Governor LePage is Critical of Speaker Marke Eves' Comments Opposing Maine Business Tax Credit

 

February 11, 2016

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released the following statement after Speaker of the House Mark Eves’ opposed proposed legislation, when he specifically targeting the Maine Capital Investment Credit, to conform Maine’s tax code to the federal Internal Revenue Code.
“Speaker Eves has demonstrated once again he has absolutely no understanding of how business and simple economics work,” said Governor LePage. “Eves’ position is like flying on an airliner that gets you only 95 percent of the way home.”
“Eves is demonizing the private sector entrepreneurs who invest in our communities, create good-paying jobs, sign the paychecks of hardworking Mainers and generate the tax revenues we all benefit from. It’s a slap in the face to struggling mom-and-pop small businesses, as well as the companies that provide substantial investment and significant economic benefit to our state.”
In January, the LePage Administration compiled supportive statements made by Maine’s business trade associations at the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation’s public hearing on January 25, 2016. Cumulatively, these organizations represent thousands of Maine businesses.
Hope Perkins, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Richmond
“By lowering the cost of capital for equipment and technology intensive businesses, this legislation could serve as a catalyst for new and expanding investment in Maine. As Maine continues to recover from recent economic downturns, we believe it’s imperative the state engage public policy measures that make it easier to attract investment opportunity.”
Brian Parke, Maine Motor Transport Association – Augusta
“The biggest reason for our support is the provision in the tax extenders legislation that includes bonus depreciation to the year 2019. This provides a measure of certainty for our member carriers who can now confidently make capital asset purchases without wondering how depreciation rules might change from year-to-year.”
Linda Caprara, Maine State Chamber – Augusta
“Growing Maine's economy should be our number one priority. Encouraging businesses to invest on a continual basis in an effort to grow and expand and to create jobs is something I'm sure we can all agree is important. Extending and making permanent these tax provisions allows businesses to plan for the future and do just that.”
David Clough, NFIB – Portland
“There are two kinds of investments business owners make: One is to keep people in jobs by modernizing equipment. The other is to create jobs by buying equipment that is necessary to expand. Both are extremely important to the health of State of Maine’s economy.”
Ben Sanborn, Telecommunications Association of Maine – Augusta
“This benefit only accrues after investments have actually been made in the State. This is not an issue of giving support and hoping that it is used to benefit Maine, this is an issue of rewarding actual investment in the State and freeing up resources that can then be reinvested in the State.”
Peter Chandler, Maine Society of CPA’s – Portland
“Our clients are vitally interested in knowing whether they are going to receive favorable depreciation treatment and they make their decisions accordingly.”
Don Flannery, Maine Potato Board – Presque Isle
“Agriculture, no matter what it is in the State of Maine, is a small business. What we need to do - primarily to help those businesses – is support them. Passing this bill is a great step toward that. Growers that are investing – whether it be a potato farm, dairy farm, raising whatever it may be in the state – if they are going to make capital investments, they need to know what they can do and how that - going forward - will work.”

Governor LePage Submits State of the State in Writing to the 127th Legislature

02/08/2016 01:00 PM EST

AUGUSTA - Following the historical tradition of sending a gubernatorial address to the Legislature in writing, Governor Paul R. LePage today delivered his State of the State in written form to all members of the 127th Legislature.

In the eight-page State of the State, the Governor details his top priorities and urges the Legislature to work with him so they can move Maine much more quickly from poverty to prosperity. He also calls on lawmakers to focus on the heroin epidemic that is killing Mainers every week.

"As you know, I have chosen to forego the pomp and circumstance of a live speech so we can spend our time and energy on what truly matters: getting work done for the Maine people," the Governor wrote to the Legislature. "I've talked to thousands of Maine people in the past five years. They want us to work to reduce their tax burden, reform welfare so it benefits the truly needy, lower electricity rates so employers can create jobs, find ways to keep our young people here and eradicate the drug crisis that is ravaging our state."

Governor LePage also asked Mainers to pay attention to who they elect in November to represent them. "To the Maine people, I say this: If you want to improve our economy, if you truly want to prosper, then you have to change the culture in Augusta," the Governor wrote. "Vote for those candidates who will work for you. Hold them accountable; demand their attention."

