Michael Michaud Maine Deserves a Level Playing Field
It's no secret that our country is in the midst of a tough recession. Mainers feel it everyday. We read about the layoffs and see mills shutdown machines or cease operations. It's long past time that federal trade policies put our state and our country back on a level playing field with our foreign competitors. Our ability to create jobs and grow our economy depends on it.
Jun 28, 2009 - 11:16:22 AM
Michael Michaud Maine Heroes Deserve Homes
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported earlier this year that Maine has more than 140 homeless veterans. This number is unacceptable. As Mainers and as Americans, we have a shared commitment to ensure that those who lay their lives on the line for our safety are able to return to a home, and not the streets.
Jun 19, 2009 - 10:58:04 AM
Olympia Snowe Reforming Health Care Coverage
A key indicator of the health crisis facing our nation is the rising number of Americans who lack quality health coverage. This year nearly one in four individuals will either be under-insured, or without any health plan whatsoever - and we know the devastating consequences of that. Prevention isn’t addressed, diagnoses are missed, and care is deferred. This contributes to more severe illness, long term disabilities, higher costs, medical bankruptcies, and - too often - lives shortened or lost.
Jun 12, 2009 - 12:55:06 PM
Michael Michaud Living Within Our Means
Mainers budget their expenses in order to make ends meet. It's long past time that the federal government does too.
Jun 11, 2009 - 12:03:21 PM
Olympia Snowe Bankrupt Automakers Must Assist Dealerships Facing Closure
Like many Americans, I am astonished to see two of our three major automakers operating under bankruptcy protection. As a result of its bankruptcy, Chrysler announced it would be closing 789 dealerships nationwide by June 9 and has given its dealers three weeks to eliminate inventory or be left with no assistance from the automaker. General Motors will slash 1,100 dealerships by October of 2010 without proper clarification of the rationale behind the closures. In total, these closures will result in the loss of more than 100,000 jobs nationally, as well as the loss of vital sales tax and other revenues to state and local governments who are in dire need of those dollars. They companies claim this will result in dramatic savings that will ultimately help the automakers reestablish viability. The dealers disagree, and I can see why.
Jun 6, 2009 - 1:13:39 PM
Michael Michaud Expanding Help for Women Veterans and Veteran Caregivers
This past Memorial Day we paused to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. In order to fully honor these sacrifices, we must make sure that those who currently serve in our country's defense, and those who have done so in the past, receive the best possible care.
Jun 5, 2009 - 8:26:37 AM
Olympia Snowe Commemorating National Small Business Week
As the economy continues on an uncertain path, recently we commemorated National Small Business Week and look to our nation's 27 million small businesses as the key to our economic recovery and restored job growth. In April, I held a series of small business roundtables throughout the state and heard about the challenges facing Maine small business owners and investors in today's economy. As Maine is home to almost 150,000 small businesses, it is critical that we ensure these firms have all the tools and resources necessary to lead us out of this downturn.
May 22, 2009 - 12:20:39 PM
Michael Michaud Helping Families Stay in their Homes
The real estate market has certainly seen better days. While the vast majority of Americans have a secure mortgage, pay on time, and are above water, many others are struggling to get by in these tough times.
May 22, 2009 - 12:11:59 PM
Olympia Snowe The SHOP Act: Achieving Affordable Health Care for Small Businesses
As I travel across our state and listen to the concerns of Mainers, time and again it's the exorbitant cost of health care coverage for small businesses owners and their employees that causes financial strain for Main Street. Throughout America, health insurance premiums have increased by a staggering 89 percent since 2000 – far outpacing inflation and wage gains. In Maine, the annual premium for the most heavily subscribed policy in the small group insurance market is $5,400 for individual coverage, and over $16,000 for a family plan.
May 16, 2009 - 3:37:07 PM
Michael Michaud Figuring Out the New GI Bill
Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the "Post-9/11 GI Bill") to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Because the provisions are just now being fully enacted, many veterans have questions about their eligibility and level of benefits.
