A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats. The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
It's not often that insurance companies, doctors, children's advocates, drug manufactures, businesses and lawmakers agree.
That's part of the reason the childhood vaccination program that was passed by the legislature and ceremonially signed into law by the Governor on May 10 is so important.
But that's just the tip of the ice berg. Not only does the law expand access to vaccinations to all Maine children, but it also cuts the costs of doing so by allowing insurance companies to work with Center for Disease Control to negotiate for vaccine prices at the much lower federal rate.
This isn't just good public health policy - it is good economic policy.
As a father of seven young children and a professional in the health field, I'm proud to have helped bring together the health industry stakeholders to bridge consensus for a law that will make a real difference for our kids - and our state's bottom line.
The law addresses a major problem in our state. Maine formally led the country in childhood vaccination rates. However, in recent years only 74 percent of children under age three receive the recommended vaccines. As a parent and a health care provider, I find this alarming and unacceptable.
In the U.S., vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable disease and death still exist and can be passed on to people who are not protected by vaccines.
Vaccine-preventable diseases have many social and economic costs: sick children miss school and can cause parents to lose time from work. These diseases also result in doctor's visits, hospitalizations, and even premature deaths. In some instances, diseases like whooping cough have been transmitted to elderly people by children that could have been immunized.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently estimated that every dollar spent on vaccinations results in direct medical cost savings of $6.30.
The law will reduce the cost of immunizations by working in conjunction with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to leverage the contract prices for vaccines at the federal rate. The cost of the program will be funded by a voluntary assessment on health insurance carriers and companies that are self insured, who would gain access to that reduced federal pricing for childhood vaccines.
It will also simplify the distribution and management of vaccines, especially for small medical practices, which now must keep double vaccine stocks, depending on whether the vaccines are for public insurance patients or private insurance patients. Having a double supply places a significant administrative and financial burden on the health care system. This new law will alleviate this burden and save money in the health care system.
Protecting our children and our communities from preventable diseases is a civic duty. I am proud to have been part of a team that recognizes the importance of access to immunizations and I hope that all Maine families will give serious consideration to make use of these life (and cost) saving measures.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
With adjournment just a few days away, the big question remaining is whether or not Maine voters will have the opportunity to decide if more than 2,750 people go to work this construction season.
For voters to have that chance, two thirds of the Senate must approve an $85 million jobs bond to be placed on the June ballot. The money will be spent building and rebuilding our roads and bridges, upgrading waste and drinking water facilities, establishing a dental school and making a significant investment in three rail lines across the state.
Failing to pass this bond package is "penny wise and pound foolish." In addition to protecting jobs and investing in the future of our economy, the Department of Transportation estimates that failure to rescue the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic railway (MMA) alone could result in $60 million in road maintenance for repairs from wear and tear caused by truck traffic from the re-routing of goods previously shipped by the rail. That is three times the cost of purchasing the railroad.
Opponents argue that the bond package should be smaller or that we should pull out individual projects. However, that argument pits the economic vitality of individual parts of the state against one another. All of these projects are important to the entire state.
The bond package is fiscally responsible. Opponents say the package is mortgaging our children's future and that we keep piling debt on top of debt. The problem with that argument is that it is just not true.
Maine has a low debt burden and pays its debts quickly. According to the bond rating agency Standard and Poor's, Maine has a ..."Favorable debt position with a low debt burden and rapid amortization of debt outstanding." The agency reports that 41 states have more debt per capita than Maine. In New Hampshire there is $519 of debt for each person, in Connecticut it is $4,536, but in Maine it is just $361 dollars per person, the lowest in New England.
As any business or family knows, there is a difference between good and bad debt. Like a home mortgage or a small business loan to grow a company, this bond package is good debt that will build a stronger more financially sound future for Maine.
However, Republican leadership hit the ground running Thursday morning trying to spin their failure to deliver a jobs package. They claimed Democrats left them out of the negotiation process. Not true.
Republicans had more than a month to prepare an alternate package as a starting point for negotiations on a bond package or to work with Democrats on the current package. The $85 million package that was defeated in the Senate on April 7 was already the product of a compromise. Democrats originally had proposed a $99 million bond.
It was not until the day of the vote that Republicans offered amendments, all of which proposed small, geographically limited projects that would be hard to gain approval for from a cross-section of Maine voters in a state-wide ballot in June.
It is highly disingenuous for Republican leadership to claim they want to negotiate after issuing anti-bond public statements for the past month. As of April 7, Republican leadership was still at $0 for a bond proposal. Democrats are open to alternatives, but $0 is not a good faith starting point.
Throughout the process Republican members publicly refused to support bonds.
Rep. Sawin Millett, R-Waterford, the GOP lead on the Appropriations Committee told the Bangor Daily News on March 3, "I am not interested in any further bond discussions. I don't think it is timely."
Senate Republican Leader Kevin Raye, R-Washington County, told WCSH 6 on March 29 that "a number of Republicans see the wisdom of doing no bonding at all."
And, as late as the day of the vote on April 7, House Republican Leader Rep. Josh Tardy, R-Newport, told WCSH 6 that "...it does not make sense..."