 

TO READ GOVERNOR PAUL LEPAGE'S 2016 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS,

IN IT'S ENTIRETY, CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwMjA4LjU0OTExMzUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDIwOC41NDkxMTM1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2Nzk5MDM2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bGViYW5vbnRydXRoc2Vla2Vyc0Bob3RtYWlsLmNvbSZ1c2VyaWQ9bGViYW5vbnRydXRoc2Vla2Vyc0Bob3RtYWlsLmNvbSZ0YXJnZXRpZD0mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=669201&an=1

Governor LePage 2016 State of the State Address to be Delivered in Historic Fashion

This year Governor Paul LePage will not deliver his State of the State Address to the Legislature. Instead, he will follow the more historical precedent of sending a written message to the Legislature.

An address to Maine Residents from your Governor...........

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.
The State of the Union was always delivered as a written message to Congress until President Woodrow Wilson began the modern tradition of delivering it in person to lawmakers.
I would rather talk with Mainers at my town halls. The truth is, I’ve delivered the State of the State to Legislators for five years —only to have it fall on deaf ears.
Last year, socialist legislators wasted more than six months of the taxpayers’ time and money on a political witch hunt. While Mainers were literally dropping dead from the drug crisis, these legislators were grandstanding for the cameras, hoping to score political points by attacking me.
Mainers did not send us to Augusta to play childish games. They sent us here to reform welfare, lower taxes, end the drug epidemic and find ways to keep our young people in Maine.
Mainers want their government to help them prosper and improve our state. That’s why I am bringing the issues directly to the people at my town halls and outlining my vision to make Maine prosperous.
If they truly want to work for the people of Maine, legislators should listen to the people who put them in office in the first place.
My vision is clear: Continue to reform welfare and strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable; continue to lower taxes for all Mainers so they have more money in their paychecks; reduce energy costs for businesses so we can attract companies with good paying careers. Way too much money is spent on energy costs that could conversely go to wages; address the high cost of student debt that is burdening young people from living and working in Maine; and get tough on drugs by stiffening drug crime penalties, as well as cutting off the deadly drug supply by arresting traffickers who are crossing into our state.
The State of the State is about a long-term vision. Rather than deliver to Mainers once a year, I will continue to bring it directly to Maine people every week.
Thank you for listening.

Governor signs anti-drug bill LD 1537 into law

01/19/2016 02:35 PM EST

Upon delivery to his desk of LD 1537 today, Governor Paul R. LePage immediately signed the anti-drug bill, LD 1537, into law.

"I'm pleased the House and Senate incorporated the common-sense recommendations of the minority report," said Governor LePage. "I had expressed concerns about funding sources and the grant-making authority, but I thank legislative leadership for their willingness to broker changes that both the administration and the legislature could support. To be clear, this bill is just the first step in a process that needs a much more comprehensive approach."

Governor LePage Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

01/15/2016 03:56 PM EST

 AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day by attending the 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast in Waterville on Monday, Jan. 18. Additionally, Governor LePage has signed a proclamation declaring Monday as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

"On this day our state and nation remembers the life and work of a man who dedicated his life to ensure civil rights for all Americans," Governor LePage said. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was committed to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and his teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing the challenges of today."

"As we remember Dr. King, we are reminded of the many opportunities we have as Americans to give back to our communities on this holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year." This is the 25th year of the event, which is sponsored by the Waterville Rotary Club and Spectrum Generations. Governor LePage, who is a Rotarian, has attended the annual Waterville event for many years.

The Pleasant Street Methodist Church Choir and George Mitchell School students will perform music at the celebration. Allecia Reid, PH. D. William and Margaret Montgoris Assistant Professor of Psychology, Colby College, will be the guest speaker. Reid received her Ph.D. in psychology from Arizona State University. She held postdoctoral research positions at Yale University and Brown University before coming to Colby College in 2013. Dr. Reid lives in Oakland, Maine with her husband and two children.

Proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union; and

WHEREAS, Dr. King's teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing challenges in our communities; and

WHEREAS, the King Holiday and Service Act, enacted in 1994, designated the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Services with leading the effort that has inspired millions of Americans to serve their neighbors and communities on the King Holiday; and

WHEREAS, serving on the King Holiday is an appropriate way to honor Dr. King, meet local and national needs, bring our citizens together, and strengthen our communities and nation; and

WHEREAS, the King Day of Service is the only federal holiday commemorated as a national day of service, and offers an opportunity for Americans to give back to their communities on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, King Day of Service projects are being organized by a wide range of non-profits in the State of Maine.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, proclaim January 18, 2016, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

throughout the State of Maine, and call upon the people of Maine to pay tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in community service projects on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the year.

