th, 2013 as Destroyer Escort Day to honor American sailors from World War II, The Vietnam War, and the Korean War who served on Destroyer Escort ships.

These ships were used as lifelines for Allied forces by protecting convoys from the U-Boat menace in the Atlantic Ocean. Destroyer Escorts were also used in surface for air battles, surface to surface combat, shelling shores for invasions, and many other assignments. They are no longer built.

Governor LePage on Wednesday met with the New England Chapter of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, which has included Navy Veterans from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. The Governor presented them with a signed copy of the 2013 Destroyer Escort Day Proclamation.

“We are losing a generation of warriors, and it saddens me to know there are very few veterans still with us who served on these historic ships,” said Governor LePage. “Our veterans deserve respect and recognition for their dedication in defending our freedom. It is an honor to acknowledge our military men and women of the past and present and to thank them for their service. We can never thank them enough,” added Governor LePage.

In attendance were veterans who served in World War II including Commander Normand Demers, Ronald Therrien, and Francis Therrien. Veterans from the Vietnam War attended including Herbert Mann, John Dube, and Marc Groomes. Mr. Groomes also served in the Persian Gulf War. Erland Rose, a veteran of World War II, was unable to attend. These veterans reside in various towns in Maine including Lewiston, Livermore Falls, and Jay.

Commander Normand Demers remarked how pleased he was to have the Governor recognize Destroyer Escort Day in Maine, “For us to see the Governor, it’s an event for us all. We’re honored to be here and have the Governor sign this every year.” It has been a tradition for the Governor to present the Destroyer Day Proclamation, which is a proclamation by statute.

The New England Chapter of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association has seen a recent drop in number of members, from 100 to 55. The decrease in the number of members reflects how special it is to recognize veterans who served on the Destroyer Escorts. “We are an end of an era,” Mark Groomes said. Today, only two World War II Destroyer Escorts are displayed in the United States, which can be found in Albany, New York and Galveston, Texas.

If you would like to become a member of the New England Chapter of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, contact John Dube at (207) 897-5335.

The proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, World War II, The Vietnam War and the Korean War called upon thousands of America’s young men to join in the fight by land, sea and air to restore freedom and peace throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, Destroyer Escorts were designed as an anti-submarine vessel to provide a lifeline for Allied forces by protecting convoys from the U-Boat menace in the Atlantic, and were used extensively in surface to air battles, surface to surface combat, shelling shores for invasions and many other assignments; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the lives lost in these endeavors, and in commendation of the bravery and valor of these sailors, the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association has paid tribute since 1975 to those American sailors who served on Destroyer Escort ships; and

WHEREAS, the Northeast Chapter of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association will host a special ceremony in Lewiston to honor the sailors of Destroyer Escorts from WW II, Vietnam and Korea, with special tribute paid to those that lost their lives with their ships.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim June 15^th 2013 as

DESTROYER ESCORT DAY

throughout the State of Maine in commemoration of the valiant sailors who risked and often gave their lives for peace and freedom worldwide.

 

FMH Auxiliary Donates $10,000 to Hospital

Funds will go toward children’s services

Farmington ¾

A donation to Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH), scholarship announcements, committee reports, and the installment of new officers were just a few of the actions taking place at the annual meeting of the Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary on June 5.

Les Gatchell, Auxiliary president, presented Gerald Cayer, FMH executive vice president, with a gift of $10,000 to provide needed services for children. Cayer explained that the funds would go toward two services: first, to provide the technology and infrastructure needed to offer child psychiatry services in the pediatrics’ medical practice via telemedicine; and second, to establish a series of support groups for children and their caregivers affected by domestic violenceundefinedthe first of its kind in Franklin County.

Cayer applauded the work of the Auxiliary and gave examples of the many gifts Franklin Memorial Hospital has received from the charitable group in the last decade. “I hope you realize how much we fully appreciate all the hard work you do and the support you give to the hospital,” he said. “For example, this healing garden is here because of you. On a daily basis, I look outside my office and see patients and families there positively affected by its environment. On behalf of the board of directors, the medical staff, employees, and the community, thank you for all you have done and thank you for being there for us.”

Among the reports, Caroleen Caldwell, chair of the scholarship committee, announced the six recipients of the Auxiliary’s West Central Maine Health Careers Scholarship Program. The following nursing students will each be awarded a $600 scholarship: Logan Decker of Farmington, Heather Groder of Wilton, Catherine Grover of Jay, Ayla Haines of Salem, Gloria Reid of Strong, and Kelli Welch of New Sharon.