Well we disagree. There is no better time to invest in our economy and put Maine people back to work.
This legislative session has stood out because of how well the two parties worked together in the face of very difficult challenges. It is in part because of that work that Maine is in a position to make this $85 million investment and create or save more than 2,750 jobs. There are 65,000 Maine people out of work and hundreds of infrastructure projects that are "shovel ready," now is the time to pass this bond and put Maine people back to work.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Rep. Steve Butterfield, D-Bangor
In January, I was selected as one of 12 Americans to participate in a State Department program called "Young Turkey - Young America." This is an incredible honor and an exciting opportunity not only for me, but for Maine.
The goal is to strengthen the Turkish-American relationship. The participants were selected through a competitive application process as emerging leaders under 35. I am the only elected official and the only Maine resident chosen. My colleagues run the gamut from business leaders to government employees, NGO staff, and academics.
We're in the middle of a two-week stay in DC, during which we've had amazing opportunities to meet with leading policy experts - ambassadors, researchers, elected officials. But most important has been getting to know our counterparts from Turkey, and helping them get to know us.
Turkey is the geographic, cultural, political, diplomatic, and economic bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They're a stable, modern, secular Muslim democracy - a rarity in today's world. They're the seventeenth largest global economy, and growing fast. And all of that is under enormous strain. Once a firm Cold War and NATO ally united with the West against the Soviet Union, they face great and growing pressure to turn away from us now. We can't afford to let that happen.
Programs such as this matter. Guiding Turkish leaders to understanding America helps secure a key ally in an unstable region. I've been able to consistently give the "outside the Beltway" perspective to our Turkish friends during this exchange - reminding them that Washington is not always the same thing as "Main Street." We must have Turkey on our side. I'm working hard to make that a reality.
For Maine, Turkey represents huge opportunities. In 2008, Maine exported $10.8m in goods to Turkey, putting them near the bottom of our 25 largest trade partners. We can do better. When I travel to Turkey later this year, building a foundation for Maine business will be a key priority. We can also leverage the growing power of the web to connect our students with theirs, providing the kind of cultural learning opportunities for Maine students that will give them a competitive edge in an economy that increasingly demands global expertise.
We can, and must, maintain Turkey as a close friend and solid ally. I encourage folks to get in touch with me with questions and suggestions about the program. It is my honor to serve Maine in the Legislature and on this exchange.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats Byline: Press Release from the Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Democratic Leadership is proud of the role State Rep. Sharon Treat, D-Hallowell, played in helping to pass national health care reform legislation.
In 2009, over 1,000 state legislators from all 50 states signed a letter to President Obama and Congress in support of comprehensive health care reform. Over the past year, those legislators, working with Progressive States Network, advocated continually for federal reform legislation that would include strong affordability protections, shared responsibility among individuals, employers and government for health care costs, and a strong public health insurance option.
"Now that federal reform has passed, I intend to work just as hard to make sure that it is implemented effectively in Maine, so that quality health care becomes more affordable and more accessible for all of our families," Rep. Treat said. "The Insurance and Financial Services Committee has already voted unanimously in a bipartisan vote in support of a legislative task force to meet over the summer and fall to make sure that Maine gets a head start implementing the provisions of this reform."
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, State Rep. Sharon Treat invited to signing of historic health care reform Pingree, Treat will watch President Obama sign legislation to crack down on insurance companies, reduce costs for seniors
March 23, 2010
For immediate release
Contact: Willy Ritch 207-841-8400
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and State Representative Sharon Treat will be at the White House this morning when President Obama signs historic legislation making health insurance more secure and affordable.
"This legislation is going to crack down on big insurance companies like Anthem and reduce costs for seniors," Pingree said. "I'm proud that Representative Treat and I will be there to witness this historic event."
Treat and Pingree both have a long history of fighting for health care reform and served together in the Maine Legislature when Pingree passed the landmark MaineRx bill that forced big drug companies to negotiate for lower drug prices. Treat is currently House Chair of the Maine Legislature's Insurance and Financial Services Committee and has worked with White House and Congressional leaders in shaping the health care reform legislation being signed today.
"Maine has been a leader in reforming health care and Representative Treat has been a leader in Maine," Pingree said. "She has consistently stood up to big insurance companies like Anthem and fought to make health insurance more affordable and more secure."
"The legislation the President is going to sign this morning builds on many of the reforms we've made here in Maine," Treat said. "And it helps level the playing field with other states who haven't made those reforms."
Rep. Sharon Treat with Attorney General Eric Holder (photo: Willy Ritch)
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
Legislative leaders were joined by representative from several Maine businesses at a press conference unveiling the details of a jobs bond aimed at putting people to work this summer building and rebuilding the state's infrastructure. The Presiding Officers hope to have the $99 million package go before voters in June so the money can create jobs this construction season.
Nearly half of the money proposed in the jobs bill will go to fund highway reconstruction projects ($47.5 million), the other half will invest significantly in updating waste and drinking water systems ($6.67 million), making schools more energy efficient ($20 million), helping to develop passenger rail service in the Lewiston-Auburn area ($5 million) and purchasing the northern Maine railroad infrastructure previously known as the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway ($20 million).
