The Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee voted unanimously to ask the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA) to gather information from federal investigators and the governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on a luncheon meeting the Governor Paul LePage called, before launching an investigation.
The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) will host a financing event on June 20 for entrepreneurs and small businesses to meet with officials from federal funding agencies that represent the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs.The SBIR/STTR programs are the largest source of early-stage research and development funding for innovative technology in the US, providing more than $2.5 billion each year to small businesses. The program helps entrepreneurs take their ideas from laboratory to market.
In advance of a public hearing on a bill to strengthen standards for metallic mining in Maine, Appalachian Mountain Club, Maine Audubon and Maine Conservation Alliance have joined together to launch a new website, www.MaineMiningWatch.org to help Mainers learn the facts on sulfide mining in Maine. The goal is to engage citizens, non-profit organizations, businesses, and policy makers in a fact-based dialogue about the issue.
The Maine House on Thursday gave initial approval to a bill to restore cuts to the Drugs for the Elderly (DEL) program and the Medicare Savings Plan. The LePage administration and Republican lawmakers cut funding and eligibility for the program last year.
The measure, LD 629, passed in a largely party-line vote of 93 to 55.
A bill that would require the disclosure of genetically engineered food and seed stock in Maine gained support during hearings in Augusta, yesterday.
“People have the right to know what they are buying,” said Rep. Brian Jones, a co-sponsor of the measure with Rep. Craig Hickman. “Properly labeling these foods is a way to protect consumers and allow them to make more informed decisions.”
Today, Democrats on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee announced a coordinated legislative effort to help the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) in its efforts to address the growing backlog of claims. The 10 bills, which are outlined here, seek to help VA accomplish its goal to eliminate the backlog by 2015.
A new statewide poll released today shows that Maine voters overwhelming support accepting federal dollars to expand access to health care for nearly 69,500 Mainers who are currently uninsured.
“Accepting federal funds will create jobs, boost Maine’s economy and provide care to thousands of hardworking Maine people,” said Garrett Martin, executive director of Maine Center for Economic Policy.
Senate President Justin Alfond introduced a bill today to help feed hungry students during the summer months when school is not in session.
“Today across our state, students are going hungry. There are children who aren’t getting fed except for when they go to school,” said President Alfond. “Today, we have an incredible opportunity to help. And, despite overwhelming statewide need, there are still school districts not taking advantage of the summer food program.”
Maine Attorney General Janet T. Mills is announcing Maine’s Prescription Drug Take-Back drive. For the convenience of Maine citizens, local law enforcement agencies across the state will be open and available from 10:00 AM to Noon on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 AM to noon to collect unused prescription drugs.
There will be a large drop box manned by local law enforcement at each site. Anyone can safely dispose of unwanted, unused prescription or over the counter medications with no questions asked.
The Maine Legislature’s Taxation committee heard testimony on a number of income-tax related bills today, including several that would make Maine’s tax system more fair and help to close the state budget gap by reinstating the 8.5 percent tax rate for high-income filers.
