News
National
Say "Thank You" to Families of the Fallen
In honor of Memorial Day, a unique social media campaign hopes to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by families who have lost loved ones that served in the military. After all, memorial day is not really about cookouts and car sales.
May 24, 2013 - 9:11:58 PM
State
Michaud, Pingree Seek Answers on Cutler Naval Air Station Furloughs
Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressing concerns over furloughs in Maine due to the sequester.
May 24, 2013 - 9:27:30 AM
News
C&C Annual Meeting Breaks Attendance Records
AUGUSTA, ME -- Crisis & Counseling Centers (C&C) enjoyed record attendance at its Annual Meeting & Dinner on May 9 at the Waterville Elks Banquet and Conference Center.
May 24, 2013 - 9:21:59 AM
National
Bill to Require American-made Military Uniforms
Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree introduced a bill to reverse the Department of Defense's (DOD) avoidance of the Berry Amendment, which requires DOD to purchase American-made military uniforms. For decades the military issued servicemembers American-made uniforms, including athletic footwear. Since 2002, DOD has skirted the law when it comes to footwear by issuing new recruits cash allowances for training shoes.
May 24, 2013 - 9:18:32 AM
National
Lawmakers Unveil Plan to Tackle the VA Claims Backlog
Joined by veteran groups on Capitol Hill, House lawmakers unveiled a legislative package today designed to help the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) accomplish its goal to eliminate the backlog by 2015. All ten bills in the package have now been introduced, and a summary of the plan can be found here.
May 23, 2013 - 12:56:03 AM
State
Rep. Michaud Disappointed in DoD E-Health Record Announcement
Representative Mike Michaud (Maine-02), Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, expressed disappointment in the Department of Defense (DoD) announcement that it will put out to bid for a new system to manage its health records. Michaud and his Republican and Democratic colleagues on the committee sent a letter today to President Obama urging him to show leadership and end the bureaucratic back and forth on records, which has a direct impact on veterans' claims with the VA, and potentially their health.
May 23, 2013 - 12:35:18 AM
State
Michaud Recognizes Maine Law Enforcement during National Police Week
Representative Mike Michaud recognized National Police week by submitting a Congressional Record statement honoring Maine law enforcement. Michaud joined New England law enforcement officers to attend the 25th annual candlelight vigil sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
May 15, 2013 - 7:33:14 PM
State
HUD Grants Lewiston Fire Victims Flexibility to Obtain Housing Quickly
Representative Mike Michaud has informed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assistant Secretary Peter Kovar that the agency has approved a measure to help many of the Lewiston fire victims obtain alternative housing more quickly.
May 12, 2013 - 12:17:40 AM
National
TheTeaParty.net to IRS: "Apology not accepted"
The claim in this Media Release (and various places on the internet) that -- The Obama administration has used the IRS as a political weapon -- is debunked at www.forbes.com. Whilst that article specifically does mention illegalities, the suggestion that President Obama or some other administration official 'got to' the Commissioner of the IRS is debunked on the following basis
May 12, 2013 - 12:07:17 AM
Local
Michaud Meets with Boston Fire Chief, East Millinocket Native
WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Representative Mike Michaud met with Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser, who grew up in East Millinocket, Maine and attended the Maine Maritime Academy. During Fraser's service in the Navy, he commanded the USS Underwood, which was built at Bath Iron Works.
May 10, 2013 - 6:18:41 AM
National
Protecting Military Families from Foreclosure
Reps. Elijah E Cummings, Mike Michaud, Adam Smith, Susan Davis, Mark Takano, and John Tierney, the Ranking Members of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and the Subcommittee on National Security, introduced H.R. 1842, the Military Family Home Protection Act, to strengthen foreclosure protections for U.S. military servicemembers and their families.
