This Week in Committee

The Marine Resources Committee has had a busy week! 

A school of alewives.

Cred: GEOFFREY GILMOUR-TAYLOR FLICKR/CREATIVE COMMONS

HTTP://NEWS.MPBN.NET/POST/CANADIANS-OPPOSE-CLOSURE-ST-CROIX-RIVER-BASIN-ALEWIVES

On Monday morning 4/27 we listened to public hearings on L.D. 1262 An Act To Authorize Tribal-state Memoranda in the Eel and Elver Fisheries and L.D. 800 An Act To Prevent Passage of Alewives through the Grand Falls Dam on the St. Croix River.

On Wednesday afternoon 4/29 public hearings were held for L.D. 1227 An Act To Provide for Improved Reporting of Marine Resources Landings and L.D. 1233 An Act To Improve Enforcement of Maine's Marine Resources Laws. 

Then we had a work session for L.D. 800 An Act To Prevent Passage of Alewives through the Grand Falls Dam on the St. Croix River, L.D. 896  An Act To Improve Lobster Licensing

and L.D. 1262  An Act To Authorize Tribal-state Memoranda in the Eel and Elver Fisheries. 

Results: L.D. 800 was voted ought not to pass, L.D. 896 was tabled and L.D. 1263 was also tabled. 

Here is some background and the results on L.D. 800, which brought lots of legislative debate:

Battle revived over alewives in St. Croix River - Central Maine

Maine lawmakers reject bill to bar alewives from upper St. Croix River - The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Public Hearing testimony items for L.D. 896:

LD 896, HP 615, Text and Status, 127th Legislature, First Regular Session

Summary of "An Act To Authorize Tribal-state Memoranda in the Eel and Elver Fisheries":

www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0862&item=1&snum=127

And don't forget that bill searches and public hearing schedules and testimonies are always available at: legislature.maine.gov

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is child abuse prevention month. There is a new state-local partnership between Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maine Children’s Trust and the statewide network of community-based Child Abuse Prevention Councils. Safe and healthy homes and these community-based supports reduce the risk of abuse and neglect and promote optimal outcomes for Maine's youth.  

For prevention programs, events and ways to donate visit: 
~.:: Maine Children's Trust ::.

Free Courses on Employment Laws Available

The Maine Department of Labor will be offering sessions at no-charge for its course that educates employers about regulations governing the workplace. Classes will be held in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Presque Isle, Rockland, Skowhegan, Springvale, and Wilton.

This helpful course covers "wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, leave requirements (family medical leave and domestic violence), and break requirements. It addresses commonly asked employment-related questions and offers participants an opportunity to ask questions."

Governor LePage said:

“We are pleased to be offering these popular courses at no charge to employers all over the state to make it more convenient for small business owners and HR staff to attend. Understanding the law prevents businesses from making costly mistakes. This course helps Maine’s business managers save time, money and aggravation when complying with state regulations.”

For more information and registration see:

Maine Department of Labor: News & Events

Getting to Know More Locals

Over the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting multiple district locals! On March 31, I meet Cary Huggins, from Westport Island, of the Bicycle coalition of Maine. They are working hard for better bicycling in Maine. On April 4, at the American Legion I met David Patch,  Boothbay Harbor's rep at the Mid-Coast Veterans Council and a rep of the Maine Veteran Coordinating Committee, and learned about the great work he is doing for veteran services. On the same Saturday, I also met Assistant Chief Neil Kimball of Bristol Fire and Rescue who filled me in on all that they do to keep the community safe. On April 7, I met Nancy Adams, of the Natural Resource Council of Maine (NRCM) a non-profit membership organization working to protect and conserve Maine natural resources, to discuss her environmental concerns. It was so nice to meet you all! We will be in touch! 

More information on all of their hard work:   
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine | Making Maine a Better Place to Bicycle, since 1992

"Mainebvs.org: index"

Bristol, Maine Fire and Rescue

The Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine's leading organization working to protect Maine's environment

The Latest Press

BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register

Here are a few recent articles:  

Rep. Hawke’s days filled with hearings, phone calls and emails | Boothbay Register

Report from Augusta | Boothbay Register

It has begun | Boothbay Register

Last Night at Bigelow Labs

We received a great tour of Bigelow Laboratories in East Boothbay last night! A bus brought legislators from Augusta. We met the scientists and learned about what they're up to. Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice reception. 

