The Alliance For Solar Choice Looks to Stop Legislation Preventing the Use of Solar Panels on Maine Residences.

Stop legislation that will kill your right to energy choice and eliminate solar in Maine

Mainers, speak out against utility attacks on solar energy. Stop legislation that will eliminate rooftop solar and threaten your ability to generate your own power.

 

Right now, utility backed legislation is pushing an end to critical solar policies and pushing more taxes on Mainers to stomp out energy choice and competition in Maine.

You can stop utility attempts to keep Mainers captive to their constantly rising rates. Call on your elected officials to oppose anti-competition amendments that kill net metering and add more taxes in LD 1263.

 

For More Information, and to add your name to the list of Maine residents who oppose this bill, please visit this website for The Alliance for Solar Choice:

http://action.allianceforsolarchoice.com/page/speakout/stop-legislation-that-will-kill-your-right-to-energy-choice-and-eliminate-solar-in-maine

 

Representative Karen Gerrish Announces Next Step in Removing Concealed Weapon Permit Mandate

From the pages of our State Representative, Karen Gerrish....

 

 

 

Maine Senator Eric Brakey

 

Maine takes major step toward removing

concealed weapon permit mandate

From the pages of the Bangor Daily News

 

By Scott Thistle, Sun Journal

Follow on Twitter Find on Facebook

Posted June 01, 2015, at 5:28 p.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine House of Representatives on Monday voted 83-62 to approve a bill lifting the state’s permit requirement for carrying a concealed handgun.
The vote Monday is the culmination of a decades-long effort by gun-right advocates to remove restrictions on lawful gun owners and follows a 21-14 vote in the state Senate last week that also removed the permit requirement.
It is expected the bill, LD 652, sponsored by Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, will be signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage, making the state the sixth without any permit requirements for carrying a hidden firearm.
LePage has long said he supports the right of Maine citizens to possess firearms as the state’s Constitution, even more explicitly than the U.S. Constitution, protects gun ownership rights, stating, “Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned.”
Supporters of the bill said the measure doesn’t change who can legally own and carry a weapon but simply legalizes carrying concealed weapons.
Current state law allows handguns to be carried openly, in a holster where they are visible, but not hidden beneath clothing or in a purse. There also are several areas — including the Legislature, public schools and courtrooms — where only law enforcement officers are allowed to legally carry firearms.
Those prohibited by state and federal law from possessing a firearm would still be prohibited under the change, supporters of the bill said.
“A currently prohibited person is still a prohibited person,” said Rep. Karen Gerrish, R-Lebanon, speaking in favor of the bill. “LD 652 does not change who may legally possess a firearm. Criminals will not be allowed to carry under this law; mentally ill individuals will not be allowed to carry under this law; none of the federally prohibited people, domestic violence and drug felons, will be able to carry under this law. This law only affects law-abiding citizens.”
Gerrish said those who would carry a gun illegally are not going to apply for a concealed weapons permit anyway.
“As we all know, criminals do not care about rules of law,” she said. “They are not going through any background checks, taking gun safety classes or going through any permitting process. Bad people will always do bad things. The permit system does not stop criminals from carrying guns.”
The bill’s opponents said they believed it would lead to a more dangerous and deadly Maine, one of the safest states in the country. Some who have been screened by state or local police and denied permits for a variety of reasons would now be able to pack heat, they said.
“I believe this bill will lead to the greater availability of concealed weapons in the hands of people who have no business owning guns at all,” said Rep. Janice Cooper, D-Yarmouth.
Cooper said hundreds of people who have been previously denied a concealed handgun permit would now be able to legally carry a hidden firearm.
The Maine State Police testified in support of the change, noting the state’s current permitting system was ineffective and that most of those who applied for the permits were granted them.
Maj. Christopher Grotton of the Maine State Police said that in the past four years, the agency has issued more than 36,000 concealed handgun permits and has denied only 251 applicants.
Lawmakers in the House did amend the bill, making it clear that individuals carrying a concealed handgun must be at least 21 years old and that those who carry must inform law enforcement they have a gun when stopped or questioned by police.
Those changes to the bill will be considered by the Senate in the days ahead.
The bill still allows a person to apply for a concealed weapons permit under state law, which in some cases allows an individual to also carry concealed weapons in states that have permitting laws and reciprocity with Maine on the topic.
Top Democrats expressed their disappointment after the vote.
“Maine’s existing gun laws work. Mainers have a long, rich tradition of responsible gun ownership while also having the lowest crime rate in the United States,” said House Speaker Mark Eves, D-North Berwick. “The repeal of these sensible laws is very troubling.”
Rep. Lori Fowle, D-Vassalboro, House chairwoman of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, opposed the bill.
“I’m deeply disappointed that we were not able to defeat this bill,” Fowle said. “I firmly believe that the permit process improves public safety in a reasonable manner. I am thankful that we passed the amendments that address the concerns law enforcement raised.”
The House vote Monday is a major victory for Brakey, a Libertarian-leaning Republican, who is serving his first term in the Senate.
He has long argued putting on a jacket that covers a handgun — that otherwise would be legal to have — shouldn’t be an act that makes a person a criminal.
“It’s great that we have finally gotten to a place where people understand the importance of this protection and are comfortable enough to let our Maine citizens exercise the same freedoms that the state of Vermont allows their citizens to exercise,” Brakey said after the House vote.