May 8, 2013 - 1:33:20 AM
State
May 7th - Maine to Host Rally for Economic Freedom
Americans for Prosperity Maine will host a Rally for Economic Freedom in Maine next Tuesday, May 7. The rally will take place at 9:45AM at the Maine State Capitol Plaza and feature remarks from Scott Moody, CEO, Maine Heritage Policy Center and Scott Lansley, Maine Taxpayers United as well as Carol Weston, Americans for Prosperity Maine State Director and event host.
May 3, 2013 - 6:27:59 AM
News
Michaud Reacts to White House Veteran Employment Announcement
WASHINGTON, DC -- Representative Mike Michaud, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, reacted to today's White House announcement that American businesses have hired or trained 290,000 veterans and military spouses over the past two years and have committed to hiring 435,000 more by 2018.
May 1, 2013 - 3:07:32 AM
State
Michaud Reintroduces Coastal Island Bill
Wilderness lands are open to the public for activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, boating, photography, hunting, fishing, research and non-motorized recreation. During the refuge planning process, several issues came up about how a wilderness designation would impact public safety, private landowner access, and adjacent activities, such as aquaculture and commercial fishing. These issues were dealt with in the refuge's comprehensive conservation plan and are specifically addressed in the wilderness designation under Michaud's bill.
Apr 28, 2013 - 5:15:19 AM
National
Michaud Reacts to Passage of FAA Bill
"Safe and efficient air travel is critical to the travelling public as well as our nation's economy," said Michaud, a longtime member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "While this bill represents a positive step, it is not a comprehensive approach to the sequester's indiscriminate cuts. Everything from critical education resources to important economic development funding has been impacted. I believe Congress must renew efforts to comprehensively address the impacts of the sequester so that another crisis isn't just around the corner."
Apr 28, 2013 - 5:07:36 AM
State
New Director of Crisis Services
Richard E. Chammings, LCSW, has served as manager, team leader, and adult outpatient clinician at Tri-County Mental Health Services and Clinical Director at ESM, Inc. With an extensive background in developing assessment tools, treatment plans, and clinical policy and procedures, Chammings has more than 25 years working with inpatient, outpatient, residential and crisis mental health services.
Apr 26, 2013 - 5:28:18 AM
National
Michaud Leads Push to Help VA Address Growing Claims Backlog
Democrats on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee have 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 below, seek to help VA accomplish its goal to eliminate the backlog by 2015.
Apr 26, 2013 - 5:22:56 AM
News
Restoring Spawning Habitat for Maine's Sea-Run Fish
The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) announced it has now restored access to 15,000 acres of ponds and lakes and 300 miles of river for Maine's native sea-run fish. These achievements are part of ASF's Maine Headwaters Project that is focused on restoring critical spawning habitat to sea-run fish in tributaries identified as high priorities in State of Maine fisheries restoration plans. While the target species are Atlantic salmon and alewives, these restoration projects provide a broad range of benefits for all fish and wildlife along the river corridor.
Apr 26, 2013 - 5:20:53 AM
News
Historic fish runs to be restored at Grand Falls Dam
St Andrews- After nearly twenty years of exile from their native waters, alewives will once again migrate up the St. Croix River watershed. The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is pleased that Bill LD 72 became law today, requiring state officials to remove barriers to fish passage at Grand Falls Dam. The law comes into effect just in time as the alewives begin their up-river migration to their spawning grounds, and scientists are optimistic that a healthy run will be re-established.
Apr 24, 2013 - 8:25:48 PM
National
Committee Examines ACA Impact on VA and Veterans
Today, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held an oversight hearing on the strategic and policy implications of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on veterans eligible for and engaged with health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Committee members examined the potential impact of the law and VA's efforts to understand, implement, and meet the ACA's requirements.
Apr 24, 2013 - 8:21:42 PM
State
$25,000 grant for Acadia National Park
The $25,000 grant is through the National Park Foundation's America's Best Idea Program, which is supported in part by LL Bean. Inspired by the Ken Burns documentary on our national parks, the grant program works to connect underserved populations with the country's parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official nonprofit charity of the park system.