"Despite what experts say, the economy is not growing if people cannot find work. In these difficult times we have to take prudent steps by making investments that get people working," said Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell. "The recession is forcing us to make difficult budget decisions, but cutting and finding efficiencies can only get us so far. To truly get our state back on the road to prosperity we must do all we can to create good paying jobs. This jobs bond does just that."
"This is a timely and targeted jobs package that will make key investments in our infrastructure and keep Maine people working," said Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree. "Unemployment is too high. We need to ensure that this summer is a busy one for Maine's construction industry. Maine needs to show the way and pass a jobs bond that will put money into the economy this summer."
The $47.5 million for highway construction will help alleviate a backlog of projects at the Maine DOT. According to the Federal Highway Administration, an investment of this size will create approximately 1,600 jobs. Many of them will be direct hires in the construction industry which has been hit hard by the recession and is currently experiencing about 20% unemployment.
The $2,120,000 investment in the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the $3,050,000 for the Waste Water Revolving Loan Fund will combine to draw down $25,850,000 in matching federal funds. This money will help address deficiencies in the state's aging water treatment facilities.
By acquiring the railroad assets of the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway the state will help keep a transportation line operating that serves between 20-25 businesses that directly employ approximately 750 people. Without freight rail service many of these companies believe they would not be able to continue their operations.
"It is imperative that we maintain these tracks," said Rep. Ken Theriault (D- Madawaska) "The number of businesses, communities and people that depend on these rails for the transport of lumber, wood chips, pulp wood, and heating fuels, are too numerous to count. Many businesses would lose their competitive edge if they are not able to receive and ship via rail. This abandonment will trickle down to many throughout the state. A state without rail in the North Country would not be inviting to new businesses, and the end result will be lost jobs."
Of the $20 million for energy improvements, $15 million will be available for projects at K-12 schools and $5 million will be available for projects at the University of Maine and Community College systems. These will not only put people to work immediately, improving the energy efficiency of our public buildings, they will drive down energy costs in the long term saving taxpayers money.
A complete breakdown of the proposal is as follows:
Category
Bond Amount
Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund
$2,120,000
The Majority Report's weekly column will not appear next Tuesday, as state government will be closed due to a shut down day - a cost-saving measure implemented to help balance the budget.
As such, we are posting this video in advance. Please see this video from House Majority Whip Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, on his legislation to prevent predatory signature gathering.
In our column this Tuesday, we discussed the need for Congress to pass federal jobs legislation. Here is a follow-up video that includes clips from the press conference as well as an interview with the Senate President Libby Mitchell on the topic.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
Lot's of buzz around the State House this week, with three bills strengthening the rules governing the referendum process making headlines. Two of the three, L.D. 1730 and L.D. 1690, would add transparency to the petition gathering process.
"L.D. 1690 pulls back the curtain on our direct democracy, and allows the sunlight of public knowledge to act as a natural disinfectant," Berry said. "By adding transparency, accountability, and a simple remedy for those misled, this bill would let Mainers distinguish the dishonest tactics of special interests from the honest efforts of our own neighbors."
Berry's legislation has three main components. First, the bill would require registration of hired petition organizations, as well as full disclosure of payments to gather the signatures.
The bill would give potential challengers a reasonable chance to inspect the Secretary of State's count of valid signatures. Currently, the Secretary has 30 days to certify signatures and need not list the signatures certified. Any citizen wishing to challenge the Secretary's decision must recreate the entire process in only five days.
Lastly, the bill allows signers who feel they were misled to retract their signatures by writing to the Secretary of State, including a valid signature and identifying information.
A third bill, L.D. 1692, sponsored by Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, would require the cost of initiatives to be listed on the petition, with the goal of making the public more aware of the cost of implementing the law.
Democratic leadership will hold a press conference today calling for the Maine Congressional delegation to pass a jobs package.
A year after the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the nation's economy has stabilized, but as the economy appears to be growing again, the number of businesses hiring is not. In order to jump start job growth, Legislative leaders in Augusta are calling on Congress to take swift action in passing a jobs package that will help the state avoid many state budget cuts that will cost more jobs in Maine.
The Maine Center for Economic Policy reviewed the budget proposal and has done an analysis on its impact to employment in Maine. With cuts to local school aid, Maine's public colleges and universities and healthcare, Maine could see support for as many as 10,000 jobs disappear.
Funding for many healthcare initiatives receives a nearly 3 to 1 match with federal dollars. So, for every dollar that the state cuts, businesses see the loss of four dollars.
Should the Legislature approve all of the proposals to make cuts in healthcare, the state would see as many as 6,500 jobs eliminated from the state. The cuts would not only cost jobs at Maine's hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, but throughout our state's economy. There are some glimmers of hope that we are slowly emerging from this recession. But adding 6,500 to the jobless rolls would only keep Maine in a longer, deeper recession.
Read Rep. Perry's column today in the Portland Press Herald responding to the paper's calls for the Legislature to rubber stamp the governor's budget.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats Today we will post a video from the House Chair of the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orno.