May 15, 2009 - 10:16:16 AM
Michael Michaud Our Financial Markets: Ending Business as Usual
Given recent reports, it appears that positive economic signs are beginning to appear. Even so, our recovery will take a while and things will not change overnight. Many Mainers are hurting and continue to worry about their family's ability to make ends meet. Because of this, and because we must look forward, it is crucial that we address the underlying problems that got us into this financial mess in the first place. When we climb out of this recession, we cannot return to business as usual.
May 8, 2009 - 9:04:03 AM
Olympia Snowe Rural Air Service Keeps Mainers Connected
Reliable air service to rural areas is not simply a luxury or a convenience, it's a necessity. Ask any town manager or mayor of a small community in Maine how critical aviation is to economic development. Anyone from the St. John Valley or Washington County could attest to the vital role aviation plays in the moving of people and goods to and from their area. For many in our home state, rural air service provides an irreplaceable link between local small businesses and people to global economies and cultures.
May 8, 2009 - 9:01:21 AM
Michael Michaud A Credit Card Bill of Rights
On April 30th, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act. This bill contains a number of common sense provisions like banning retroactive interest rate hikes on existing balances, double-cycle billing, and due-date gimmicks. The bill would also increase the advance notice of impending rate hikes, giving cardholders the information they need to make decisions about their financial well-being.
May 4, 2009 - 1:31:00 PM
Olympia Snowe President Obama Must Implement Stimulus Provisions Now to Aid Small Businesses
There is no question that President Obama has had an aggressive first 100 days in office and I commend him for his tireless efforts to lead the country through numerous unprecedented challenges. I had the opportunity to work closely with President Obama and his Administration in crafting a $787 billion economic stimulus plan that will help lift the ailing economy, create or retain 3 million jobs, and further assist working families, seniors, and entrepreneurs weather the economic storm. The President, so far, has kept an open line of communication and has listened to my views, which I certainly appreciate.
May 4, 2009 - 1:20:38 PM
Michael Michaud AIG and U.S. Trade Policy
Just when we thought we'd heard almost everything there is to know about the American International Group (AIG), from its bailouts to its bonuses, many may not know AIG is suing U.S. taxpayers claiming it "overpaid" U.S. taxes on activities in Panama, a country which applies low to no regulations and taxes on firms registered there. AIG wants to get back those taxes it dodged with this Panamanian front. And for some reason it seems as though the Administration wants to move forward with a free trade agreement with Panama.
Apr 26, 2009 - 7:45:21 AM
Olympia Snowe What the Black Liquor Tax Credit Means for Maine
Recently, an issue was raised over the legality of the so-called black liquor tax credit. The black liquor tax credit has served as a critical lifeline to thousands of paper mills across the country during these troubled economic times and if it is repealed, Maine's historic paper and pulp mills will reap the dire consequences. To fight and protect this industry, I addressed critics of the credit in a Senate Finance Committee hearing this week and called on them to allow the tax credit to, at minimum, remain in effect through 2009.
Apr 25, 2009 - 9:32:10 AM
Susan Collins Responsibly Reporting Suspicious Activity
An alert citizenry is one of our best defenses against terrorist attacks. Signs on the New York City subway system read "If You See Something, Say Something." In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol Police ask those who work on Capitol Hill to pay close attention to their environment to "help be the eyes and ears with our local law enforcement." Regular announcements in airports and train stations across the country encourage travelers to report unattended baggage.
