Michael Michaud
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Michael Michaud
A Quick Guide to Resources for Homeowners
Millions of Americans are painfully aware of the fact that mortgage foreclosures and delinquencies are at their highest level in more than 30 years. These problems in the mortgage market have seriously strained the overall U.S. economy and are leading many to wonder how they are going to make ends meet.
Oct 20, 2008 - 12:47:04 PM
Michael Michaud
My Trip to Iraq
In my role as the Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I regularly work with military and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials to improve the health care available to our soldiers and our veterans. An important part of my job is visiting bases and hospitals here at home and abroad to get an in-depth view of what our soldiers and veterans face.
Oct 14, 2008 - 10:14:05 AM
Michael Michaud
Statement of Congressman Mike Michaud on the Wall Street Bailout
Throughout my time in public service, whether in the Maine Legislature or the U.S. Congress, I have committed myself to truly representing the best interests of my constituents. In examining bills, I look beyond the talking points and the politically heated language that all too often poisons Washington. The legislation on the financial markets bailout was no different.
Oct 4, 2008 - 12:01:23 AM
Michael Michaud
Important Veterans Bills: One Step Closer to Becoming Law
During the 110th Congress, the House of Representatives passed several veteran-related health care bills and sent them to the Senate for further action. While the Senate has largely been inactive in advancing many of these measures, this week they passed and sent back to the House S. 2162, the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008. S. 2162 bundles together a number of provisions that I authored and passed in the House, including important provisions on substance use disorders, health care access improvements, and addressing homelessness among veterans. It took a while, but I am pleased that this legislation has passed and is now cleared for the president’s signature.
Sep 26, 2008 - 10:00:25 PM
Michael Michaud
Compromise on Energy Policy is Needed
As I write this, the Senate continues to negotiate on how to move forward on an energy bill. This week, the House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R. 6899) that contained increased domestic drilling, investments in renewable energy, and provisions that will lower prices for consumers in the near-term. But there is still room to do more.
Sep 18, 2008 - 7:39:58 PM
Michael Michaud
A Bill to Improve Access to Health Care for Maine's Rural Veterans
On September 10, 2008, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1527, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, which is a landmark bill that would increase access to quality health care for rural veterans around the country. I made sure that the state of Maine was included in this legislation and have made the passage of this bill a top priority.
Sep 12, 2008 - 9:59:32 PM
Michael Michaud
Dealing with Priorities
Next week, Congress will reconvene. Even in this election year, it is important that Members of Congress put aside partisan bickering and political grandstanding to address the priorities of the American people. Cooperation and compromise needs to start with the leadership of both parties and work its way down to include rank and file members. Maine, and the nation, deserves nothing less.
Sep 6, 2008 - 5:49:19 PM
Michael Michaud
A Need for Bipartisanship and Compromise in Finding Energy Solutions
On August 19th, I sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner urging cooperation and bipartisanship in the upcoming debate on energy that is expected when Congress reconvenes in early September. With prices substantially higher than last year, Maine families are having a tough time filling their gas tanks and are concerned about this winter's upcoming heating season.
Aug 24, 2008 - 10:05:30 PM
Michael Michaud
Digital Television: Are You Ready?
The nationwide switch to digital television is just around the corner. If you are unaware of the switch and what it means, you are not alone. I am writing this today in order to shed some light on the issue.
Aug 15, 2008 - 9:32:02 PM
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