Apr 24, 2013 - 8:17:31 PM
National
Rep. Michaud Praises New VA Claims Backlog Initiative
"The announcement today by Secretary Shinseki and Undersecretary Hickey shows that the VA is serious about reducing the backlog and is willing to put forward new ideas to get it done. I remain firm in my support of the VA, and these leaders. We have a way to go on solving the backlog, but I believe we will get there if Congress, the VA, the unions and veteran support organizations work together.
Apr 21, 2013 - 12:10:37 AM
State
Photograph of the Week: 2013 Congressional Art Competition Winner for Maine
Apr 14, 2013 - 12:02:51 AM
State
Michaud Announces Art Competition Winner for 2013
"It's always impressive to see how many Maine students possess such a high level of artistic talent," said Michaud. "I appreciate and admire all of the students who submitted entries this year. I'd like to thank the Maine Arts Commission for their continued dedication to this annual event and the critical role they play in the selection of the winners. Brianna's wonderful collage will bring some much-needed Maine-made artwork to our nation's capital."
Apr 12, 2013 - 9:23:56 AM
National
President's Budget Reneges on Promise to Middle Class Americans
Changing the current cost of living allowance formula to a stingier and less accurate Chained CPI is an immediate benefit cut for millions living on already modest incomes. The White House knows this formula is not more accurate for seniors, which is why it's promised exemptions and bumps to try and soften the blow for some. But it still leaves millions of seniors facing benefit cuts, breaking the promise President Obama made to protect America's middle class families.
Apr 12, 2013 - 9:20:54 AM
National
Ranking Member Michaud opposes "chained CPI" proposal
The Administration's budget includes a proposal to utilize what is called a "chained CPI" in place of the current method of calculating inflation. This proposal could impact a number of federal programs, including Social Security and VA benefits. Michaud expressed his concern over the proposal during today's hearing.
Apr 12, 2013 - 9:14:30 AM
State
Americans for Prosperity Maine Expresses Opposition to Medicaid Expansion Bill
AUGUSTA -- Americans for Prosperity Maine is announcing its opposition to a bill that would expand Medicaid in the state. The expansion would come as part of a "deal" wherein the federal government would pay for some of the coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Apr 10, 2013 - 12:26:57 AM
State
Private Wilderness Getaway Near Lincoln, Maine, up for Sale
United Country -- McPhail Realty of Lincoln, Maine, is offering a private wilderness property with two recently constructed post-and-beam homes to the public. This approximately 131-acre find on Gates Pond is located about seven miles south of Lincoln and about 40 miles from Bangor, Maine.
Apr 10, 2013 - 12:22:38 AM
National
2.3 million Petitions Delivered to the White House
Today's White House protest marks the beginning of a mobilization of Americans nationwide. Tomorrow, Americans will follow up today's petition delivery with a Congressional Call-In day telling members to oppose the chained CPI. Citizens will call the National Committee's toll-free legislative hotline to connect to their representatives on Capitol Hill in one easy call. That number is: (800) 998-0180.
Apr 10, 2013 - 12:17:39 AM
National
Seniors Mobilize for April 10th Congressional Call-in Day
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is mobilizing advocates across the nation in a Congressional Call-In day on Wednesday, April 10th, the day that President Obama releases his budget including cuts to Social Security.
Apr 9, 2013 - 3:39:47 AM
State
Delegation Fights to Keep BGR Tower Open 24-7
WASHINGTON, DC -- Maine's entire congressional delegation sent letters to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta expressing their strong opposition to the FAA's possible elimination of the overnight shift at the Bangor International Airport (BGR) Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT).
Apr 5, 2013 - 10:29:34 PM
National
Seniors, Retired Veterans, and the Disabled Will Pay Down Our Nation's Debt
"If news reports today are correct, President Obama will soon renege on his commitment to keep Social Security out of the deficit debate, ignoring his campaign promise to millions of Americans that he would protect vital middle class programs like Social Security. By including a proposal in his 2014 budget to change the current cost of living allowance formula to a stingier and less accurate Chained CPI, the President has suggested an immediate benefit cut of $130 per year for the typical 65-year old retiree that would grow exponentially to a $1,400 cut after 30 years of retirement.