Governor LePage Issues Emergency Declaration to Assist Mainers to Keep Warm

01/13/2016 02:39 PM EST

 AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage has signed an Emergency Proclamation allowing Maine fuel transport and delivery trucks to drive additional hours to ensure timely heating fuel deliveries during the cold winter weather.

"The declaration allows heating fuel to be delivered to Maine families when they need it most," Governor LePage said. "Keeping homes warm is critical to protect the public health and safety of Mainers."

Heating fuel and bulk petroleum products in Maine continue to be in great demand due to a number of factors, including cold winter weather and regional and national storage and supply issues. Much of the heating fuels and bulk petroleum products are being delivered from outside of the State of Maine, which adds to the delivery time.

The Governor's proclamation waives U.S. Department of Transportation rules and extends the hours of service for heating fuel transport and delivery trucks within the State of Maine through February 11, 2016.

The Declaration language is as follows:

Governor's Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver

WHEREAS, heating fuel and bulk petroleum products in Maine continue to be in great demand due to a number of factors, including cold winter weather; and

WHEREAS, much of the heating fuels and bulk petroleum products are being delivered from outside of the State of Maine, adding to delivery time; and

WHEREAS, homes and businesses alike are impacted; and

WHEREAS, federal motor carrier safety regulations determine the number of hours the drivers of heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport vehicles may operate; and

WHEREAS, many drivers in the State will shortly be approaching their federal limit on hours of operation and may have to cease delivery of heating fuel and bulk petroleum fuels; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten essential public health and safety services and endanger public property if heating fuels and bulk petroleum products cannot be transported or delivered within the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow heating fuels, specifically fuel oil, propane and natural gas delivery and transport drivers to operate additional hours; and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that are not directly supporting fuel delivery in the State of Maine, or that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency within Maine for heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery drivers as of January 12, 2016 through February 11, 2016.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following:

1. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given a least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is required to return to service.

2. Drivers operating under this proclamation shall carry a copy of the proclamation with them as evidence of their direct support to the State of Maine during this emergency period.

Paul R. LePage Governor

The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show starts tomorrow!

Admission to the 3-day event is free and open to the public

AUGUSTA—The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will be held Tuesday, January 12, through Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the Augusta Civic Center. Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), the show highlights Maine agriculture and the people involved through demonstrations, presentations and meetings of nearly 40 major agricultural organizations.

There will be over 120 exhibits featuring the newest in agricultural products, equipment and services. One of the state’s largest agricultural exhibitions, the event is expected to draw more than 5,000 people over the course of three days. Admission is free and open to the public.

Governor Paul R. LePage will be on hand Tuesday for the Trades Show opening day, to highlight the economic importance of agriculture to Maine. The Governor will also join Commissioner Walt Whitcomb in publicly recognizing this year’s recipient of the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award.

“The 75th Maine Agricultural Trades Show is an opportunity to highlight Maine’s enormous potential to produce and sell even more Maine products and produce jobs,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine has the greatest diversity of food production in New England and the most farms. Maine’s reputation for quality and unique way of life matches the growing interest in locally grown foods that our family farms produce.” 

“The 75th Maine Agricultural Trades Show is as much a showcase for new Maine agricultural opportunities as it is multiple workshops that address the challenges faced by Maine farmers,” said DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “New features are on display reflecting Maine’s ever growing agricultural activity. Farmer/veteran training and multiple marketing seminars will explore access to local, regional, wholesale, foreign and other farm product connections.”

Topics of Interest to the Press:

• Commissioner’s Luncheon - Governor Paul R. LePage will join Commissioner Whitcomb to present the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award. The luncheon will also feature a special guest speaker of national prominence
• Maine Agriculture In The Classroom (MAITC) Teachers of the Year announcement
• $250,000 in Agricultural Development Grants will be Announced
• Beginning Farmer Resource Network workshops for new Maine farmers
• Farmer Veteran Coalition Press Conference  - Maine’s newly chartered Chapter of the national organization will announce a planned expansion of the their efforts to provide farming skills for returning veterans
• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) presentations and discussions on marketing and growing practices 
• Get Real Get Maine Products Showcase – An indoor farmers market
• Department Overview of Farmers Market Tips and Regulations