 

What's New in Maine's Legislature? Hunter's Red, Putting ME to Work, and the Governor's Veto List

 

Six new LePage vetoes includes nix of ‘Taylor’s Law’ intermediate driver program

May 26, 2015Daily Brief

By Christopher Cousins                         

Good morning from Augusta, where the Legislature is returning to town after most members had four-day weekends. May they be fresh and ready for some serious lawmaking. 

Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick will learn whether lawmakers on the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee will buy into his “Put ME to Work” bill, which seeks to invest $5 million over the next five years in the state’s community colleges to build partnerships with private businesses. Under the partnership, the businesses would chip in either matching funds for in-kind services to help the education system establish a new pipeline of workers for jobs with high wages and good benefits. 

While the bill does have some Republican support among its sponsors, it was dismissed earlier this year by Gov. Paul LePage, who said the state is already forging relationships with private businesses and doesn’t need to spend money to keep it going. 

One of the bill’s Republican sponsors in Sen. Andre Cushing of Hampden, who is also hoping for a positive vote from the Labor Committee today on LD 1364, which would make changes to the state’e Pine Tree Development Zones, which offer a range of incentives for businesses. Cushing proposes to extend the cycle of benefits for businesses while lowering their costs by striking a provision that the businesses offer group health insurance. It would also introduce a new way of calculating the base salary the businesses must pay to employees, going from an annual average to a weekly calculation based on quarterly Census figures. 

The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee will decide on some interesting bills that could affect hunters and fishermen, including an amendment to the Maine Constitution — which would have to be approved in a referendum — that would “protect people’s right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife.” Sponsored by Rep. Karleton Ward, R-Dedham, the referendum would also clarify that hunting and fishing is the preferred method of wildlife management in Maine. 

Is red the new orange? Up for both a public hearing and work session is an interesting proposal by Senate President Mike Thibodeau of Winterport, which is unlikely to find much support: An Act to Allow Hunters Whose Religion Prohibits Wearing Hunter Orange Clothing to Instead Wear Red.

While I don’t know the story behind Thibodeau’s sponsorship of this bill, I’m guessing he brought it forward at the request of a constituent. I’m also guessing that the fact blaze orange is a long-established signal to sportsmen in the woods to hold their fire, lawmakers won’t be eager to make any changes. 

As we’ve stated before in the Daily Brief, it’s difficult or impossible to establish what the House and Senate will do, usually until minutes before they go into session. . Calendars for the House and Senate are published each evening before session but they are very much in flux. Bills can be pulled from or added to the voting agenda at any moment, and often are. We’ll do our best to keep you posted. 