Apr 5, 2013 - 10:24:48 PM
State
Michaud Sends Letter Supporting Medicaid Expansion to Maine Legislature
"As a result of Maine's long track record of ensuring access to health care, the Medicaid expansion will reward the state for its past generosity and make it easier to maintain the coverage that is already in place. Maine is one of eight states that would actually save money by participating in the expansion," wrote Michaud. "In order to achieve these savings, however, the state has to partner with the federal government and fully implement the Affordable Care Act."
Apr 5, 2013 - 10:22:47 PM
State
Michaud Urges State to Accept Medicaid Funding
"The vast majority of people benefitting from the expansion are currently employed, but work in jobs that are low wage and do not provide health insurance," said Michaud. "A diverse coalition is fighting for this funding because they know it will result in health insurance for thousands of Mainers, reduced health care costs, and economic opportunities critical to our state."
Apr 4, 2013 - 10:29:18 PM
State
Crisis & Counseling Centers New Director of Development and Public Relations
Randy Moser has been with the agency for three years as its Marketing Manager and has a background in journalism, internet marketing and public relations. He holds a BA from the University of Southern Maine and master's degree from the University of New Hampshire.
Mar 31, 2013 - 12:10:33 AM
State
Portland, March 23 - "Remembering Darien" - 3rd Annual Walk
"Remembering Darien" is a non-profit public charity (5013c) formed by family and friends of Darien Leigh Richardson to bring awareness of, to raise funds for and to advocate for all who have been impacted by violent crime -- especially gun violence. The organization was created in honor of Darien who was critically wounded on January 8, 2010 after masked intruders burst into her home and shot her while she was sleeping. In those few moments and the days following, Darien's entire life was turned upside-down physically, emotionally and financially. On February 28, 2010, 50 days after the shooting, and as a result of her gunshot wounds, Darien died, she was only 25 years old. This violent homicide remains unsolved.
Mar 18, 2013 - 10:55:42 PM
National
Comparison of Tax Plans in U.S. Senate and House Budgets
This week the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives will vote on two dramatically different budget proposals drafted by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, respectively. Americans for Tax Fairness, a national coalition representing more than 275 groups pressing for a fairer tax system, urges you to endorse the revenue proposal in the Murray budget and to editorialize against the revenue plan in the Ryan budget.
Mar 18, 2013 - 10:53:21 PM
National
America Needs The Randy & Andy Tag Team In The Presidential Ring Together
The Committee to Draft Judge Andrew Napolitano for President Stands With Rand and Urges Rand to Stand with Us in Urging The Judge to Throw His Hat in the Ring for 2016. March 18, 2013 Lawrence A. Hunter, Chairman of The Committee to Draft Judge Andrew Napolitano for President in 2016, released the following statement:
Mar 18, 2013 - 10:51:20 PM
State
Weekend News Round-up from Rep Michaud's Desk
Representative Mike Michaud is encouraging Maine students to participate in this year's Congressional Art Competition... The DoD has positioned the new medal immediately below the Distinguished Flying Cross and above the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.... Brownfield Volunteer Fire Department and the Windsor Fire and Rescue Department will receive funding through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program.... Rep. Michaud met with constituents from Greenville and provided them a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (see photo inside.)
Mar 16, 2013 - 7:20:26 AM
State
Obama receives Obama 159 Letters from Mainers on State's Paper Sector
"Business in the woods hasn't changed much over the years in some ways. Contracts are still made with a handshake. However, the ability to make a profit is slipping away more every day. Not many years ago, fuel was 89 cents/gallon and therefore related products like tires and many parts were similarly low," wrote Susan D'Alessandro of Millinocket.
Mar 16, 2013 - 7:08:36 AM
|