Something for Everyone:

This year’s show features several new offerings for attendees in addition to a wide variety of presentations covering diverse topics of interest. New 2016 program highlights also include:

• Market access seminars for Maine food interests entering the world export markets
• Instructions for growing beef production and processing
• A farmers market in the Augusta Civic Center for vendors to show their wares to food buyers
• Dozens of other meetings to advance the output of Maine farms and the return to Maine farmers
• Somerset Auction House Co. Farm Auction to benefit the Maine FFA Association

The show also provides opportunities for growers, conventional and organic, to learn the latest developments in pest management and earn credits required for pesticide license recertification. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control will also be on hand to discuss basic safety training.

This three-day event has something for everyone, the farmer, non-farmer, hobbyist, educator or supplier. Attendees can walk through, observe and learn about how food is harvested and processed. Farmers and producers can see the most up-to-date farm equipment and processing methods and equipment.

Trades Show Floor Hours:

• Tuesday, January 12, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, January 14, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The complete program and schedule are available at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf

Governor LePage to Hold Press Conference Today Regarding Recent Statements on Maine's Drug Crisis

AUGUSTA— Governor Paul R. LePage will hold a news conference at 10:00 AM in the Cabinet Room to discuss his recent remarks regarding Maine’s drug crisis.
When: Friday, January 08, 2016, 10:00 AM
Where: Cabinet Room, State House, Augusta

Governor Nominates Col. Douglas A. Farnham for Maine's Adjutant General.

12/29/2015 01:46 PM EST

 

 

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage announced today he has nominated Colonel Douglas A. Farnham as Adjutant General, the supreme military officer of the state and Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVEM).

For the past three years, Col. Farnham has been the Wing Commander of the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, known as the "MAINEiacs." A graduate of Brewer High School and the United States Air Force Academy, he holds an MBA from Chapman University and has 31 years of military service.

Commissioned in 1984 as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he served as primary pilot for CINC U.S. Space Command, a C-21A pilot, a flight examiner and ground school instructor for pilots of C-21, C-12 and C-9 aircraft. As a pilot of a KC-135E aerial refueling aircraft in the Air Guard, he was activated for Operation Noble Eagle, a mission to support homeland security in response to the September 11 attacks. He also served as a KC-135 evaluator pilot, full-time Air Guard technician, 132nd Air Refueling Squadron Operations Officer, Chief of Wing Plans.

In 2005-06, Colonel Farnham served as commander of 132nd Air Refueling Squadron. From 2006-12, he served as Operation Group Commander, 101st Air Refueling Wing, then from 2012 to present as Wing Commander, 101st Air Refueling Wing.

He is also president and fourth-generation owner of Getchell Bros. Inc., a family-owned packaged ice company in business since 1888, and has been active in local civic organizations.

"The next Adjutant General will serve at an important time for Maine airmen and soldiers," Farnham stated. "Shrinking national resources are putting intense pressure on future Department of Defense budgets. As we've seen, the entire relationship between the active duty force structure and the reserve components is and will continue to be under debate. Our Adjutant General needs to be engaged at the national level to insure Maine is part of the discussion on emerging missions and force structure."

Governor LePage had first nominated acting Adjutant General Brigadier General Gerard F. Bolduc to serve as the permanent Adjutant General, but Brig. General Bolduc withdrew his name from consideration. He will continue to serve until the new Adjutant General is confirmed.

Governor LePage Announces 2016 Maine Judicial Nominees

12/24/2015 12:23 PM EST

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage announced today judicial nominations of three lawyers to serve in Maine District Court. Selected are Charles F. Budd Jr, Cynthia Montgomery and Thomas Nale Sr.

Charles F. Budd Jr. is a partner at Rudman Winchell who focuses his practice on criminal law, divorce and child custody, family law and personal injury law. Prior to law school, Budd worked for a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. and later for Massachusetts Governor William Weld. Prior to joining Rudman Winchell, he worked for the Boston law firm of Hill & Barlow.

 

 Budd was born in Toronto, Ontario. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Boston College, he graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center, where he served as an editor of The Tax Lawyer, an ABA publication. He now resides in Bangor. Cynthia Montgomery has served as Chief Counsel since February 2015 in the Office of the Governor.

A native of Texas, Cynthia Montgomery is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she also received her law degree in 1994. She served as a union representative and in-house counsel for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 623 from 1989 to 1995. In her private practice, she successfully litigated discrimination actions against several urban governments and multiple national and international companies.

