Have a wonderful day!

Sabattus Family Fun Festival is this Thursday!

The Sabattus Family Fun Festival will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm this Thursday, July 22nd, at the Sabattus Town Hall on Middle Road in Sabattus.

All Sabattus residents are welcome. Come and meet your neighbors. Bring the kids to play games and enjoy a barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, and many other goodies.

Visit the Sabattus Town website to keep informed on other events happening in Sabattus. www.sabattus.org

I hope to see you there!

Greene Village Day

Greene Village Day begins on Friday, September 10th. Friday nights events will start off with a bonfire, music, dancing, and lots of good food. You can also try your hand at the money machine. Festivities start at 6pm until 10pm. Dont miss this evening of fun! Free admission. Dance to the band “Skosh”. Great for ALL ages!

Saturday, September 11th, starts with a Blueberry Pancake breakfast at the Fire Station, parade down Main Street and lots of food, fun and games. All activities will be located at the fields on Recreation Drive, just off Main Street. Visit www.greenevillageday.com for more information.

I will have a booth at Greene Village Day. I look forward to seeing you there!

Visit the Greene town website to keep informed on other events happening in Greene. www.townofgreene.net

Have a Happy and Save 4th of July!

Thousands of Maine businesses may qualify for tax credits and assistance with costs to cover early retiree health benefits - right now…

The new health care law will affect businesses small and large, although many provisions, such as the health insurance exchanges, won’t go into effect until 2014.  In the meantime, there are a number of transitional provisions of the law that could benefit many Maine businesses, including tax credits and a reinsurance program to cover the costs of early retirees’ insurance claims.

When the Patient Care and Affordable Care Act of 2010 is fully implemented, small businesses will be able to participate in a state insurance exchange, which will give them leverage to negotiate with insurers for the best price and greater accountability.

While the exchange won’t be operational until 2014, the Affordable Care Act has several provisions of interest to businesses that are already in effect. Tax credits are available for the current tax year and through 2014.

• Some restrictions apply, for example sole proprietors are not included in the program, but in general, tax credits are available for up to 35% of the premiums a small business pays for its workers.
• Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and average wages under $25,000 who cover at least 50% of the cost of coverage will qualify for the maximum credit.
• Firms with up to 25 employees and average wages of up to $50,000 are eligible for smaller credits.
• Credits are available from 2010 to 2013 and increase to 50% in 2014.
• Non-profits are also eligible for a tax benefit, with slightly different criteria.

Employers interested in applying for the credit can contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance for more information.

I wanted to let you know that on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20th, all Maine residents can enjoy free admission to Maine state parks and historic sites [click here for more info]. This could be a great way to enjoy the day and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Maine State Park System.

Have Fun!

VisitMaine.com

Visitmaine.com is the Maine Office of Tourism’s Official tourism website. Each year, the site receives more than 1.7 million unique visitors every year to its web portal.

Visitmaine.com offers tourists and other visitors to Maine the opportunity to map out their trip to our state by searching for restaurants, diners, shopping, camping–just about anything you can think of that is tourism-related.

Visitmaine.com provides visitors looking for tourism-oriented information like restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities a variety of choices by town or region. Visitors can actually develop a trip guide while they are on the site so they can help plan their itinerary while they visit Maine.

Any Maine tourism-related business can post information about their business on the website. Communities or organizations holding festivals or other events can also advertise their listing too. For example, if a visitor types in Lisbon Falls, a listing for the Moxie Festival appears with detailed information about the weekend of entertainment from July 9th through July 11th.

If you would like to advertise your tourism-oriented business or event on visitmaine.com, check out the instructions I have listed further below in this email. If you would like additional assistance with your business or organization’s listing, please contact Suzanne McKechnie at (207) 624-9808.

How to Add Your Business to VisitMaine.com

Instructions for First Time users of visitmaine.com:

1. Go to visitmaine.com.
2. At the bottom of the page, click on “Tourism Partners”.
3. At the bottom of the page, click on the “Create a profile” icon.
4. Complete the online form and click “Save.” This brings you to the “Manage Listings” page.
5. Click on the “Add a new organization” link next to the green circle with the white cross.
6. Complete the five-step process for adding an organization.
7. In Step 4, be sure to check the “accept the map below” box if you want people to see a map or your business’ location or map directions using our trip planning tool.

NOTE: The map location is based upon what you input into the “Physical Address” section of Step 1. If the red pointer appears in the wrong location on the map in Step 4, you may click the correct location on the map to move the pointer. You may use the minus or plus scale in the upper left corner of the map to zoom in or zoom out.

8. Click “Finish.” This submits your listing to the Office of Tourism for review. Please allow one week for review and approval.