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
In the last 12 months, State revenues have fallen by $1.1 billion. Despite what you may hear from critics, the legislature has made significant cuts in state spending to adjust to these shortfalls and improve efficiency.
Last session, we cut $556 million dollars from the budget, making it the first time since 1974 that a budget was smaller than the prior year's. The Governor has a submitted a budget calling for an additional $438 million in cuts. Should the Legislature approve the Governor's budget proposal the FY 2010-2011 biennial budget will be roughly the same amount it was in FY 2004-2005.
While significant efficiencies were found last session and in previous years, many state programs and services have been cut to the bone, leaving the legislature with difficult choices as we look to balance the upcoming budget. The video below provides insight on the plans and process from the House Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee Rep. Emily Cain.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Rep. Sharon Treat, (D-Hallowell), House Chair of Insurance and Financial Services
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday morning on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
In December I traveled to Washington, D.C. with state legislators from across the country to meet with members of congress and the president's health care team to advocate for insurance reforms, such as covering people with pre-existing conditions, making sure that the federal government doesn't override consumer protections already in place in Maine, and controlling unnecessary costs. I have been doing everything I can to encourage Congress and President Obama to enact comprehensive, affordable health care reform, and this was my third trip to D.C. on my own dime.
In concert with a group of representatives and senators from across the country, called the State Legislators for Health Reform, I drafted the letter below to the president and the congress. Please read and share your feedback.
Contact your local state legislators, our senators and congressional delegation to voice your concerns about health care.
To: President Obama
Director Nancy Ann DeParle
Speaker Pelosi
Majority Leader Reid
Chairman Harkin
State Democratic Congressional Delegation
Fm: State legislators for Health Care Reform
Dt: January 21, 2010
As state leaders in health care policy, we are all disappointed the Senate lost its filibuster proof majority. However, we are more dismayed with the lack of direction on how best to proceed in securing health care for all Americans.
We represent over 1000 state legislators who have signed an open letter to you, administration officials and Congressional leaders, requesting a robust health care proposal.
Over the last several months, we have been working with our separate congressional delegations and have conducted hundreds of meetings with local advocacy groups, business leaders, health care providers, union members, small and large businesses, but most importantly, our citizens. The notion of any withdrawal from achieving the goal of universal health care to all Americans would be disastrous. It will adversely define your Presidency while dividing our Democratic base. It will reinforce the Republican message that we cannot deliver on our promises and most of all, it will deny Americans the health care that would improve and save lives.
We recommend a strategy that will both allow you to slow the process down but at the same time, meet all the principles you and the Democratic Congress have embraced. We would like to suggest that you take the following steps:
1. Finalize your discussion with the House and Senate on differences in their respective bills.
2. Keep the Senate passed bill on the House calendar.
3. Begin immediate deliberations in the Senate on reconciliation to resolve the differences between the House and Senate followed by an agreement to pass the Reconciliation Bill and the Senate Bill in the House.
We realize there will be negative political ramifications with any direction you decide, but the prospect of the inability to deliver a comprehensive piece of health care legislation with the added loss of our Democratic base would be a far worse outcome.
We are outraged at the prospects of seeking re-election without a solid and comprehensive bill. And the longer you remain silent or undecided, the more our constituents view all Democrats as part of the problem during this time of great uncertainty.
We stand ready to move our separate state advocacy groups into action. We are ready to speak loudly on the benefits of a comprehensive strategy. We are ready to support you and all our Democratic members in an unprecedented show of support. But we need a strong strategy and strong leadership.
Mr. President and Congressional leaders, our faith in you, our firm commitment to comprehensive health care reform, and our resources are ready to help you.
Sincerely,
Jack Hatch, State Senator - Iowa
Sharon Treat, State Representative - Maine
Karen Keiser, State Senator - Washington
Kyrsten Sinema, State Representative - Arizona
Dede Feldman, State Senator - New Mexico
Tom Huntley, State Representative - Minnesota
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Rep. Anne Perry (D-Calais), Chair of Health and Human Services
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
Last week the Maine Department of Environmental Protection confirmed concerns about the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste here in three towns - Augusta, Brunswick, and Bath. Tests showed that liquids that drain from the landfill, referred to as "leachate," did contain remnants of pharmaceutical drugs disposed of in household waste. In turn, the drainage from the landfills could contaminate ground water and surface water supplies.
Leachate is typically sent from the landfill to a wastewater treatment plant where pharmaceuticals may pass through virtually untreated and go directly in the river. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to remove human waste not pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmaceuticals which end up in water bodies can have negative impacts on fish and aquatic organisms.
Since 2003, I have been involved in addressing the problem of removing unused pharmaceuticals from the environment and from households. This study proves that the traditional methods of discarding, disposal in landfills or by flushing are not the answer.
I introduced LD 821, An Act to Support Collection and Proper Disposal of Unwanted Drugs, in coordination with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health and Human Services and Maine DEA, to address some of these concerns. The legislation would protect our citizens and our environment from household pharmaceutical waste.