Kitty McDonald reported that 58 individuals have made reservations for the upcoming community tea on June 12 at Franklin Memorial Hospital . The tea, which is free and open to the public, will include information sharing, refreshments, and live entertainment by the Cavaliere Family Violinists. To attend call 897-2212.

Special recognition was given to McDonald for serving 12 years as the Farmington Fair scheduling chair, as well as Judy Farrington who served 12 years as Auxiliary treasurer.

Jill Gray, FMH community relations manager and staff liaison to the Auxiliary, installed the following officers for the coming year: Kamilla Hall, president; Dawn Girardin, 1st vice president; Jean Rand, 2nd vice president; Lois Smith, secretary; Priscilla Smith, treasurer; and Betty Levesque, assistant treasurer.

The hospital’s gift shop is the Auxiliary’s major fundraiser in its mission to provide financial support by purchasing equipment that the hospital would like to haveundefinedbutcannot fit into its budget. The 89-member Auxiliary also raises money by way of membership dues, raffles,Bag Ali sales, memorial stones, dances, food and book sales, special events, and the Remembrance Tree during the holidays.

Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary can receive a membership form by contacting Gray at 779-2555.

Maine Teacher Receives James Madison Fellowship

Governor Paul LePage congratulates Normand J. L’Heureux for achieving fellowship

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today announced that Maine teacher Normand J. L’Heureux received the 2013 James Madison Memorial Fellowship from the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation in Alexandria, VA. Normand, a Boothbay Region High School teacher, is among 56 recipients nationwide to receive this honor.

L’Heureux is the only Mainer to receive the award. He teaches United States history at Boothbay Region High School where he has taught since 1997.

“I would like to congratulate Normand for earning this prestigious award,” said Governor LePage. “Your studies devoted to upholding the principles of the Constitution of the United States and to the values of our country are truly noteworthy.”

Named in honor of the fourth president of the United States and acknowledged “Father of the Constitution and Bill of Rights,” a James Madison Fellowship funds up to $24,000 of each Fellow’s course of study towards a master’s degree. That program must include a concentration of courses on the history and principles of the United States Constitution.

“Our history, shaped by many historical figures including former President James Madison, is something that unites the country from coast to coast,” added the Governor. “We are depending on our young people to be the next generation of leaders and Normand is one of many excellent Maine history teachers who are preparing our students for a bright future.”

The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation is funded by a trust fund in the Treasury of the United States and through various private donors. It seeks to recognize outstanding teachers to promote learning about the country’s government and constitution in their classrooms.

L’Heureux was selected from applicants among each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the nation’s island and trust territories. Recipients are required to teach American history or social studies in a secondary school for at least one year for each year of fellowship support.

For more information James Madison Memorial Fellowship, visit: http://www.jamesmadison.gov

Community Nature Trails at Sherwood Heights Elementary Expanded

Nearly 80 acres of open space, shared by Land Trust and Auburn Schools, makes for ideal outdoor classroom

Auburn - The Sherwood Heights Special Education Behavior Intervention class has been working closely with local organizations and volunteers to create a guided nature path, expanding on the existing trails at Sherwood Forest, a nearly 80 acre forested area behind Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn. The project completion will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting at 10 AM on Friday, June 7^th at the trailhead at Sherwood Heights.

Staff and students developed a plan to revitalize the existing structures on the path and add new ones to create a valuable resource to be shared not only with students at the school, but throughout the community. The work was completed primarily on the Micmac or White trail portion of the Sherwood Forest Nature trails with plans to continue working on the remaining trails in the future. This trail enhancement project continues a long tradition of local volunteer support for Sherwood Forest as a community resource including work done by Rick Shea, a retired long time teacher at Sherwood and an active member in the current project and Andrew Breau, a former Sherwood student and 2013 graduate of Edward Little, who earned his Eagle Scout badge as a result of a project he completed on the trails in 2004. Andrew has joined the effort by filming a documentary based on the offerings and history of the trails.

“The Androscoggin Land Trust, through our LA Trails program, is excited to see the energy Mrs. Kelley brought to this project, bringing together so many partners,” shares Jonathan LaBonte, Executive Director of the Androscoggin Land Trust. “Sherwood Forest is part of a larger vision to connect conserve land in New Auburn, and this level of community stewardship will help that happen.”

