For those of you who would like to see what bills came through the legislative session and passed into law, and which ones did not, here is the “Legislative Digest of Bill Summaries and Enacted Laws” for bills considered during the First Regular Session of the 124th Legislature is available on the web at http://www.maine.gov/legis/opla/legdig124th-1st.htm. The Digest is prepared by the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis and the Office of Fiscal and Program Review, under the auspices of the Legislative Council, and includes summaries of all bills and adopted amendments and all laws enacted or finally passed during the First Regular Session of the 124th Maine Legislature. For ease of use, the Digest has been posted on that website as separate searchable PDF documents for each committee. Overall session statistics and session statistics for individual committees are also available on that same webpage. Please contact me if you have any questions on anything in the link. Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Here's some helpful information on home foreclosures in Maine:
n Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection: Home Foreclosure Prevention Hotline Established and Other Services Available.
As a result of action this session by the Legislature and Governor, new resources are available to consumers facing home foreclosure. LD 1418 calls on the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection to establish a toll-free consumer foreclosure prevention hotline. The line, 1-888-664-2569 (1-888-NO-4-CLŌZ), is now operational. The Bureau has also developed a letter and informational packet for consumers who contact the agency for assistance. The packet will include a list of currently-approved HUD counselors and details about the plan to make mediation available in all counties through the District Court system by January. More information about home foreclosure, and resources to assist consumers, has been added to the Bureau's website www.Credit.Maine.gov.
Monday, June 29, 2009
MAINE WEEKLY NEWS
ROUNDUP
JUNE 21-27, 2009
This is a weekly roundup of about 100 Maine news stories
from a wide variety of major and minor Maine media sources.
Please click the headline for the full story.
GOVERNENT/POLITICS/LEGISLATURE
Maine leaders weigh in on health care bills
Bangor Daily News
Baldacci Ranked Fifth "Greenest" Governor in the Nation
MPBN News
Is government-sponsored health care a viable option?
Bangor Daily News
A productive session for the Maine Legislature
York County Coast Star
Baldacci signs bill for energy program
Bangor Daily News
Kennebec Journal
Sebelius says 9 Percent of Mainers Lack Health Insurance - 6/26/09 ...
MPBN News
Snowe Pushes for Stronger Protections for Nation's Internet ...
MPBN News
County's latest crisis requires a political solution
Biddeford Journal Tribune
STEM Initiative Aims to Bolster High Tech Learning in Maine
MPBN News
Baldacci Breaks Ground for Region's First "Educare Center" - 6/25 ...
MPBN News
MPBN News
Community Forum: The end of session (June 26, 2009)
South Portland Sentry
Baldacci expands Pine Tree Zones
Bangor Daily News
NRCM celebrates 50 years of service
Bangor Daily News
Michaud Introduces Measure to Reform American Trade Policy
MPBN News
Gov. Baldacci signs 2 ecofriendly bills
Bangor Daily News
Pingree Applauds Obama's Push for Energy Legislation - 6/24/09 11 ...
MPBN News
Stimulus Funds for Bangor Federal Building Under Scrutiny
MPBN News
Collins chairs hearing on juvenile diabetes
SunJournal.com
Rep. Smith's bill expanding development zone benefits signed into law
VillageSoup Belfast
Move to reject gay marriage seeks allies
Bangor Daily News
Democratic State Representative Announces Run for Governor - 6/25 ...