The bill would hold pharmaceutical companies, which distribute drugs in Maine, responsible for collecting and properly disposing of unwanted drugs. The legislation would also allow manufacturers to determine the best method of collecting the unused drugs, through programs such as mail-in or take back drop off system. They would then need to comply with DEP standards for incinerating the unused medication.
Drug manufacturers are collecting and disposing of unwanted drugs in Europe and many Canadian provinces. I feel it is time for the US to have a similar program, financed and administered by these same manufacturers, especially given the high rates of prescription drug intake in our country and in our state. In 2008, according its Prescription Monitoring Program, Maine dispensed 2,299,736 prescriptions of schedule II- IV drugs, the equivalent of 1.75 medications per person, and this does not include hypertensive, diabetic and other such medications.
This issue cannot be solved by a single solution. The blanket of proper drug disposal covers the environment, drug enforcement, health care, and financial savings. If we address proper drug disposal at all levels, we will lower risks to aquatic species and human health through environmental contamination. We will reduce the quantity of unwanted pharmaceuticals in our nation's medicine cabinets and, therefore, reduce the chances for illegal diversion and accidental poisoning. Despite an ever-expanding range of available drugs, reducing over-prescribing on the front end will bring down costs.
The solution will be multi-faceted and will include product stewardship and education. It will involve manufacturers, government officials, prescribers and consumers. Now is the time to act.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Rep. Cynthia Dill, D-Cape Elizabeth
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
With all of the headlines focused on the budget crisis, it may be easy to miss some of the good news. In the last few months, Maine received a huge boost to our efforts to build our broadband infrastructure - a virtual superhighway that is quickly becoming the frontier of commerce. As such, linking our rural communities to the Internet is vital for the development of Maine's economy and our future.
That's why the $25.4 million award to the state from The National Telecommunications and Information Administration for GWI's "Three Ring Binder" middle mile project is so important.
As the House chair of the Broadband Strategy Council (BBSC), I am very excited that the federal government has chosen to accept the council's recommendations to fund one of the four major broadband infrastructure projects the BBSC recommended.
This project is a public-private effort which will allow Maine telecommunications companies and vital Maine institutions to enhance broadband Internet access in rural Maine.
The end result will be high-speed Internet connections in more than 100 additional towns throughout the state.
The success of funding this much-needed project in Maine is the result of hard work and collaboration through a public-private partnership, which serves as a wonderful example of how the people of Maine can invest in their economic future, even when times are difficult.
To understand the terminology, a "last mile" project refers to the final leg of delivering connectivity from a communications provider to a customer. Any plan to provide that last mile of connectivity to a given area has to overcome the absence of what the telecom industry calls a "middle mile" connection to the Internet. The middle mile connection is similar to an electronic artery capable of carrying large volumes of information at high speeds to large geographic areas. In many areas of Maine, such digital arteries simply do not exist.
When the BBSC began its assessment process last summer, it measured each project against the overall goal of a secure and reliable telecommunications network that provides broadband access to unserved and underserved populations and regional areas. We put a special emphasis on projects that would foster economic development, create jobs and enhance the delivery of goods and services.
GWI's "Three Ring Binder" project met all those criteria, as it will significantly improve the telecommunications infrastructure of our state and greatly enhance our ability to compete in the global economy.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Joint leadership communications staff The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
The state house is a buzz with excitement for the upcoming session, which begins tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. This session will prove to be challenging with the budget crisis taking up most of our time.
The Portland Press Herald ran a thoughtful editorial today on the subject.
While the budget will be the top priority this session, the legislature will also be debating important bills on health care, energy, and important local issues.
A full calendar of public hearings is available here.
Public feedback will be crucial to the budget process. We hope to hear your questions and concerns as we proceed.
Tune in next week to learn more about the latest developments.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats Byline: Sen. Libby Mitchell, Senate President, Sen. Phil Bartlett, Senate Majority Leader, and Rep. John Piotti, House Majority Leader The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
During the 2009 legislative session, Legislators worked hard to balance the state's budget by closing a $500 million gap. That process was extremely difficult. We examined every aspect of the budget to determine how to bring it into balance without hampering our economy or leaving behind our most vulnerable citizens. As painful as that budget was, it pales in comparison to what awaits us when we return to Augusta next week.
Just before Christmas the Governor unveiled his proposal to bridge a $438 million gap between revenue and spending. The Legislature will now begin the work of reviewing that proposal, line by line, to see how it can be improved. Debate on how best to get the state out of the red will dominate the coming months. Every dime the state spends will come under enhanced scrutiny to determine which programs must be protected and which ones we must go without.
While this debate will take place in the legislature it cannot happen without the input of the public. Throughout the process the public will be invited to share their thoughts on the impact of proposed cuts and to help us find better ways to deliver services.
Much like last session, every debate will take place under the cloud of the recession and in the context of our budget challenges. Even outside of the supplemental budget, the old way of doing business is no longer acceptable.
The spread of H1N1 has changed how we look at public health, volatility in energy prices has forced us to rethink where our power comes from, and the plummeting of state revenues has required us to reevaluate how we deliver government services. Government is expected to be more efficient than and equally as effective as the one Maine people have come to expect and rely upon.
