Maine Politics
Maine Politics
The People & The Constitution vs. Mike Michaud & Nancy Pelosi
This Congress and President seems to be at war with the Constitution. From the President's criticism of the US Supreme Court during the State of the Union, ignoring the separation of powers to this attempt to circumvent our Nation's greatest document. Maybe they should go back to civics 101 and learn how a bill becomes a law.
Mar 18, 2010 - 12:20:16 AM
Olympia Snowe
Snowe and Rockefeller Unveil Comprehensive cybersecurity legislation
The legislation is the culmination of a year's worth of consultation and input from cybersecurity experts in the private sector, government and civil liberties community. The bill is scheduled to be marked-up on March 24, 2010.
Mar 18, 2010 - 12:10:04 AM
Michael Michaud
Michaud Leads Effort to Support Proven Private Sector Job Creation Agency
In a letter signed by 17 of his colleagues, Michaud urged the House Budget Committee to provide the Economic Development Administration (EDA) the support necessary to aid in the nation's economic recovery.
Mar 17, 2010 - 12:15:17 AM
Maine Politics
Health Care Reform or Political Opportunism?
Levesque: Mainers don't want it. Pelosi Does. Congressman Michaud, who do you choose?
Mar 16, 2010 - 12:25:17 AM
Michael Michaud
130 Members of Congress Push for Action on China Currency Manipulation
Bipartisan coalition signs Michaud/Ryan letter urging Secs. Geithner and Locke to take immediate action
Mar 15, 2010 - 10:55:23 AM
Maine Politics
House Passes Michaud Backed Bill to Address Red Tide
The bill builds upon a research framework by calling for the development and coordination of a comprehensive national strategy and regional action plans to reduce the size and occurrence of harmful red tides. Michaud is a cosponsor of the bill
Mar 13, 2010 - 12:05:57 AM
Maine Politics
It's Official: Levesque on the Ballot
"This is an exciting step. I've been campaigning around the District for nearly eight months now and have truly enjoyed the opportunity to speak to my fellow Mainers. This is the next big step toward bringing some fiscal sanity to Congress and hopefully jobs home to Maine,"
Mar 12, 2010 - 12:17:39 AM
Michael Michaud
Keep the Emails Coming...
Sharing local experiences serves a critical role in building the case for a permanent change to Maine's Interstate truck weight limits.
Mar 12, 2010 - 12:15:41 AM
Maine Politics
Levesque comments on Michaud's vote to increase the Debt Limit.
2nd District Congressional candidate Jason Levesque released the following statement on Mike Michaud's vote in increase the debt limit to 14.3 trillion dollars
Feb 5, 2010 - 12:07:04 AM
Maine Politics
Jason Levesque comments on President Obama's Proposed 2011 Budget
One thing is clear, the voices of Maine and those around the country, have not been heard by those in Washington.
Feb 2, 2010 - 12:21:47 AM
Maine Politics
Levesque: Washington Political Games will not solve Health Care
Congressman Michaud's job is to represent the people of Maine. However, by his own admission, he knows this is bad for Maine taxpayers, bad for seniors and bad for the quality of healthcare but voted for it anyway because he was told to.
Nov 11, 2009 - 12:25:11 AM
Maine Politics
Shell Game: Will Michael Michaud Support Healthcare Bill
Will Michael Michaud come out against his party's latest cynical political ploy by announcing his opposition to a healthcare bill that includes federal funding for abortions and an explosion of new government bureaucracy?
Nov 10, 2009 - 12:11:01 AM
Maine Politics
Is Another Revolutionary War Imminent?
If we do not gather our numbers and get out there and spread the word and recruit members and grow and grow and swell into a force that will truly make a firm change in Washington on election day, then not only does Obama retain power over Washington, but Washington likely becomes more like Great Britain.
Nov 8, 2009 - 12:25:10 AM
Maine Politics
Michaud Votes Against Main Seniors with Support of Health Care Bill
"Mike Michaud sold out Maine working families, small businesses and Maine seniors by failing to take an independent stand against a bad bill.
Nov 8, 2009 - 12:08:42 AM
Maine Politics
Obama Faces Criminal Complaint in US District Court for Maine
PRESS RELEASE: Information on the criminal proceedings against President Obama in the US District Court for Maine may be accessed through 'PACER' (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). Further information is available directly from the writer.
Oct 31, 2009 - 12:48:53 AM
Maine Politics
Levesque Calls on Michaud to Oppose Pelosi Health Bill
Jason J. Levesque, candidate in Maine's 2nd Congressional District, issued the following statement today in response to the new House health bill released this morning by Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
Oct 30, 2009 - 1:49:55 AM
Maine Politics
Levesque to Michaud: Where are the Jobs?
Jason Levesque, candidate in Maine's 2nd Congressional District, challenged Rep. Mike Michaud's record on providing jobs following release of the state unemployment report.
Oct 23, 2009 - 12:10:19 AM
Michael Michaud
Congress Should Stay in Session to Reform Health Care
I've told my colleagues that we should not leave Washington for the August break if that's what it takes to get a good health care reform package passed. Mainers know that this is too big and too important to rush. But the need for reform is now, and we must act.
Jul 27, 2009 - 12:09:49 AM
Michael Michaud
Health Care Reform: We Must Promote Accessibility and Affordability in Maine
Maine is a rural state and access to health care needs to be a central concern in current efforts to reform the system. Recent statistics indicate that just over 118,000 Mainers are uninsured. Many others are underinsured. The need for reform is undeniable, but so is the need to get it right.
Jul 21, 2009 - 1:35:21 PM
Susan Collins
Uncovering Security Lapses at U.S. Federal Buildings
Imagine this frightening scenario: Government inspectors set out to test the security of ten high-traffic federal buildings in four major U.S. cities, where thousands of people work and visit each day. The covert operators obtain the components to make the bombs, at a cost of less than $150 each, from items available at most hardware stores.
Jul 14, 2009 - 3:35:00 PM
Michael Michaud
A Clean Energy Future for Our State
From 2001 to 2007, the average family's annual spending on oil, gas and electricity increased by $1,100. At the same time we were all paying more, Big Oil posted the largest profits in the history of American business. We cannot stand for more of the same failed policies of the last few decades, where prices go up, consumers suffer, and only big business benefits. The status quo is unacceptable and is costing all of us a lot.
Jul 5, 2009 - 11:51:22 PM
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
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