MPBN News - Jun 25, 2009
Republicans trying to overturn tax overhaul
MaineToday.com
Report: 'Vast rivalry' threatens industry
MaineToday.com
Governor signs bill backed by Many Flags supporters
VillageSoup Belfast
Another national group joins campaign against gay marriage law
SunJournal.com
Group eyeing strategy to repeal consolidation
Bangor Daily News
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS/TAXES
130 Routine Paving Projects Cut From MaineDOT Plans
WMTW.com
Stimulus Funds for Bangor Federal Building Under Scrutiny
MPBN News
Manufacturers offer hope for economy
VillageSoup Belfast
Bangor Daily News
Economic doldrums continue in spring
VillageSoup Belfast
Bangor Daily News
Kennebec Journal
Rainy June hurts region's business, recreation interests
Independent Publishing Group
Windjammers Concerned About Sales Tax
WCSH-TV
Small Business Owners Get Free Help
WCSH-TV
Economy Boosts Sales at Goodwill Stores
WABI
Poultry-vaccine producer has plans to grow
Central Maine Morning Sentinel
Ethan Allen Furniture closing Andover sawmill 60 to lose jobs
SunJournal.com
Getting by: Laboring through recession (June 26, 2009)
Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Post
Maine Home Sales Remain Below 2008 Levels - 6/24/09 12:00 PM EST
MPBN News
Funding sought for Maine furnace plant
WGME
Tips for the Perfect Summer Business for Kids
WABI
SunJournal.com
Biddeford considers easier path to business licenses
Biddeford Journal Tribune
Rep. Smith's bill expanding development zone benefits signed into law
VillageSoup Belfast
Camden natives climb to top in new business
knox.VillageSoup.com
Openings, rise in sales stir hope
MaineToday.com
Camden voters approve downtown franchise moratorium
VillageSoup Belfast
Uncertainty mars Domtar startup
Bangor Daily News
Baldacci expands Pine Tree Zones
Bangor Daily News
Bangor Street Lights Being Switched to LEDs
WABI
Mill site has more asbestos than expected
Central Maine Morning Sentinel
Bangor City Leaders Fear Excise Tax Cuts
WCSH-TV
Michaud's TRADE Act Earns Support of 106 Congresspeople
The Exception Magazine
Report: 'Vast rivalry' threatens industry
MaineToday.com
Cultural organizations awarded $500000 each
SunJournal.com
Local strawberry fields soaked
Central Maine Morning Sentinel
Organic Farmers Struggling In Recession
WMTW.com
Bangor Daily News
Bangor Daily News
BIW benefits from funding for ship repairs
MaineToday.com
Bangor Daily News
Maine waste management industry taking economic hit
SunJournal.com
Rockland Foodservice open to everyone
knox.VillageSoup.com
Government Stimulates Savings More Than Spending
WMTW.com
Defense Bill Provision Boosts Prospects for BNAS Redevelopment
MPBN News
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT/WILDLIFE
Regulators Approve Sea Change in Groundfish Rules
MPBN News
Fox Islands Wind project to break ground June 29
VillageSoup Belfast
Baldacci signs bill for energy program
Bangor Daily News
King will speak on energy in Falmouth
MaineToday.com
New Rules For Home Heating Oil Tanks
WCSH-TV
Portland board OKs rezoning for wind-testing towers
MaineToday.com
Moratorium extension to be voted on again in Jackson
VillageSoup Belfast
Bangor Street Lights Being Switched to LEDs
WABI
Pingree Applauds Obama's Push for Energy Legislation - 6/24/09 11 ...
MPBN News
Home Energy Evaluation Can Guide Summer Home-Improvement Projects
The University of Maine
Up, Up and Away...Oil Prices Continue to Climb
WABI
Millinocket factory plan eyes 150 jobs
Bangor Daily News
RGGI Auction Yields Millions More for Energy Efficiency Projects ...
MPBN News
TUESDAY Wind turbine ordinance creation on the horizon
Independent Publishing Group
Tidal power hearing puts DEP on spot
Bangor Daily News
Court Sides With Feds in Power Grid Dispute
MPBN News
Maine waste management industry taking economic hit
SunJournal.com
Feds Sending $5 Million for New Buses in Maine
The Exception Magazine
Bangor Daily News
SunJournal.com
Training to Fend Off Pesky Tree Beetle
WABI
Gov. Baldacci signs 2 ecofriendly bills
Bangor Daily News
Fluorescent bulb recycling will protect health in Maine
Biddeford Journal Tribune
Maine Health Care Pros Push for Climate Change Legislation
The Exception Magazine
Maine law promotes renewable power
WGME
Baldacci to Sign First-in-the-Nation Bulb Recycling Law - 6/22/09 ...
MPBN News
HEALTH/HEALTH CARE/HOSPITALS/NURSES
Feds Strip Machias Hospital of Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursements
MPBN News
Sebelius says 9 Percent of Mainers Lack Health Insurance - 6/26/09 ...
MPBN News
Maine leaders weigh in on health care bills
Bangor Daily News
Treat hand delivers health-care message to feds
VillageSoup Belfast
Fluorescent bulb recycling will protect health in Maine
Biddeford Journal Tribune
Collins Chairs Star-Studded Hearing on Diabetes Research
MPBN News
Michaud Supports House Bill that Will Assist Togus VA Medical ...