 

 Recognizing public service as her true calling, Montgomery worked as a trial attorney for the EEOC, representing the federal government in discrimination actions in Georgia federal courts. After relocating to Maine in 2002, she worked as EEO/ADA Coordinator for Maine DHHS. In 2003, she accepted a position in the Bureau of Employee Relations as a Labor Relations Specialist, then Counsel in 2006 and was promoted to the position of Chief Counsel in 2011.

Montgomery lives in Palermo with her former opposing counsel, who is now her life partner.

Attorney Thomas Nale Sr., of Nale & Nale Law Offices, has been practicing law since he was admitted to the Maine Bar in 1979. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire School of Law and Thomas College. Nale specializes in divorce, family matters and litigation. With over 35 years of litigation experience, he has tried cases before the Maine District Court, Maine Superior Court, Maine Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the District of Maine.

 

 He is a member of the Maine State Bar Association and the Waterville Bar Association, where he serves as vice president. Nale served as the Mayor of Waterville from 1986-1987. He is a former President and Treasurer of the Waterville Bar Association and is a life-long resident of the Waterville area.

Maine Governor Nominates Cabinet-Level Positions, Commissioner of Maine Department of Education and Commissioner of Department of Environmental Protection.

12/22/2015 02:35 PM EST

Earlier today, Governor LePage notified the chair of the Maine State Board of Education, Martha Harris, of his decision to nominate Dr. William Beardsley to be Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (DOE), pending that 10-member board's evaluation of the candidate. Dr. Beardsley serves currently as Acting Commissioner and has previously served as Commissioner for the Maine Department of Conservation.

While most gubernatorial commissioner appointments go directly to the legislative committee of jurisdiction, Maine statute requires the State Board of Education, which Dr. Beardsley served on until October 2015, have an opportunity to meet and interview the Governor's nomination for Education Commissioner.

 Beardsley served as President and CEO of Husson University for 22 years and also served on and has chaired numerous boards, including the Maine Development Foundation, Finance Authority of Maine, Maine Higher Education Council, Maine Independent College Association and Maine Development Foundation. Most recently, he served on the Maine State Board of Education and on the Maine Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Council.

Beardsley earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Earlham College in Indiana and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. He completed the Harvard Institute for Educational Management Program.

Governor LePage also nominated Paul Mercer as the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Mercer has worked at Maine Maritime Academy since 2006 and has held positions as Associate Professor and Department Chair within the Engineering Department. At the Academy, he has also served as a member of the senior leadership team as the Assistant to the President for Sustainability, where he led the recent Strategic Planning process, among other efforts. Mercer has used this role to promote innovation and environmental initiatives at the Academy.

 Mercer has an extensive background in environmental issues. He has worked with renewable energy development, solid fuels and biomass energy systems throughout the United States and Canada. This included acting as the lead developer of an energy project resulting in a 50 percent reduction of emissions at the Bucksport paper mill.

Additionally, Mercer was president of Northeast Engineering in Bucksport from 1983 until 2008. The company provided a full range of consulting services to the power generation field, as well as project development of waste wood, biofuels, de-inking and wood products facilities. He also served as president of Bay Engineering from 1978 until 1982.

Mercer earned a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy.

Nominee for Maine Adjutant General, Brig. General Bolduc Withdraws his Name from Consideration

 

Brig. General Bolduc

December 23, 2015

AUGUSTA – Brig. General Gerard F. Bolduc informed Governor Paul R. LePage today that he has withdrawn his name from consideration as Maine’s next Adjutant General.
“Thank you very much for your nomination as the Adjutant General of the Maine Army National Guard and the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management,” stated Brig. Gen. Bolduc. “Upon further reflection, however, I withdraw my name from consideration. I am grateful for your support for the Maine National Guard and of my leadership over the past several months.”
General Bolduc is the Commander of the Maine Air National Guard and the Assistant Adjutant General, Air at the Joint Force Headquarters, Maine Air National Guard, Camp Keyes, Augusta, Maine. General Bolduc serves as the principal advisor to the Governor and The Adjutant General on a broad range of matters concerning the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. He is the primary advisor to The Adjutant General for all ANG units in Maine and ensures the combat readiness and mission capability of an Air Refueling Wing and two Geographically Separated Units. He is responsible for the command, control and operations of plans and programs affecting more than 1,100 Maine Air National Guard personnel.
General Bolduc joined the Air Force and was commissioned in March 1982 through the Academy of Military Science, Knoxville, Tennessee. After completion of navigator training, he was assigned to Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine. He served in numerous operations and maintenance assignments and held squadron, group, and vice wing command positions.
“I’d like to thank General Bolduc for his willingness to consider the nomination and for serving as acting Adjutant General for the past nine months,” said Governor LePage. “A subsequent nominee for Adjutant General will be named in the coming months.”
The Adjutant General is the supreme military officer of the state and concurrently serves as Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVEM).