Gone are the days when a new program can be created as soon as a new problem presents itself. The resources simply do not exist, even though new problems persist. To meet new challenges, and to better address old ones, we must look at how we can do things better. Are their things schools can do to produce better educated children? Could programs that serve the same populations but have different missions combine certain efforts to provide services at a lower cost? Are their tax breaks that stimulate investment that can be expanded while under performing incentives are eliminated?
These are the challenging questions Maine's Legislature will be wrestling with during the coming session. The problems we face are great, but even great problems have solutions. These difficult times will force us to make difficult decisions, but we also have the opportunity to make life better for Maine people.
We have tough choices ahead, but with shared compromise and ingenuity, we will move Maine forward.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Sen. Phil Bartlett and Rep. John Piotti, Senate and House majority leaders
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
It is no surprise that Maine is the national vanguard exploring offshore wind markets. After all, our state has led the country on many of the most pressing environmental challenges, from shifting our dependence on foreign oil to reducing our carbon footprint.
In the latest step today, the Governor's Ocean Energy Task Force announced three demonstration sites for the exploration of offshore wind technology located in Maine coastal waters, including Monhegan Island, Boon Island and Damariscove Island.
Rep. Bruce MacDonald of Boothbay said many in his district stood to benefit from the projects but cautioned the approach must mitigate any negative impact on the fishing community. "The advent of ocean wind power must be a win not only for electricity consumers, but also for those who already use the ocean to make a living. I am determined to minimize any negative impacts on the fisheries, and to partner with the fishing community to develop new jobs as ocean energy grows in the future."
The three sites were identified by an extensive process, which included reviewing the geography of the coast to meet certain parameters and numerous meetings with stakeholders. Those involved in the project traveled up and down the coast of Maine over the last four months talking with fishermen, citizens, local leaders and others to determine the best locations for the offshore projects.
Last session the legislature passed key legislation to help facilitate this process. The bill streamlined the permitting and leasing process for the development of offshore wind energy and tidal energy projects. It also provided for the establishment of the Maine Offshore Wind Energy Research center in order to facilitate research in this field in cooperation with the University of Maine system.
Senator Barry Hobbins, a member of the Ocean Energy Task Force and sponsor of the legislation, said "Our investment in offshore wind energy not only offers a cleaner future, but it provides our state with a path for real energy independence, an opportunity to lead the nation in emerging markets, and an avenue toward creating more green jobs. It is a win-win for Maine families."
The site off Monhegan Island will be used by a consortium led by prominent experts at the University of Maine. The University has the goal for the first demonstration turbine to be operating in the water in 2011. The remaining two sites that are available for demonstrations of offshore wind or wave energy technology are available to developers, who must begin the process by obtaining an expedited permit through the Department of Environmental Protection.
Already, Maine is home to 95 percent of the operating on-shore wind capacity in New England. The potential of our offshore wind resources is even greater than current output from on-shore projects, estimated at 100 gigawatts, or three-to-four times the current peak demand for all of New England.
Maine now depends more heavily on heating oil than any other state (80 percent), and our transportation network is 100 percent dependent on oil. The percent of the average Maine family's budget that is spent on energy is growing, and 90 percent of these expenditures are for heat and transport. Maine has established a bold vision of reducing the State's consumption of liquid fossil fuels by at least 30 percent by 2030. The offshore wind exploration is just another important step in reducing our state's dependence on foreign oil, while investing in our future.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats Byline: Rep. Seth Berry, House Majority Whip
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday morning on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
With all eyes on Copenhagen this week, we are urgently reminded of the importance of protecting and preserving our environment. The facts are alarming. Yesterday, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued a report formally declaring that carbon dioxide emissions are a danger to public health, paving the way for federal regulation of refineries, chemical facilities and power plants - even if Congress rejects climate change legislation.
Meanwhile, experts told the United Nations sponsored conference in Copenhagen that global ice-sheets are melting at an increased rate; Arctic sea-ice is disappearing much faster than recently projected, and future sea-level rise is now expected to be much higher than previously forecast.
The message is loud and clear. Climate change has accelerated beyond expectations and urgent action is required.
Here in Maine, the legislature has taken great strides to reduce our own carbon foot-print. We passed sweeping energy legislation last session that included funds for renewable energy, weatherization and workforce development programming in emerging green industries.
We established and enhanced the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Trust Fund to support the development of a carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program. The program allows the funds from carbon credits to be used for energy efficiency programs and rebates on electricity bills to ratepayers. Working similarly to the goal for a national cap-and-trade model, the program allows larger-scale emitters to purchase credits or permits from those companies or entities that fall below the emissions cap. Those funds are then used to increase efficiency and drive lower cost more efficient electricity.
Ultimately, the law has set ambitious goals, including weatherizing 100 percent of residential homes and 50 percent of businesses. Another key goal is reducing electricity and natural gas by 30 percent and heating fuel by 20 percent.
A bill I'm proposing to enhance Maine's clean energy future would further strengthen the energy efficiency programs and maximize the purchase of cheaper and cleaner electricity.