The Exception Magazine
Chloramine at pool led to illnesses
Bangor Daily News
CMMC Announces $45 Million Expansion Project
MPBN News
Pen Bay Healthcare board leans toward becoming part of MaineHealth
VillageSoup Belfast
More Swine flu in Androscoggin County
SunJournal.com
Governor grapples with obesity in Maine
VillageSoup Belfast
H1N1 flu sickens 9 staffers at 4 camps
Bangor Daily News
Researchers Say Kids Need More Excercise
WCSH-TV
SunJournal.com
Mainers Sickened By Cookie Dough
WMTW.com
Swine Flu Shot Campaign Could Involve 600M Doses
WMTW.com
Midcoast prevention success gains national attention
VillageSoup Belfast -
State cautions clam diggers about storm contamination
VillageSoup Belfast
Feds indict 53 for Medicare fraud
WGME
Syringes Wash Up On Harpswell Beach
WCSH-TV
Conference emphasizes Maine dentist shortage
Bangor Daily News
SENIORS/MEDICARE/DIRIGO HEALTH
Call for Vendors & Sponsors for "Art of Aging Lifestyle Conference"
knox.VillageSoup.com
Single-payer: A plan to be embraced, not feared
York County Coast Star
Single-Payer, Medicare for All, as Best Solution to Crisis
Common Dreams
Driving Courses Target Elderly Motorists
MPBN News
Frozen Meals on Wheels Dinners Getting Mixed Reviews
MPBN News
Mainers are Disposing their Drugs
WABI
LABOR/EMPLOYMENT/JOBS
Ethan Allen Furniture closing Andover sawmill 60 to lose jobs
SunJournal.com
Millinocket factory plan eyes 150 jobs
Bangor Daily News
Our economy 'built on income inequity'
Central Maine Morning Sentinel
Community Forum: 'Green' jobs and savings (June 26, 2009)
Scarborough Leader
Youth target of summer jobs program
Bangor Daily News
Maine Deserves a Level Playing Field
The Exception Magazine - Mike Michaud
Four full-time jobs being cut by USM
MaineToday.com
County government braces for up to 40 layoffs
Biddeford Journal Tribune
MaineToday.com
BIW benefits from funding for ship repairs
MaineToday.com
Stripped DOT paving budget jars road repair crews, towns
Bangor Daily News
One bright spot in current construction downturn
Kennebec Journal
Kimberly-Clark To Cut 1600 Jobs
WMTW.com
EDUCATION/SCHOOLS/COLLEGES
Ending UMS Inertia
Editorial - Bangor Daily News
Education Foundation of the Kennebunks thrives through Ted Damon
York County Coast Star
Simplifying college aid
Bangor Daily News
Maine Educators Weigh Implications of Court Ruling on Special ...
MPBN News
STEM Initiative Aims to Bolster High Tech Learning in Maine
MPBN News
Chairman of Coalition to Save Schools calls consolidation law ...
VillageSoup Belfast
BHS to get new student laptops
Biddeford Journal Tribune
Local schools begin getting stimulus funds
Kennebec Journal
Panel on university structure urges major changes
WGME
Maine Colleges Sign on to National Initiative to Attract Veterans
MPBN News
Bangor Daily News
KeepMEcurrent.com
Rumford students to get safer walk home
SunJournal.com
Four full-time jobs being cut by USM
MaineToday.com
Economic Woes Threaten Future of UMaine Folklife Center
MPBN News
Task force ponders ways to curb teen drinking
Bangor Daily News
Bates president receives alumnae honor as 'outstanding educator'
Bates Magazine
Group eyeing strategy to repeal consolidation
Bangor Daily News
Bangor Daily News
Supreme Court rules strip searching students illegal
SunJournal.com
LAW/COURTS/PRISONS/POLICE
Task force ponders ways to curb teen drinking
Bangor Daily News
York Country Officials Coping With Cuts
WCSH-TV
State overturns city sex offender law
KeepMEcurrent.com
Extended jail sentences may be served out of Knox County under ...
VillageSoup Belfast
WGME
Officers Train For Motorcycle Duty
WCSH-TV
County government braces for up to 40 layoffs
Biddeford Journal Tribune
Kennebec Journal
Bangor Daily News