Governor LePage to Consider Tax Conformity Options

12/23/2015 04:18 PM EST

 AUGUSTA - Today Governor Paul R. LePage announced his plans to review recently passed federal legislation that makes a number of changes to federal tax law. The governor's review is necessary following changes made by the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016.

President Obama signed the legislation, known more commonly as the omnibus spending bill, into law on December 18, 2015. In addition to funding the federal government through September 30, 2016, the Act retroactively extended a number of federal tax relief provisions through the end of 2015 after they initially expired on December 31, 2014.

"Congress waited until the waning weeks 2015 to approve some tax breaks that will only be good for this year," said Governor LePage. "To their credit, Congress has made a number of so-called tax extenders permanent. However, delaying such important decisions unnecessarily burdens our small businesses as they plan their investments and estimate their tax obligations."

Governor LePage has instructed the Office of Tax Policy to review the recently enacted federal legislation and prepare options for consideration by him and the Legislature. In the coming days, the Governor and the Commissioner of DAFS will reach out to Legislative leaders and ask whether they are willing to conform to benefit Maine taxpayers.

Governor Sends Letters to Treasurer and Legislative Leadership Regarding Bonds

 

December 14, 2015

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today delivered a letter to Legislative leadership and the State Treasurer clarifying his position and future intentions regarding bonding in 2016. In the letter the Governor indicates he will issue $5 million in Land for Maine’s Future bonds, which were ratified in 2012. Authority to issue another $6.47 million in LMF bonds was allowed to expire in November, due to Legislative inaction.
“My position all along has been that if wealthy landowners are going to benefit from selling their properties to the publicly funded LMF program, then senior citizens and other low-income Mainers should get a commensurate benefit,” wrote Governor LePage. “LMF bonds pay to take large tracts of land off the local tax rolls, which forces local property taxes to go up. All of this combines to increase taxes on the Mainers who can least afford it: middle-class families, the working poor, senior citizens and others on fixed incomes.”
“Make no mistake, I respect the will of the people. They elected me twice to bring fiscal responsibility and common-sense reform to state government, which includes managing our state’s debt and rooting out greedy politicians.”

Governor LePage and First Lady Attend Wreath Laying Ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery

Governor and First Lady Lay Wreaths to Remember, Honor and Teach

December 12, 2015
For Immediate Release: Saturday, December 12, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-592-3718
Wreaths Across America tribute draws thousands of volunteers to Arlington National Cemetery
ARLINGTON, VA – Today, joining more than 30,000 volunteers, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage participated in the annual Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Paying tribute to the men and women who served our nation with dignity and honor, more than 230,000 remembrance wreaths were placed on their graves.
Since 1992, Morrill and Karen Worcester, founders of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine have organized a group of volunteers to place wreaths in Arlington, Virginia.
The laying of the wreaths has become an annual tradition for the Governor and First Lady. For the past four years, First Lady LePage has traveled with the Wreaths Across America convoy – referred to as “The Arlington Project” – from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, which began on Sunday, December 6 this year.
 “Shortly after Paul took office, I adopted the Wreaths Across America mission statement as my driving force - to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach our children the value of freedom,” Mrs. LePage said. “The placing of the wreaths in Arlington, and really the whole trip, is such a powerful experience. I can’t thank Wreaths Across America enough for all they do to honor our veterans.”
For many years The Arlington Project had been the quiet mission of Morrill Worcester and his family. In 2006, internet stories fueled attention for his annual quest, and Worcester was contacted by the Patriot Guard Riders who generously offered their help with the project. Since then the Patriot Guard Riders have escorted the wreath trucks down the East Coast and taking several days to make the trip.
The week-long trip allows stops at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities and gives the group an opportunity to promote their mission: Remember, Honor and Teach. This “parade” of truckers, supporters and well-wishers has become an annual event and teaching opportunity for Wreaths Across America and a valued part of the Arlington Project.
“The First Lady and I would like to say thank you to all of the professional drivers and the trucking companies that support this mission,” said Governor LePage.  “This trip helps to show our nation what it means to be from Maine. This Maine-led commemorative convoy, now known as the world’s largest veteran’s parade, makes Ann and me proud to call Maine home.”
The placing of a wreath also occurred at the mast of the U.S.S. Maine with various members of Maine law enforcement. The mast was removed from the ship in 1905 shortly before the ship was taken out to sea and sunk with military honors. The mast was then installed above a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of those who lost their lives when the ship sank in Havana, Cuba, Harbor in 1898. This sinking was the event that started the Spanish-American War.