In addition to the development of a regional carbon market, we've also made significant investments in alternative energy sources, harnessing wind, solar, and bio-fuels to support emerging energy markets.
In the next session, we will continue to work to reduce carbon emissions here in Maine. Several bills on the table for consideration include reducing sulfur content in heating oil, introducing sustainable-Maine produced bio-fuels as a component to heating oil, and investing in a "smart grid" that allows individuals to use wider-spread small scale renewable sources of energy.
While these developments help position Maine as a national vanguard in green energy, they are only baby steps in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. Significant reductions will only occur when the international community agrees on global standards - and more importantly implements them. Let's hope Copenhagen gets us closer to that goal.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Rep. Hannah Pingree, Speaker of the House
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday morning on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
This week the US Senate is beginning debate on long awaited - and sorely needed - healthcare reform legislation. With so much of the media focused on the insightful policy critiques posted on Sarah Palin's Facebook status, it has been easy to forget that there is actually a lot at stake for Mainers in this reform package.
While there is a vocal minority who want nothing to pass, the majority of Mainers know that not reforming our healthcare system today will only make the crisis worse and harder to solve in the future. As a state legislator who has worked in Maine for years trying to expand coverage, protect consumers, and lower costs, I feel strongly that without real health care reform changes at the federal level, our efforts will continue to only work around the edges - and Maine people will continue to face higher costs and less coverage.
I was proud that my mom, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Mike Michaud stood up and helped the US House pass health care reform. I am hopeful that our Senators will count themselves among the majority who know the responsible thing to do is to press forward with reform. The reforms may not be perfect, but they are bold and they are a huge step in the right direction. Failure to pass a strong bill would be devastating.
Without passage of a health insurance reform, it is predicted that the number of uninsured in America will rise by 30 percent in the majority of US states over the next decade. By the year 2019 that's about 34,000 more Mainers who will go uninsured, and many more will become more and more underinsured as their deductibles grow beyond the current highs of $10,000 and $15,000. And more and more businesses will see their premiums go up.
The path we are on is not sustainable. We must change course before health insurance becomes a luxury only the few can afford. Already, too many Mainers are facing this reality of choosing between basic household expenses and health insurance. Health insurance is eating up the profits of small businesses, and the small savings that many families hoped to accumulate for their kid's education or to buy a home.
With national health reform, 135,000 Maine residents who currently don't have insurance and 69,000 Mainers who are buying insurance as individuals (not through their employers), could get more affordable insurance through the health insurance exchange, with discounts based on their ability to pay.
The health insurance reform package has benefits for Maine's small businesses, Maine's families and Maine's seniors. 22,600 small businesses in Maine could be eligible for a tax credit to help them provide affordable insurance to their valued employees. 1.3 million of Maine's families would be given greater choice and more options for affordable coverage. In a state like Maine where many people have few insurance options, this is a big deal. In addition, since the federal reform ensures consumer protections for people with pre-existing conditions and older Americans - protections already in place in Maine law - Maine's market would be more nationally competitive, bringing more companies and competition to Maine without throwing Maine consumers under the bus.
Lastly, the 44,800 Maine seniors who are hit by the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole would receive a 50 percent savings on brand name drugs -- which is a big deal. The Maine legislature acted to try to help low-income seniors with the donut hole, but it still isn't enough to help many seniors struggling with required life-saving medications. Perhaps more importantly, 252,000 seniors would receive free preventative services under the current plans. They would also see lower premiums by reducing Medicare's overpayments to private insurance companies. While Republicans have tried to scare seniors into thinking health reform was going to be bad for them, in reality, it provides important new options and safeguards for seniors coverage, care, and much needed relief from drug costs.
It has been frustrating to see an angry debate devoid of facts and real discussion of impacts on Maine taking precedence over thoughtful debate. I am hopeful that Maine people can see for themselves that national reform is important. But if you want to see what the current health care bills can mean to Maine, check out the facts at the health reform web site. Scroll down and click on Maine on the US map. See for yourself!
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee chairs Sen. Bill Diamond and Rep. Emily Cain
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday morning on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta .
We know you've heard it a million times on the news, from the president, and from your friends and families: times are tough. There is no getting around the fact. Last week, Governor John Baldacci ordered a budget curtailment to the tune of 63.1 million dollars, suspending funding across state government - particularly in the areas of education and health care. And we are not done. As we head into next session, we are expecting revenue shortfalls to reach 400 million dollars.
While the numbers are daunting (especially for those of us trying to crunch them), many states have it much worse. In Illinois the shortfalls are nearly 15 percent of the state's general fund, reaching $5 billion. In Kentucky the shortfalls are 13 percent of the general fund, reaching $1.2 billion. California 's $6.3 billion budget gap makes national headlines almost daily.
Unfortunately, we are not alone. Thankfully, a lot of really smart people are working to find solutions.
Like Maine, many of the 35 states who had a balanced budget at the start of the fiscal year have amassed huge shortfalls in the last few months as the economic recovery has lagged. Economic forecasts say that we can expect the downturn in state revenue to continue through 2011.