Apr 25, 2009 - 9:29:04 AM
Maine Politics Aroostook County Not "Nowhere"
AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Senator Troy D. Jackson (D-Aroostook) of Allagash released the following statement regarding a headline in today's Kennebec Journal,
Apr 16, 2009 - 12:31:45 AM
Olympia Snowe A New Path Forward in Afghanistan
On March 27th, the President presented Congress and the American people with an honest assessment of our strategic position in Afghanistan and underscored that America's core mission must be redefined. President Obama also announced that along with the 17,000 additional combat troops authorized in February, he intends to send 4,000 more this fall to serve as trainers and advisers to an Afghan army expected to double in size over the next two years. Saying that this initiative will require significantly higher levels of U.S. funding for both countries, President Obama expects to increase U.S. military spending in Afghanistan by about 60 percent. The U.S. military currently spends about $2 billion a month in Afghanistan alone.
Apr 4, 2009 - 10:33:32 PM
Michael Michaud A New Way Forward on Truck Weights
On March 30th, I introduced a bill called the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (H.R. 1799). The bill would allow Maine and other states to increase the weight of trucks allowed on the Interstate System within state borders to make them consistent with surrounding states. The bill is cosponsored by Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH).
Apr 3, 2009 - 11:21:41 AM
Michael Michaud Gulf of Maine Wins Support in Congress
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 on March 25th. It's a long name, and it deserves it. This bipartisan lands bill is a package of more than 160 bills, many of which have previously passed Congress.
Mar 27, 2009 - 11:07:04 AM
Michael Michaud We Must Honor Our Commitments to Our Veterans
Given the state of our economy and record budget deficits, I understand the need to look for savings and to strictly analyze our budgets. I appreciate steps President Barack Obama took to accomplish this in his recent budget recommendations. However, there was one proposal I simply couldn't agree with: charging a combat wounded veteran's insurance for service connected medical care.
Mar 19, 2009 - 5:26:32 PM
Michael Michaud A Guide to the Stimulus Package for Mainers
Although I ultimately voted for its final passage given the severity of our nation’s economic crisis, I repeatedly expressed my reservations about some of the provisions in the economic stimulus package passed by Congress last month. Now that it has become law however, I believe it’s important to let Mainers know what is in it and how it can benefit them.
Mar 5, 2009 - 5:16:29 PM
Michael Michaud Stopping the Rationing of VA Health Care: Advanced Appropriations
There is no question that we face a time of adversity and challenge. Nationwide, employers in nearly every industry are cutting payrolls and hardworking Americans are finding themselves out of work. In the opening weeks of the 111th Congress, attention has been focused on ways to quickly create jobs and stimulate the weakened economy. A new agenda that invests in economic and financial stability must be our top priority.
Feb 27, 2009 - 1:13:48 PM
Michael Michaud The Need to Move Forward
With the President's signature, the stimulus is now law. There was a healthy back and forth and some serious debate and consideration about what should and shouldn't be in the package. In my view, the final product was not perfect. But it was a necessary step to jumpstart our economy.
Feb 25, 2009 - 1:02:48 PM
Michael Michaud The Need for Accountability and Responsibility
The American people are scratching their heads, wondering where Congress is finding the money to fund bailouts and stimulus proposals. The truth is that much of what is being spent is borrowed.
Feb 14, 2009 - 10:54:48 PM
Olympia Snowe S-CHIP: Ensuring Health Care Coverage for Kids
This week President Barack Obama signed into law the reauthorization and extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), the successful decade-old program which provides health care coverage to children who are not eligible for Medicaid but struggle to obtain private health insurance. As S-CHIP was originally created through bipartisan compromise with an aim to ensure that every American has access to affordable health care coverage, I was proud to vote in favor of its Senate passage last week. The reauthorization of the S-CHIP program takes us one step closer to this goal by maintaining coverage for the 6 million children already covered by S-CHIP and extending coverage to nearly four million additional children in need.
Feb 9, 2009 - 11:13:07 AM
Michael Michaud Update on DTV Transition
Congress recently passed a bill that delays the digital television transition for four months to June 12th. I supported this delay because as of February 2nd there were more than 6,600 Mainers on a waiting list for converter box coupons. It’s important that these Mainers are able to continue to get news and information about local and national events. Extending the transition date should give consumers who are stuck on the waiting list the time they need.