Keeping track of hundreds of bills moving through the process will become more difficult as the Legislature nears adjournment next month. If you want to stay abreast, follow the State & Capitol Daily Brief, or better yet sign up to receive it every morning in your email inbox. — Christopher Cousins 

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Veto watch

Governor LePage vetoed six more bills on Friday afternoon:

• LD 134, a Resolve to Study the Impact of Winter Ticks on the State’s Moose Population, sponsored by Rep. Roland Martin, D-Sinclair. “As the Legislature is well aware, I generally do not support resolves or studies because I believe the people of Maine have sent us to Augusta to act,” wrote LePage in his veto letter. “We are not a taxpayer-funded think tank.” LePage also wrote that Maine is already collaborating with New Hampshire on a winter tick study.
• LD 464, An Act to Improve Science and Engineering Education for Maine’s Students, sponsored by Rep. Michael Devin, D-Newcastle. LePage vetoed the bill because he said it requires schools to change their science curricula without providing funding.
• LD 525, a Resolve to Direct the Department of Health and Human Services to Report on Efforts to Reach in Rural Areas Persons Who are Elderly, Disabled or Mentally Ill, sponsored by Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville. LePage wrote that he vetoed the bill because it is duplicative to work already being done by a range of state and local agencies.
• LD 682, An Act to Ensure the Administration of Written Driving Tests, sponsored by Rep. James Gillway, R-Searsport. LePage wrote that he opposes changes to Maine’s driver education programs.
• LD 737, An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Learner’s Permits and Intermediate Licenses, sponsored by Sen. Kimberley Rosen, R-Bucksport. This bill has been dubbed “Taylor’s Law” though the legislative process in memoriam of 15-year-old Taylor Darveau of Bucksport, who died in an October 2013 car crash in a car being driven by a 16-year-old with an intermediate license. It is against Maine law for intermediate drivers to carry passengers who are not immediate family members unless an experienced driver is also on board. This bill would offer families decals to put on their vehicles, which would serve as notices to other drivers and law enforcement officers that an intermediate driver is behind the wheel. “This particular decal could allow criminals to easily identify vehicles in which the driver will most likely be alone and young,” wrote LePage.
• LD 880, An Act to Permit Rate-adjustment Mechanisms for Water Utilities, sponsored by Rep. Barry Hobbins, D-Saco. LePage said he opposes this change to the rate-adjustment process because he said it doesn’t provide enough inclusion in the process for rate-payers.

Article from the Bangor Daily News. Like them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bangordailynews?fref=ts

 

State Representative Karen Gerrish Honors Retiring Lebanon Fire Department Chief, Skip Wood.

I usually don't share TWO posts from the same page, but how WONDERFUL that our Chief Skip Wood (and yes, he will still always be Chief to me) was honored by our State Representative Karen A. Gerrish!!!!
WAY TO GO Chief Wood!!
Happy Retirement!!! (Even though we all know you're still out there working hard for the town as our Fire Warden!!)

Lebanon Maine's Beautiful Memorial Day Services Held at Town Office.

What a beautiful day for rememberance!!
Memorial Day 2015 in Lebanon Maine started off absolutely stunning, the sun was shining, the temperatures were warm, a nice cooling breeze was wandering across the town, and about 50 people had gathered at the Lebanon Town Office on Upper Guinea Road, awaiting the American Legion and the Boy Scouts to come marching down the road to begin the day's somber rememberance services.
A murmur came over the crowd as someone spotted the group marching toward the Town property just after 11 am.

 

 

 

 

 

How proud to see so many youngsters from town participating in the day's services. You have to give kudos to the Scout Masters and the parents for involving their children in town events, and in such a somber remembrance service. GREAT job by the Lebanon Boy Scouts and Lebanon Girl Scouts!! Thank you for all dressing in your Scout Uniforms and coming to represent your community's young people!!

 

 

Scouts and American Legion Members lined up across the front of the ceremony to for the day's observances.

The services were started with the playing of The United States National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", with which many people heartily sang along. 

Don Lovely of the Lebanon, Maine American Legion Post, acting as Master of Ceremonies, introduced Brother Dave Johnson from the Grace Baptist Church in East Rochester, who led the opening prayer and then Lebanon Fire and Rescue Department's Chief, Daniel Meehan, dressed in the period costume of a Civil War Union Soldier provided a message about the History of Memorial Day. The American Legion's Don Lovely, then shared a statement of remembrance with the community which was heartfelt, also remembering to thank the families of those who had given the ultimate sacrifice and reminding us all of their complete loss and sacrifice. 

 

 

 

 

 

Civil War canons provided the Canon Salute, (3 volleys) and the wreath was laid at the Civil War Memorial honoring the Lebanon men who did not come home from war, by members of the American Legion Post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Flag over the Lebanon Town Office was risen to glory, and then lowered to half staff to commemorate the observances of the town in remembering our war dead, while Taps was played on an audio DVD player. A moment of silence was observed as the American Legion and Scout organizations stood at attention saluting our flag.

