by James Cyr | Feb 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
Senate President Urges Visitors to View Works of Maine Artists AUGUSTA – Visitors to the Maine State House can view the works of 17 contemporary Maine artists that will be on display through early March. The Maine Arts Commission has partnered with the Penobscot Marine Museum for the current “Art in the Capitol exhibit: “Maine: A Continuum of Place.” It includes 25 paintings by Maine artists, as well as original glass plate images from the museum’s postcard collection. It coincides with the 100th anniversary of “Maine Postcard Day” which was established by Governor Oakley Curtis. Governor Curtis encouraged all Mainers to mail a Maine postcard to out-of-state friends. Senate President Thibodeau said, “With their extraordinary talent, these Maine artists have managed to capture the beauty of our state, and I have the privilege of seeing their amazing works of art every time I walk to my office at the State House. I believe everyone should come to see them.” The exhibit will be on display through March 3, 2017 throughout the ground and second floors of the State House. All Art in the Capitol exhibits are free and open to the public. # #...
by James Cyr | Feb 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
PORTLAND – The Maine Supreme Court today issued a procedural order (attached) that establishes a schedule for briefings on the matter of ranked-choice voting. The justices have invited representatives from the Maine Senate, House of Representatives, Governor Paul LePage, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General and other interested parties to file briefs addressing two questions: whether a solemn occasion exists for the Supreme Court to address the matter of ranked-choice voting and whether ranked-choice voting is allowed under the Maine Constitution. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said, “I would like to thank the justices for their prompt response in acknowledging the Senate’s request to look into this matter. Lawmakers desperately need guidance from the court as we move forward crafting public policy in order to prevent uncertainty in the outcome of our future elections.” The Law Court has established Friday, March 3, 2017, 4 p.m. as the deadline for submitting briefs. Oral arguments before the Supreme Court are scheduled for April 13, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at the Cumberland County Courthouse....
by James Cyr | Jan 26, 2017 | Uncategorized
“The Maine Legislature today took decisive and appropriate action regarding legalized marijuana by voting unanimously for this bill in both the House and Senate. Passage of LD 88 means minors will not be able to use or possess marijuana legally and will prohibit driving while using the drug on Maine roads. It will also give lawmakers time to carefully craft responsible legislation around legalization to protect the public. “I am encouraged by today’s vote, but much more work remains to be done on this issue.” ...
by James Cyr | Jan 19, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – A legislative committee today gave unanimous approval to a one-year moratorium on the retail sale of marijuana in Maine. Over the past three days, the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee has been considering LD 88, “An Act to Delay the Implementation of Certain Portions of the Marijuana Legalization Act.” It was introduced to the committee as emergency legislation after numerous concerns arose following the passage of Question 1 on last November’s ballot. When it passes in the full Legislature, the legislation will delay implementation of retail sales of marijuana until February 1, 2018 and prohibit Maine citizens who are under the age of 21 from possessing the drug, among other measures. Over the next year, a special legislative committee on marijuana will adopt laws that address marijuana sales, as well as issues such as public safety and workplace issues. “It is very encouraging to see bipartisan support for this measure regarding the marijuana moratorium,” Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said. “Although Maine voters approved this measure, albeit by a very narrow margin, I believe it is clear to all that there are many unforeseen circumstances surrounding legalization that impact public safety, employment and a number of other areas. It is hard to imagine that anyone who voted in favor of legalization wanted children to get their hands on this drug. “This moratorium will allow our elected officials to create sound public policy around legalization in a responsible manner.” Senator Majority Leader Garrett Mason (R-Androscoggin), who chairs the VLA Committee, said, “I am incredibly proud of the work we were able to accomplish on the Veterans and Legal...
by James Cyr | Jan 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) announced today that veteran state official Sawin Millett of Waterford will serve as an advisor on his staff as the Legislature begins work on a budget to fund state services through Fiscal Year 2019. Millett’s service to the State of Maine is extensive and spans decades. Most recently, he was the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services under Governor Paul LePage. He has worked for five different governors, beginning with Governor James Longley, under whose administration he served as education commissioner. Governor John McKernan appointed Millett Commissioner of Finance. Later, Millett served as Associate Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services under Governor Angus King. In addition to working for the executive branch, Millett was a member of the Maine House of Representatives where he served for 12 years. Millett’s extensive experience in state government and ability to work with both sides of the aisle has earned him respect from Republicans, Democrats and Independents over the years. Senate President Thibodeau said, “I could not be more thrilled to have Sawin Millett on our team. We have tremendous challenges in front of us over the next five months as we attempt to craft a biennial budget that will keep government services operating efficiently without raising the tax burden on Maine citizens. Without question, Sawin is an invaluable resource who will bring great benefits to legislative Republicans in the months ahead.” Millett lives on his family farm in Waterford, and has also served his local community as a teacher, school principal, coach, selectman and moderator for town...
