Governor Goes After Self-Serving and Corrupt State Employees

Maine Development Foundation – the Catalyst April 2012

Empowering Maine People to Power Maine’s Economy – As the warm weather arrives, MDF is absolutely bustling with activity. We released the Maine Economic Growth Council’s Measures of Growth in Focus report in early March and our staff is available if your organization would like a presentation. We have begun traveling the state with our wonderful partner, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, sharing our third report in the Making Maine Work Series, “Investment in Early Childhood = Real Economic Development.”

Public Information on Search for Missing Musician in Howland

Please find below some photos and video from the Howland search being conducted this morning for the missing musician. The Maine Forest Service has four forest rangers and the helicopter/ranger [...]

Governor Concludes Mining Bill Will Spur Hundreds of Jobs in Northern Maine

More than twenty years since Maine laws governing the permitting process for mining activity have been examined by lawmakers there is a new law that will take effect. Today, Governor Paul LePage signed LD 1853, “An Act To Improve Environmental Oversight and Streamline Permitting for Metallic Mineral Mining in Maine. The bill, which is sponsored by Representative John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, seeks to improve environmental oversight and make the permitting process for mining activity in Maine more efficient through a consolidated permitting process.

Governor LePage Posts Upcoming Events for the Week of April 23, 2012

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 9:30 a.m. Public Signing for the Mining Bill Location: Cabinet Room Background Governor LePage will sign LD 1853, “An Act To Improve Environmental Oversight and Streamline Permitting for Metallic Mineral Mining in Maine.” Speakers include: Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, Patricia Aho, Senator Tom Saviello (R-Franklin), Environmental and Natural Resources Committee Chair, and sponsor of the bill Representative John Martin (D-Eagle Lake).

Public Events for Governor LePage for April 18 and 19, 2012

For the past eighteen months, Governor Paul LePage has been focused on promoting and supporting legislation that will help Maine’s job creators expand and succeed, and invest in providing good jobs for Mainers. On Wednesday he will sign three bills, passed during the second session of the 125th Legislature, which focus on revitalizing the Maine economy.

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Seeks Grant Proposals to Enhance Public Recreational Boat Access

To this end, the Maine Legislature established the Boating Facilities Fund in 1963, administered by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), and funded with the state tax on gasoline used by recreational motor boats. BPL uses these funds to acquire, develop and renovate recreational boat access sites and to place and maintain navigational buoys on nearly 50 inland lakes and ponds.

Maine State Library in your pocket? You Bet!

Search it, scan it, request it, download it – just don’t think about a new book – get a new book right from your smart phone. Now that’s progress! The Maine State Library and its catalog (URSUS) are at your fingertips with a new mobile website, using the Library Anywhere app.

Governor Signs Domestic Violence Bill to Assist Victims of Violent Crime and Other Public Laws

The aftermath of a violent crime may leave victims and their families physically and emotionally overwhelmed, but each personal loss carries a financial loss as well. Yesterday, Governor Paul LePage signed LD 1841, “An Act to Ensure Funding for the Victims’ Compensation Fund,” which will financially assist victims of domestic violence. LD 1841 is a Governor’s bill and the lead sponsor is Representative Ken Fredette of Newport.

Statement of Governor LePage on Budget

Governor Paul LePage released the following statement on Thursday after learning about more details of the General Fund Second Supplemental Budget proposal. Since mid-March, the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs has worked toward finalizing a proposal which addresses balancing the budget through June 30, 2013.

Free Two-Day Training for Child Protective Stakeholders on May 3 & 4, 2012

It is too good of a deal to pass up if your handle Child Protective cases! There are even overnight accommadations funds available for those traveling various distances. Please register as soon as possible since space is limited and being offered on first come, first serve basis. Additionally this CLE is approved for credit towards MCILS annual CLE requirements and the Child Protective Specialized Panel requirements. Please find the agenda and registration materials attached below.

Sebago Lake State Park Campground to Open This Friday, April 13, 2012

Sebago Lake State Park Campground – Maine’s most popular and largest state campground – will open Friday for the season and Patriot’s Day Weekend, April 14-16. The campground opening is about four weeks earlier than usual, according to officials with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, under the Maine Department of Conservation.

Welcomed New Protections for Consumers Using Pre-paid Home Heating Contracts Announced

Governor Paul R. LePage and Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Commissioner Anne L. Head announced today that a new Maine law should provide greater protections to consumers who use pre-paid home heating contracts. LD 1895, An Act To Protect Consumers by Strengthening the Laws Governing Prepaid Home Heating Oil Contracts, was signed into law as Public Law, Chapter 574, on March 30th by Governor LePage.

Maine State Employees Association Complaint Thrown Out by Maine Labor Relations Board

The Executive Director of the Maine Labor Relations Board, Marc Ayotte, dismissed a complaint filed by the Maine State Employees Association (MSEA) in February, 2012 against Governor LePage’s Administration. The Maine State Employees Association is the largest of the four state employee unions.