 

Also in attendance of the morning's services were The Lebanon Voice's, Harrison Thorp, Selectman Royce Heath, Candidate for Lebanon Selectman Corinna Cole, and State Representative Karen Gerrish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day Message from State Representative Karen Gerrish

From the office of State Representative Karen Gerrish.

Memorial Day 2015
Let Us Never Forget the Sacrifice of Those Who Died to Defend Our Freedoms

The heart of America is freedom – for ourselves and all nations willing to fight for it.  Yes, the price is high, but freedom is a wealth no debt can encumber.

But what of the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen whose blood has preserved liberty for our nation?  They are all different, yet they share a sameness that is deeper than the uniform they wear.  They are black, white, man, woman, Hispanic, Indian, Asian, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and a hundred other variations and combinations.  What is most important – regardless of race, creed, color, or gender – is that they are Americans.

As we remember these brave warriors and their comrades in arms on this Memorial Day, we must look to the future, as well as the past.  In today’s world, freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty.  The cost of independence remains high, but we pay it with deep reverence and thanks.  We know that in the years to come, more brave souls will be called upon to fight for our country and so that we may preserve our liberty and our American way of life.  We include them in our thoughts and prayers this Memorial Day weekend.

You can LIKE your State Representative, Karen Gerrish on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GerrishForMaine?fref=ts

NFWL and NRA Pair Up to Offer Six College Scholarships

We found this scholarship on the Facebook page of Representative Karen Gerrish.

 

LIKE Representative Gerrish on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GerrishForMaine?fref=ts

 

2015 National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL)

and

National Regulatory Authority (NRA)

 

team up to offer

Six $3,000 scholarships to college bound Junior and Senior High School females.

and

An all expense paid trip to the NWFL 2015 Annual Conference

at the Renaissance Hotel

Oklahoma City, OK

September 11-15, 2015

 

Print and Complete the Forms attached and complete your essay.

Good Luck to All who Apply!! 

 

Maine Offers Many Chances For Summer Camp for "Techie" Children.

Thank you to State Representative Karen Gerrish for alerting us to this opportunity for tech minded kids!! There's a summer camp for EVERY child in Maine. These opportunities are not to be missed, they give your children the chance to meet and bond with other children from all over the country who are like minded and enjoy the same things that they do!!

Please take a look at our schedule below.  We have camps running in over 20 locations around the state of Maine, so hopefully something is close to you.
You can either print out the Mail-in Registration Form (button to the right) or do online registration (other button to the right).  All registrations are on a first come, first served basis.  Camps typically start filling up in March, although some won't fill up until June.
You can go to the Online Registration portal (same button) and check currently enrolled numbers.  Thanks and I hope we can help your children enjoy the summer while learning a lot about engineering and programming!

There are over 20 Robotics and "Techie" Summer camps listed on this page, taking place all over the State of Maine........ Make sure to enroll now to get your child into the camp of their choice!!

You can learn more about the GREAT programs offered for your "techie" kids by following this link.............. http://camps.mainerobotics.org/

You can LIKE Maine State Representative Karen Gerrish on Facebook HERE:  https://www.facebook.com/GerrishForMaine?fref=ts

A Note from State Representative Karen Gerrish

Representative Karen A. Gerrish

https://www.facebook.com/GerrishForMaine?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

So I got home late last night to no internet and no ability to call out on the home phone. We have tv. It's been like this for three days. I called Metrocast and they say they are experiencing connection issues in Lebanon. Three days is unacceptable for people particularly the elderly not to have a home phone. Please let me know if you're out and for how long.

If you're having connectivity problems with your Metrocast home phone or cable, please click on the link above and let Rep. Gerrish  know, or phone her office at:  State House Message Phone: (800) 423-2900

Representative Karen Gerrish Votes to Move Maine's Concealed Carry Law to a Vote.

Representative Gerrish was one of the 6 who voted to move on this bill rather than table it.
The bill was ultimately stalled by a 7-6 vote to take it up at a later date.
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/04/24/committee-vote-stalls-bill-to-let-mainers-carry-concealed-guns-without-permits/