Feb 9, 2009 - 10:54:50 AM
Michael Michaud House Stimulus Bill: Not Perfect, but a Step in the Right Direction
On January 28th, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The House-passed bill is not perfect, but it will create millions of jobs at a time when our nation desperately needs them. Though I supported it, I had reservations about the makeup of the package and its effect on the nation's deficit. Hopefully, as the package moves through the Senate and a House-Senate conference, there will be opportunities to improve it.
Jan 30, 2009 - 8:40:59 PM
Michael Michaud Supporting Biomass in Maine
Last year was hard for Mainers and for families across the country. The rapid rise of fuel prices coupled with the economic slowdown took its toll on every family's budget – with disastrous consequences for many. Thousands and thousands of jobs have been lost as employers downsize or shut their doors altogether. Energy prices and a lack of credit have been cited as major problems for a number of industries.
Jan 23, 2009 - 9:25:42 PM
Michael Michaud Tax Relief to Help Workers Get Through Tough Economic Times
As a national recession grinds on, job loss and unemployment rates are climbing to levels that we haven't seen in over a decade. Reports indicate the loss of over a million jobs across the country since August. Here in Maine, the unemployment rate has risen to over 5 percent.
Dec 16, 2008 - 11:27:46 AM
Michael Michaud Mainers in Need
This time of year, many of us gather with family and friends to enjoy the fruits of our labor and give thanks for the blessings of the year. Especially during these hard economic times, many of us take strength from these celebrations. While we all give thanks for what we have and focus on the challenges ahead, it is also important for us to remember our neighbors and those that may be facing an even harder time getting affordable and healthy food to the table.
Dec 10, 2008 - 11:34:35 AM
Michael Michaud Our Economy: Let's Do Everything We Can
Last week I called on Congress and the Administration to work together to pass an effective stimulus package that would help millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet and help give a much needed boost to our economy. It appears that we are not going to do that.
Nov 24, 2008 - 7:40:17 PM
Olympia Snowe Save Maine's Lobstermen
The economic downturn has permeated virtually every realm of our society. For sale signs blotch front lawns in our hometowns, prices at the corner gas station rise and drop with guaranteed unpredictability, and daily announcements of job losses have become as ordinary as morning weather forecasts. Yet one symbol of the depressing economy that has Mainers worried is the falling price of one of our state's greatest sources of pride and identity: the lobster.
Nov 15, 2008 - 10:58:08 PM
Michael Michaud Our Economy Cannot Afford More Delays
The U.S. Department of Labor recently released its employment report for October. The results were devastating. It showed a loss of another 240,000 American jobs, which brings the total number of jobs lost this year to 1.2 million.
Nov 13, 2008 - 5:38:37 PM
Michael Michaud Helping Small Businesses through a Difficult Time
The legislative process can be frustrating at times, and it can take a while for a bill to become a law. Progress on even the most modest or reasonable policy changes can get stuck along the way.
Oct 31, 2008 - 10:22:32 PM
Michael Michaud LIHEAP and Energy Assistance: How to Get Help
The recently passed Fiscal Year 2009 consolidated appropriations bill contained $5.1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), fully funding the program as currently authorized. I have joined with my fellow Northeast colleagues time and time again to push for this increase and I am pleased that it finally passed. There are too many families that are looking to winter and wondering how they are going to be able to afford keeping warm.
Oct 28, 2008 - 12:03:05 PM
Olympia Snowe New Market Tax Credits Will Spur Job Creation and Economic Opportunities for Maine
These days, it seems like bad news travels fast; home construction recently hit a 17-year low, applications for unemployment benefits exceeded recession levels and home foreclosures nationwide are 71 percent higher than they were in October 2007. Yet this past week, I was proud to announce some good news for Maine that I expect to work quickly to boost economic development and unlock our stagnant credit markets.
Oct 28, 2008 - 11:31:25 AM