The current project was supported by a $5,000 grant through the Lowe’s Tool Box for Education program. When the grant was awarded in January 2013, Sandy Goss and Michael Iwans of Good Will Industries’ Take 2 program joined in the efforts to make the vision a reality. Take 2 is a program designed to assist struggling adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to learn a trade allowing them to become contributing members of society. The Take 2 team diligently constructed, refurbished and assembled all of the bridges, stairs and signs found on the trail. Sherwood members painted the structures, cleared paths and furnished the educational information found displayed throughout the trail.

According to Mrs. Kelly Kelley, lead at Sherwood Heights, “This was my first experience securing and working with a grant and I am completely awestruck by the generosity, support and outstanding efforts of everyone involved. What started out as an impulsive brainstorm for a school project blossomed into an amazing opportunity to create a meaningful and productive learning experience for the students and a valuable resource for the community.”

Plans to expand the project and encourage more consistent use by Sherwood Heights’ staff and students have been eagerly supported by additional organizations. Project Learning Tree has reserved space for 2 Sherwood teachers to participate in the development of a teaching model focused on Maine’s natural resources.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 7^th, 2013 to thank everyone for their efforts and to present the completed Sherwood Forest Guided Path to the school and community.

WHEN

Friday, June 7^th, 2013 at 10 AM

WHERE:

Sherwood Heights Elementary School, 32 Sherwood Drive, Auburn

Parking:

On the street (Sherwood Dr) or in the lower parking lot of the school if there is space available.

Military-related Legislation Moves to the Senate, Governor and First Lady Continue to Advocate for Bills

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage on Tuesday continued encouraging legislators to support two bills that ensure the state’s students have opportunities to explore military service. Debates today began in the House Chamber on LD 1502 and LD 1503 – both are Governor’s bills sponsored by House Republican Leader Ken Fredette of Newport.

LD 1502, An Act To Expand Student Access to Certain Career Information and Opportunities, would require school boards to adopt policies allowing the administration of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, known as ASVAB, to students who are interested. Some public high schools in Maine currently prohibit its administration on school grounds.

Republican lawmakers, many of them veterans, spoke in favor of the bill, saying that ASVAB is a valuable vocational aptitude tool for civilian as well as military jobs. They noted that opposition to the measure is reminiscent of the anti-military sentiment that marked the Vietnam era. However, the bill was rejected mostly along party lines, 74-68.

“Yet again Democrats continue to deny our students opportunities and options. The ASVAB test has great value in helping students consider their future potential in life and does not solely focus on military careers,” Governor LePage said. “It provides students and advisors a critical aptitude testing tool that helps students better understand themselves, regardless of the professions they choose.”

LD 1503, An Act To Ensure Student Access to Post-secondary Military Options, was also voted on in the House Tuesday after an hour of debate. The bill would require school districts to adopt policies allowing uniformed military recruiters the same access and opportunity to meet with students enjoyed by other post-secondary and career recruiters.

“Maine schools should be encouraging our nation’s uniformed heroes coming into schools, not discriminating against them. Banning uniformed recruiters and blocking students from taking the ASVAB is shameful behavior,” the Governor said.

“Military service is our nation’s highest calling, and nothing should stand in the way of Maine’s students who wish to pursue that brave and patriotic path,” said First Lady Ann LePage, who has made advocacy for Maine’s military members of past and present and their families a priority of her tenure as Maine’s First Lady. “Maine students should have the same opportunity to talk to recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard as they do those from any college or university. We may have our political differences here in Augusta, but for the good of Maine’s young adults and our nation, let’s put them aside and join together to support these bills.”

Ultimately, House lawmakers passed LD 1503, 115-28.

Both bills now go to the Senate.

Governor Calls on Congress to Reject Legislation that puts 600 Northern Maine Jobs at Risk

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today called on the leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to drop provisions in a pending piece of legislation that would negatively impact northern Maine’s economy by putting 600 good-paying Maine jobs at risk.

The legislation, H.R. 1919, includes a provision, in Section 8, that would mandate electronic labeling for pharmaceutical drugs, meaning that information on dosage, side effects or other critical information would available only on-line and would not be provided on paper with the drugs themselves.

Twin Rivers Paper Mill is the leading producer of uncoated printing papers used as pharmaceutical inserts in North America – a product the legislation would eliminate by moving all information to the internet. The mill, located in Madawaska, employs 1,200 people in Saint John valley, including 600 workers in Maine.

“Twin Rivers is an economic driver in the region, spending more than $350 million every year on supplies, raw materials and on salaries for the people who work there,” said Governor Paul LePage. “In addition, the mill supports thousands of additional jobs in northern Maine that are indirectly associated with the facility, plus it pays more than $2.7 million in property taxes annually to the Town of Madawaska.