Governor Paul LePage Moves Ahead with Hiring New Maine Drug Enforcement Agents as Promised.

Governor Takes Action to Address Maine's Heroin Crisis

12/09/2015 12:51 PM EST

 AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage today took action signing a financial order to authorize the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency to hire 10 drug agents to help combat Maine's drug pandemic.

Please see the attached letter attached letter and financial order  delivered Wednesday to Senate President Michael Thibodeau and Legislative leadership.

Five Judges Sworn in by Governor LePage

12/07/2015 10:42 AM EST

 AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage today administered the oath of two magistrates and two lawyers as District Court Judges and a Superior Court Justice as an Active Retired Justice for the Maine Superior Court.

The Hon. Maria A. Woodman, Esq. and the Hon. Paul D. Mathews, Esq. will serve as District Court Judges, as will Jed J. French, Esq., a managing law partner in a private firm, and Michael P. Roberts, Esq., a deputy district attorney.

Superior Court Justice Paul A. Fritzsche will serve as an Active Retired Justice for the Superior Court.

"As Governor, I have the utmost respect for those serving in the Judicial Branch," said Governor LePage. "In choosing judges, my focus is on the qualifications, demeanor and integrity of the candidates. These respected professionals reflect those priorities. I am confident they will live up to the high standards we expect from Maine judges."

The Governor's nominees represent a wide and diverse geographic area of Maine. They come from Kennebunk, Yarmouth, Monmouth, New Castle and Bangor.

Justice Paul A. Fritzsche, of Kennebunk, has served as a Superior Court Justice for 29 years. He was also a Public Advocate from 1983 to 1986, representing consumers before the Public Utilities Commission, courts, the Legislature and federal agencies. He also served from 1975 to 1981 as staff attorney and directing attorney for Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Lewiston and Portland. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he earned his law degree at the University of Maine Law School.

The Hon. Paul D. Mathews, Esq., of New Castle, a family law magistrate in the Maine District Court since 1998, served from 1979 to 1981 as Deputy District Attorney in Augusta and from 1981 to 1983 as Assistant District Attorney in Bath. In his private practice, he handled family law matters, criminal defense and trial work in District and Superior Court. He is a graduate of St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., attended St. John's College in Santa Fe, N.M. for graduate studies in liberal arts and earned his law degree at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington.

The Hon. Maria A. Woodman, Esq., of Monmouth, a family law magistrate in the Maine District Court since 2012, served as an Assistant District Attorney from 2003 to 2010 in the Division of Child Support and Maine Care Crimes Unit. From 1999 to 2003, she was an Assistant District Attorney for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office in New York, prosecuting cases ranging from murder to felony drugs. She is a graduate of The George Washington University and American University, Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C.

Michael P. Roberts, Esq., of Bangor, a deputy district attorney, is a prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience. An experienced drug court prosecutor, he has been with the District Attorney's Office in Bangor since 1983 and is responsible for the case evaluation of all Penobscot County felonies, including arson, manslaughter, robbery, gross sexual assaults, attempted murder and white collar crimes. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and Western New England College, School of Law.

Jed J. French, Esq., of Yarmouth, a managing law partner at Powers & French, P.A. since 1994, has handled cases ranging from unemployment compensation, business dissolution and real estate disputes to felony criminal charges, personal injury and family matters. He is a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force/Air National Guard and has been appointed as arbitrator, referee and special master for 14 courts. From 1988 to 1991, he worked for U.S. Senator William S. Cohen. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law.