Local Teens Visit State House for Taylor's Law

Local teens from Boothbay Region Elementary School and Boothbay Region High School visited the State House Tuesday and watched the legislative process for Taylor's Law (LD 737). It was great to see them taking interest and getting involved in Maine's law making process. Taylor's Law creates new restrictions on new and inexperienced teen drivers, which would prohibit non-family member passengers until the driver is 18 years old unless accompanied by a driver over 20 years old who has held a drivers license for over two years. The law would mandate that "Taylor Tags" (decals pictured above) be placed on new driver's vehicles to indicate to police officers and others that they are new drivers and should not have passengers in the vehicle and for overall general awareness. Taylor's Law was created after the Bucksport teen Taylor Darveau, 15, who was killed as a passenger in a car being driven by a 16 year old friend on October 3, 2013. Her parents Corey and Christina Darveau came up with this idea to help prevent other similar tragedies from happening in the future. They created the T.A.Y.L.O.R (acronym for thinking about your life on the road) Foundation promoting the awareness of teen driving safety and to educate the community on the issue. For more information and resources see the links below.

www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0267&item=1&snum=127

Taylor Foundation

Participate in the Public Hearing Process!

Check out the bills currently being considered at the State House: Committees | Maine Legislature

In opposition or support of specific legislation? Here are some helpful details about testifying: Testifying at a Legislative Hearing
Your opinion and input does matter. 

Also, here's a quick refresher on the legislative process: Maine Legislature: Path of Legislation

Lyme Disease Testimonies and the Need for Diagnostic & Treatment Changes in Maine

On Tuesday we heard many sad testimonies on Lyme disease, the tick born illness, from Mainers affected by the disease. Changes need to be made to allow for prevention, proper diagnosis and adequate treatment options in Maine and beyond. I met Paula, an inspirational advocate who is providing education and support to our community, who shared her story fighting Lyme disease. She is a 5-year Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease survivor. She is the co-founder of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education (MLDSE) which provides much needed support and education to people affected in midcoast Maine and advocates treatment and diagnostic changes at all governmental levels. I fully support this bill, which will help the well-being of Mainers suffering from this awful disease. 

Angele Rice & Paula Jackson Jones, local Lyme disease advocates, educators, supporters and very inspirational women. Great work ladies! 

Photo credit: http://www.midcoastlymediseasesupport.blogspot.com/

For more information on their mission and Lyme disease in Maine see the links below: 
Midcoast Lyme Disease Support and Education
Lyme Disease - Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program - MeCDC; DHHS Maine

Nancie Atwell Wins Big!

In case you haven't heard yet over the weekend Nancie Atwell, founder of The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) in Edgecomb, won the Varkey Foundation's Global Teaching Prize of $1 million, which she will be putting back into the non-profit school. She's the first 
teacher in Maine to win this incredible prize.  

Nancie Atwell Of Maine Wins $1 Million Global Teaching Prize : NPR Ed : NPR
Maine teacher giving $1M prize to school
Million-dollar win: Edgecomb educator Nancie Atwell earns major prize | Boothbay Register
Home | Center for Teaching & Learning

My First Guest at the State House

Sarah Folger was in Augusta today to say the prayer! She was also my first guest. 

Sarah and I.

Sarah during the prayer.

South Bristol Named One of the 2015 "Best Places to Live in Maine"

Down East Magazine named South Bristol one of Maine's "best places to live" in this months issue. We happen to agree.

Best Places: South Bristol - Down East
Down East Names South Bristol One of the 'Best Places to Live in Maine' - Lincoln County News - Newcastle, ME
March 2015 - Down East

photo credit: SoBristol_t1

Governor LePage's Proposed Biennial Budget for 2016-2017

Here it is.  Maine Bureau of the Budget

AFA Biennial Budget Public Hearings March 2-6th, 2015

Interested in hearing the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs' (AFA) public hearing on the Governor's biennial budget proposal happening this week? Here's the schedule and link to live audio portions from the Appropriations Committee room at the State House. 
Schedule: News | Maine State Legislature
Aduio Portions: Audio Page - Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee

Claim Your Unclaimed Property!

Maine may be holding your unclaimed property, which includes checking accounts, certificates of deposit, over payments, gift certificates, paid-up life insurance policies, unpaid wages, commissions, uncashed checks, death benefits, dividends, insurance payments, money orders, refunds, savings accounts, stocks and contents of safe deposit boxes. It's quick and easy to search with no fees cahrged to process your claim and I have seen many local names on the list. Make sure you don't have any unclaimed property by using this link: 
Maine Treasurer: Unclaimed Property: Search & Claim Unclaimed Property Online

Last Night's Lincoln County GOP Meeting

I had a great time listening to Governor LePage explain and discuss his new "Tax Reform and Relief Plan" at the Lincoln County GOP committee meeting last night in Waldoboro! LePage's new Tax Cut Plan includes reducing Maine's individual income tax and revenue sharing, eliminating the estate and tax on military pensions and also reduces taxes on pensions and property. Commissioner Mary Mayhew was also there discussing DHHS.

For a few more details about last night's event check out this link: 

Governor LePage Addresses Lincoln County Republicans - Lincoln County News - Newcastle, ME

Welcome!

Welcome to my brand new blog!

Here, you will find up to date and more in depth information concerning public policy in our great state of Maine. 

With the start of The First Regular Session of the 127th Maine Legislature, I could not be more excited to begin my first term representing District 89, including Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, part of South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island, to start working hard for you.