You may see me out and about in the next week. On Saturday, June 5th, I will be at the Sabattus Town Meeting; on June 8th, voting day, I will be standing at the polls in Greene in the morning, and Sabattus in the evening. I hope to see some of you out and about.

Enjoy your weekend!

2010 Fair Locations and Dates

It’s fair season! Below is a listing of the upcoming fairs for 2010. Have fun!

HOULTON FAIR, July 1-4
OSSIPEE VALLEY FAIR, July 8-11
WATERFORD WORLD’S FAIR, July 16-18
PITTSTON FAIR, July 22-25
MONMOUTH FAIR, July 28-31
BANGOR STATE FAIR, July 30-Aug 8
NORTHERN MAINE FAIR, July 30-Aug 7
ATHENS FAIR, Aug 6-8
TOPSHAM FAIR, Aug 8-14
SKOWHEGAN STATE FAIR, Aug 12-21
UNION FAIR, Aug 21-28
PISCATAQUIS FAIR, Aug 26-29
ACTON FAIR, Aug 26-29
WINDSOR FAIR, Aug 29-Sept 6
BLUE HILL FAIR, Sept 2-6
SPRINGFIELD FAIR, Sept 3-6
HARMONY FREE FAIR, Sept 3-6
CLINTON LIONS FAIR, Sept 9-12
LITCHFIELD FAIR, Sept 10-12
CORNISH HORSEMAN’S DAY, Sept 11
OXFORD FAIR, Sept 12-18
NEW PORTLAND FAIR, Sept 17-19
FARMINGTON FAIR, Sept 19-25
COMMON GROUND FAIR, Sept 24-26
CUMBERLAND FAIR, Sept 26-Oct 2
FRYEBURG FAIR, Oct 3-10

Tuesday, June 8th, Voting Day

This is a just a reminder to vote next Tuesday.

This a primary election for Governor so it is an important one. Visit WMTW Channel 8 to view Democratic and Republican debates…
http://www.wmtw.com/politics/23780094/detail.html

Want to know what the Referendum questions are? Visit this link…
http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/citizensguide.pdf

Confused about Question one?
http://www.state.me.us/revenue/incomeestate/1040/taxreformindividual.htm

http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/855316

Have a great day!

Medicare and the New Health Law

Starting today and throughout this week, Medicare beneficiaries across the state will be receiving a brochure titled “Medicare and the New Health Law - What it Means to You.” The mailing outlines the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act for people with Medicare as well as members of their families.

Medicare is encouraging people to log on to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get their questions about Medicare or the Affordable Care Act answered and reminds them to be alert for possible scams.

The first benefit that many people with Medicare will receive as a result of the passage of the new law is a one-time check for $250, if they enter the Part D donut hole and are not eligible for Medicare Extra Help. Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get free preventative care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, in addition to a free annual wellness visit. The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars.

The brochure can also be found at:
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11467.pdf

I have also provided some information on a couple of Efficiency Maine programs that you and family may be able to benefit from.

Have a great day!

Fish Stocking Report

The 2010 Fish Stocking Report is now available. This report features daily updates from hatchery staff. Anglers will now be able to easily locate waters freshly stocked with catchable trout.

Waters are grouped by county, listed by town, and include the date of stocking as well as the species, quantity, and size of fish released.

Have fun out there!

2010 Fish Stocking List

Residential Heating/Cooling Appliance Replacement Program

Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides incentives for residents who are replacing the following items with more energy efficient models:

• Central air conditioners
• Oil furnaces
• Oil boilers
• Gas furnaces
• Gas boilers
• Air source heat pumps
• Electric heat pump water heaters
• Gas tankless water heaters

Check out this link for more information and an application.

Appliance Rebate Program

Look for the point of purchase displays at retailers statewide to take advantage of the Efficiency Maine Appliance Rebate Program. Enjoy rebate incentives today and lower bills tomorrow on selected Energy Star appliances:

Be sure to obtain a mail-in rebate form from a retailer at purchase time to submit with a copy of your receipt.

In this e-newsletter, I want to share with you information about funds that are available to homeowners in Maine. This is very important information. Many of these programs have been funded by the Federal Government and we have been asked to spread the word!

Have a great day!

Maine Housing’s Weatherization Program

MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program and Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) provide grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.

Weatherization improvements may include insulation, weatherstripping, caulking, and some safety-related repairs. CHIP grants may be used to repair or replace central heating systems.

Many people do not check out these programs because they believe they make too much income. I have a friend in Lisbon who lives alone. Maine Housing was able to help her with an energy audit and new roof. Check it out, this may be the help that you have been searching for.