Governor to Attend Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony to Honor American Patriots

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will attend the 48th Annual AMVETS Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony in Portland on Monday. The special ceremony will be held at 1:00 at Fort Allen Park on Portland’s Eastern Promenade.
“Pearl Harbor Day is one of the significant anniversaries of World War II, which reminds of the great sacrifices our military men and women bear to defend and protect our freedoms,” said Governor LePage. “We are a brave and resilient Nation because of these heroes, and no amount of thank yous are enough to honor the men and women, past and present, who have given so much for our way of life.”
The Governor has signed a proclamation to honor those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Additionally, flags should be lowered to half-staff Monday, December 7, to commemorate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
*Please note that flags will be already lowered to mark respect for the victims of the San Bernardino, California attack. This in no way takes away the respect our veterans deserve on December 7 as a day of remembrance.

Maine Christmas Trees for the Holidays! Maine Tree Growers Participate in Trees For Troops Program

12/03/2015 02:04 PM EST

*Governor Paul R. LePage commends Maine Christmas tree growers for sending trees to armed forces members and their families*

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are urging consumers to support local businesses by buying Maine Christmas trees this holiday season. Christmas tree buying season is in full swing and Maine Christmas tree growers are doing their part to support a national program to provide trees to armed forces members and their families as part of the national Trees for Troops effort.

"The Christmas season is an important time to give thanks for the many blessings we are given and show appreciation for the sacrifices that others make on behalf of our country," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Nothing says Maine more than a majestic, locally grown fir tree that graces a family living room. Thanks to the generosity of Maine Christmas tree growers, men and women of our armed forces will receive trees as part of the national Trees for Troops program. I commend Maine Christmas tree growers for doing their part to show appreciation for armed services members and their families and for all they do to help keep us safe."

 

 Commissioner Walt Whitcomb stressed the importance of Maine's forest industry and resources available to consumers seeking Maine Christmas trees.

"Maine's forest industry accounts for $8 billion in economic activity, with direct and indirect employment of 38,789 workers," said Whitcomb. "Maine tree growers grow a product that is symbolic of that industry and adorns family living rooms locally and beyond our borders. You can support the Maine economy by buying a Maine Christmas tree."

Maine Christmas Tree Association representative Jim Corliss highlighted the efforts of Maine growers to support the Trees for Troops effort. "Just this morning, we loaded 300 trees onto a FedEx Freight trailer bound for the U.S. Marine Corps base in Cherry Point, North Carolina," said Corliss. "This is part of a 10-year effort to provide free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers."

Maine Christmas Tree Association:

The Maine Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) is a non-profit organization comprised of family farms that produce real Christmas trees and wreath products for retail, wholesale, mail order, or choose'n cut during the Christmas season. Producers may specialize or offer a combination of mail order, retail, choose'n cut or wholesale production of tree and wreath products.

The purpose of MCTA since it was incorporated in 1962 has been to promote real Christmas trees and share information about fresh Maine Christmas trees and wreath products with its members. This information includes the latest techniques in growing quality trees and wreath products to the care and recycling of Christmas trees.

Tree Selection and Care Tips: http://www.mainechristmastree.com/tree_information.cfm

Buying Resources: http://www.mainechristmastree.com/products.cfm

Trees for Troops:

Trees for Troops, a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, provides free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers.

Christmas Tree growers have been providing free trees for military families for years. In 2005, FedEx contacted the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association, and wanted to be involved in the foundation's mission. Together the two organizations expanded the idea of providing Christmas Trees to military families, and Trees for Troops was born.

Since 2005, more than 157,000 free, farm-grown Christmas Trees have been provided to troops and military families in the United States and overseas through Trees for Troops. Thousands of trees are donated by American farm families and the public, and FedEx delivers these trees to more than 60 military bases in the U.S. and overseas. FedEx has logged more than 573,000 ground miles for the Trees for Troops program.

Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage to Host Military Children's Christmas Party

12/03/2015 07:57 AM EST

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will host Military Families for a Christmas Party at the Blaine House from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

Children and their families of Maine's military service members are invited to enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa with the Governor and First Lady and with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

"Maine's military service members, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us," said Mrs. LePage. "Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home for deployment and being gone over the holidays. This is an opportunity for the Governor and me to show how much we sincerely appreciate their sacrifices while spending time together enjoying some Christmas cheer."

Any military family wishing to attend should contact the Maine Army National Guard's State Family Program to register either online at www.jointservicessupport.org or by calling the Child and Youth Specialist at 207-430-5773.