“I urge Congress to reject this bill, not just because of the impact on Maine jobs, but because this bill is irresponsible. Senior citizens are the largest users of pharmaceutical medications and they are also the least likely to have easy access to information on the internet.”

The House bill is schedule for a vote on Monday evening, while the Senate legislation is still pending and does not include the Section 8 language.

Annual Healthcare Golf Classic Taking Place July 14–15

Openings remain for teams and sponsorship opportunities

Farmington ¾

Franklin Community Health Network’s (FCHN) annual Healthcare Golf Classic will be a two-day, two-tournament event at the Sugarloaf Golf Club that will take place on July 14–15. The beneficiaries will be the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center . Both provide health services to people in need.

Monday’s tournament is a four-person scramble and anyone is welcome to participate as part of a team or as an individual (individuals who register will be assigned to teams needing members). “This tournament has been recognized by past participants as one of the most enjoyable golfing events in Maine ,” said Janis Walker, tournament chair.

Golf Digest has named the Sugarloaf Golf Club as the number 1 golf course in Maine from 1985-2009 and 2011-2013.

The Healthcare Golf Classic festivities will begin with a noontime best ball tournament and reception on Sunday for the tournament’s major sponsors. On Monday, there will be a continental breakfast for all players, followed by 18 holes of tournament play, a luncheon, and awards ceremony.Both men’s and women’s first place and runner-up low gross and net scores will be awarded.

“There are still an assortment of sponsorship opportunities for local businesses that wish to participate including team sponsors, breakfast and award sponsors, and hole sponsors,” added Walker .

For additional information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750.

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PLEASE NOTE THAT AN INACCURATE VERSION OF THIS RELEASE WAS SENT EARLIER. THIS IS THE CORRECT VERSION. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage are calling on the Maine Legislature to vote not as divided Republicans and Democrats but as united Americans on two bills that ensure the state’s students have opportunity to explore military service.

The two Governor’s bills, go before the full Legislature with divided reports after being rejected on essentially party line votes in the Democrat-controlled Education Committee last month.

Votes on both bills in the Maine House has not yet been scheduled but could happen as early as tomorrow.

“Military service is our nation’s highest calling and nothing should stand in the way of Maine’s students who wish to pursue that brave and patriotic path,” said the LePages, who have made advocacy for Maine’s military members of past and present and their families a hallmark of their tenure in the Blaine House. “Maine students should have the same opportunity to talk to recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard as they do those from Colby, Bates and Bowdoin. We may have our political differences here in Augusta, but for the good of Maine’s young adults and our nation, let’s put them aside and join together to support these bills.”

LD 1502, An Act To Expand Student Access to Certain Career Information and Opportunities, would require school boards to adopt policies allowing the administration of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, known as ASVAB, to those who are interested.

The test helps students understand their strengths and which jobs may be best for them, but some public high schools in Maine prohibit its administration on school grounds.

The Education Committee rejected LD 1502, the ASVAB bill, on a party line 8-5 vote after little discussion.

LD 1503, An Act To Ensure Student Access to Post-secondary Military Options, would require school districts to adopt policies allowing uniformed military recruiters the same access and opportunity to meet with students enjoyed by other post-secondary and career recruiters.

The No Child Left Behind Act already requires schools receiving federal funds to allow access to military recruiters, but does not specify if they can wear military uniforms, an exclusion some Maine schools have established on their own without explanation.

That bill was defeated 7-6 by the committee’s Democrats though Representative Matthea Daughtry of Brunswick did join her Republican colleagues to support the equal access measure.

“The ASVAB test has great value beyond helping students consider their potential future in the military,” Governor LePage added. “It provides students and advisers a critical aptitude testing tool that helps steer students on a productive life path regardless of the profession they choose. Maine schools should be welcoming in our nation’s uniformed heroes.”

The two bills were prompted by the concerns military representatives brought to Governor LePage and the Department of Education. Because military representatives often abstain from testifying before legislative committees, Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen spoke on their behalf, expressing support from the Department and the LePage Administration.

“It is our position that students should have every opportunity to explore a career in the armed forces,” the Commissioner said. “By prohibiting uniformed recruiters or the ASVAB test, we are sending students a message that military service is something to which they should not aspire. These bills do not require students to enlist, they simply allow students to explore all of their post-secondary options, whether that be college, career or service to their community and country.”