You can find out the income guidelines and more information on this program here… Maine Housing’s Weatherization Program

Maine Housing’s Home Repair or Replacement Program

Maine Housing’s Home Repair Program provides help to low-income homeowners you cannot afford necessary home repairs. For eligible homeowners, the Maine Home Repair Program can assist with such things as:

• Wells and septic system repairs or replacements
• Heating and electrical system repairs
• Roof and chimney repairs
• Structural repairs
• Lead paint mitigation
• Repair or replacement of windows and doors
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Repair or replacement of siding
• Handicap accessibility improvements
• Other health and safety repairs

Maine Housing’s Appliance Replacement Program

The Appliance Replacement Program helps low-income people to reduce their energy costs by replacing older refrigerators and other home appliances that are inefficient and expensive to operate. The Appliance Replacement Program is made possible with funding from Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Through this program they also help you to review all your household energy expenses and show you how to save money by making your home more energy efficient.

Find out more about this program here.

I hope you had an enjoyable Easter. Next week is school vacation. I know my kids are really looking forward to it! I am sure yours are too!

The weather has been great. My lawn is raked and I am ready to get outside and have some fun before campaign season in the late summer and fall.

Enjoy the nice spring weather!

Only One Week Left for Maine Clean Elections Contributions! Can You Help?

I am running as a Maine Clean Elections candidate. To do this, I must collect sixty 5.00 donations by April 21st.

Each 5.00 contribution goes a long way to ensure that I have the campaign materials I need this upcoming fall.

Can you help? If you can, please visit the website below to contribute or give me a call and I can stop by and pick up a personal check….
https://www5.informe.org/cgi-bin/online/ethics/cleanelection/home.pl

Thank you so much for your support!

Bond Package to Help Keep and Create Jobs for Maine is Passed on April 12th

On April 12th, the last day of the Legislature’s short session, we passed a bond package.

In total the package will result in the protection and creation of nearly 3,000 jobs. Additionally, we will likely see a multiplier effect of jobs and growth around key provisions such as the Portland ship berth, the dental school and the wind energy fund. These are investments that will help secure our economy for the future.

The bond package is financially responsible. Maine has a conservative bonding record, strong credit, and track record of quickly repaying debt. Opponents say this bond package is mortgaging our childrens future and that we keep piling debt on top of debt. In reality, Maine has a low debt burden and pays its debts quickly.

• According to Standard and Poor’s, Maine has a …”Favorable debt position with a low debt burden and rapid amortization of debt outstanding.”
• The state has a “AA” bond rating from Standard and Poor’s, which is defined as “very strong capacity to meet financial commitments.”
• According to Standard and Poor’s, Maine has the lowest debt levels in all of New England, with 1 percent personal income accounting for our tax supported debt.
• According to Moody’s, Maine ranks 33rd in terms of debt per capita.
• Maine is also 28th among states when you consider debt as a percentage of personal income.
• In this biennium Maine will payoff $168.1M in debt.
• Even considering that $78M in already authorized debt will be issued, this $85M package allows us to retire $5.1M more debt than we issue.
• Under even the most aggressive draw schedule (when we borrow and spend bonds) debt service is less than 5 percent of total General Fund, Highway Fund and Revenue Sharing revenues
• Maine’s total debt for General Obligation Bonds is $507.7M. Debt service for this package is $2.1M

The current package gives careful analysis to how the entire state can succeed and what ideas will appeal to the majority of voters who will ultimately decide its fate in June.

Pastor Chet and His Son Visit the Capital

On Thursday, April 1st, Pastor Chet Garrison and his son were my guests at the Capital.

Pastor Chet did the morning prayer at the start of our daily session and was the House Chaplain for the day. His son sang the National Anthem for us all.

They both did a wonderful job and I was very honored to have them as my guests!

Did you know that if you earned less than $57,000 in 2009, you can file your taxes for free on the IRS website? Here is the link…

http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html?portlet=8

This weekend Democratic Caucuses will be held throughout the state. If you are a Democrat, please plan on attending a local caucus. It is an interesting experience. Caucuses will be this Sunday, January 31st.

Greene – 5pm to 7pm @ Greene Fire Station, 106 Patton Road- Wes Sirois  946-4047

Sabattus – 3pm to 5pm @ Sabattus Town Hall 190 Middle Road-Norm Laplante 375-4006

Last year, the local Republican Caucus was in February. I could not find any information listed on when the local Republican Caucuses will be held this year.

In the next two weeks, the Maine Public Utilities Commission will be holding expert witness hearings in Augusta on Central Maine Power’s (CMP) proposal to expand their transmission network in Maine. The hearings will start at 9am each day and be held on February 2nd-5th and 9th-12th at the Commission’s Hallowell offices on 101 Second Street. At the hearings, expert witnesses for CMP and intervenors will be cross-examined on their previously-filed testimony in the case, and will respond to questions from Commissioners and staff and other parties. These hearings are not a forum for public input, although the public can attend the hearings except when witnesses are asked questions about protected or confidential information. If you are a resident of Greene who is affected by the CMP MPRP, this may be of interest to you.