Since the close of Maine's last legislative session, we have been working hard to properly plan for the gaps. The Appropriations Committee has been meeting throughout the summer to review the state budget, monitor monthly revenue reports and identifying structural changes that produce long-term savings. That work will position the committee to quickly make progress when the governor presents the supplemental budget in December and when the entire legislature returns in January.
We are reviewing the curtailment as a first step in a long and hard process to responsibly balance our state budget. While we know the course will not be easy, we are confident that through a transparent, thorough and exhaustive public process we can meet the budgetary challenges before us.
The majority of the general fund is directed to education and health care. As such, these are the areas where much of the cuts will have to be made. As always, we will work hard to reduce spending in a way that preserves our safety net and positions our economy for long term growth. This will once again call for a commitment by all Mainers to share in the sacrifice that these extraordinary times call for.
In the past year our nation, our state, and our families have been hit hard. We continue to be faced with tough choices, from the halls of government to our kitchen tables. While we do not enjoy the thought of making cuts to vital services, we must make responsible financial decisions - much like Maine families are doing.
Paid sick days will keep our public and our economy healthy
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats Byline: Libby Mitchell, Senate President
The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday morning on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
This year, the onset of flu season was pushed up a few months thanks to the return of the H1N1 virus. Across the country more than 4,000 people have died from the virus, including three right here in Maine.
Public health officials say we can slow the spread of the disease by covering our cough with our sleeves, washing our hands regularly and staying home from work if we have a fever. Those are pretty simple steps, but advising a sick Mainer to stay home when they are sick is a cruel piece of advice for those employees who lack the benefit of paid sick days.
You see, everyday during flu season, thousands of people go to work sick even though they know they should be staying home. The problem is, if they do the responsible thing and stay home, they lose a day's pay. For the thousands of Mainers who lack paid sick time exposing their coworkers and customers is a risk they have to take in order to ensure the rent is paid, the cupboard is full and the heat stays on.
The public health costs are pretty obvious. Low wage workers such as restaurant workers, nursing home attendants and retail clerks are the people who most often lack paid sick time. They are also the ones most apt to come in contact with the public. It is scary to think that the person serving your food, wrapping your Christmas gifts or cleaning a nursing home could have made the choice to come to work even though they exhibit the symptoms of H1N1.
Perhaps less obvious but equally as dubious is the impact H1N1 could have on Maine. Prior to the outbreak of H1N1 (and the onset of the recession) an organization called the Trust for America's Health assessed the economic impact of the pandemic flu on all 50 states. They found that for Maine, the most likely scenario would see a $2.4 billion decline in economic activity. If you stack that onto the damage done by the recession the result would be nothing short of catastrophic.
We must do all we can to stop the spread of H1N1 this season but we must also be prepared for what comes next. I have submitted legislation that would mandate businesses to allow their workers to earn paid sick time so that they can stay home when they are sick without the fear of losing pay or being retaliated against. This is a common sense step to prevent the spread of deadly diseases in the work place.
Some in the business community have had the same knee jerk reaction they have to everything the legislature proposes but others have come out with strong support for the proposal. This bill is as much about our economic health as it is our public health. Imagine if LL Bean or Hannaford had to shut down during the holidays because a majority of their workforce contracted H1N1. That would prove to be devastating to our local economy and it is a prospect we must do what we can to prevent.
Paid sick days will not make H1N1 go away, but it does give Mainers an effective weapon with which to fight the spread of the disease.
Read this story in the Bangor Daily News to see one perspective from a Maine care-giver.
A blog column from the Maine State Senate and House Democrats
Byline: Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell, Speaker of The House Hannah Pingree, Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett, and House Majority Leader John Piotti The Majority Report is a weekly column that will appear every Tuesday on the Dirigo Blue Web site. The column aims to inform Democrats about the latest happenings under the dome in Augusta.
This Veteran's Day we honor our troops at home and abroad as our country faces wars on two fronts. We hear bleak news from Afghanistan everyday about the latest violence. Meanwhile, here at home the Ft. Hood tragedy shocked the nation.
In these times it is even more important to honor and value our veterans and the contributions and sacrifices they make for our country.
During the last legislative session, we passed several laws to show our strong support for the veterans in our community, including:
• Allowing active-duty members of the military to be eligible for the Homestead Exemption.
• Waiving undergraduate tuition for veterans attending the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy.
• Providing free access to all Maine state parks and free fishing and hunting to all Maine veterans and active duty military personnel living in Maine.
We are also fortunate to have several veterans serving in the legislator. One such veteran, Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx, has been working hard on an initiative to draw attention to the connection between national security and the threats of climate change and our dependence on foreign oil. Rep. Cornell du Houx has been promoting his campaign called Operation FREE, meeting with leaders in Washington and around the country during the past week.
He's been working to explain that new extreme weather events and a changing environment will increase global conflict over water, food, and energy supplies, while threatening public health, our military and our nation's international bargaining power. He will also help identify key challenges for which we must plan now, so we can effectively meet them in the future.
We salute Rep. Cornell du Houx's efforts and the efforts of all our veterans at home and abroad.
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