by James Cyr | Apr 6, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today announced he is the sponsor of a sweeping welfare reform bill that is designed to make recipients accountable to Maine taxpayers. Thibodeau made his comments today at a news conference in the Cabinet Room at the Maine State Capitol and was joined by Governor Paul LePage, Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner (DHHS) Mary Mayhew, and two former recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits who are now on their own without government assistance. The welfare reform bill is similar in many ways to several bills that were proposed in the 126th Legislature and were blocked by partisans on the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee who either rejected the bills outright or weakened already existing rules while attempting to pass this off as “reform.” “This action is long overdue by the Maine Legislature, and that’s why I am pleased to support this legislation,” Senate President Thibodeau said. “Given the makeup of the 127th Legislature, I believe it has a much better chance to pass this time around, and that will be a win for the Maine taxpayer.” Among the highlights of the welfare reform bill: A work requirement for job-ready TANF applicants (must apply for 3 jobs before receiving benefits) Prohibits use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards outside of Maine Legislature Prohibits benefits from being used for tobacco, liquor, gambling, lottery, tattoos, and bail Imposes a 6 month termination of benefits after the third failure violation of regulations In the next few weeks, the welfare reform bill is expected to be introduced to the...
by James Cyr | Mar 31, 2015 | Uncategorized
Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) joined Governor Paul LePage in calling for more funding for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) to battle the growing menace of illegal drugs in our state. Senate President Thibodeau says the highly addictive drugs are poisoning our children’s’ futures and negatively impacting, directly or indirectly, every citizen of Maine. In addition to adding more drug agents, the Governor’s budget proposal also calls for more prosecutors and judges to deal with the increase in drug dealers in Maine. ...
by James Cyr | Mar 26, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) plans to submit a joint resolution to the Maine Legislature that would make Maine the latest state to call for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Ohio Governor John Kasich, who is spearheading a national drive to force Congress to balance its books, came to Maine today at the invitation of Maine Governor Paul LePage. So far, 27 states have passed legislation calling for a Constitutional Convention to vote on a balanced budget. In order to call a convention, 38 states need to vote in favor of one. At a news conference today, Governor LePage welcomed Governor Kasich to Maine before introducing Senate President Thibodeau, and thanked him for sponsoring the legislation. “Having our federal budget balanced is a critically important issue for the future of people in Ohio, Maine, and the entire nation,” Senator Thibodeau said. “Right now the nation is 18 trillion dollars in debt. That is debt that is going to be handed down to our children, our grandchildren, and generations for come if we don’t do something about it. “Most states, including Maine, are required by their own constitutions to balance their budgets. That means that elected officials in those states are forced to put their partisanship aside and work toward sensible solutions. “If the states can do it, then the federal government can do it,” Senator Thibodeau said. Also joining today’s news conference was Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, who is also a supporter of the balanced budget...
by James Cyr | Mar 12, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – The first meeting of the Maine Senate President’s Business Advisory Committee took place at the State House yesterday. The Council was created to establish a strong partnership between the Maine Legislature and the state’s business community. The Council is made up of Maine business leaders and will meet on a regular basis throughout the year. “I could not have been more pleased with the first meeting of the Business Advisory Council,” Senate President Thibodeau said. “The members of the Council can provide those of us in the Legislature what we can’t get here under the dome: first-hand knowledge of how the laws we make here affect Maine’s business community. “At the first meeting we touched on a number of issues, including the state budget, taxes, and Maine’s workforce. I look forward to our next meeting.” Members of the Business Advisory Council are: Larry Grondin Grondin Construction Cathy Manchester Cathy Manchester Team Tim Varney Varney Agency Scott Hawthorne Mathews Brothers Morrill Worcester Worcester Wreath Jason Levesque Argo Marketing Ginger Duryea CN Brown (Retired) Wayne Hamilton Hamilton Marine Picture Caption: Members of the Business Advisory Council meet with Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo). From left to right: Tim Varney, Morrill Worcester, Cathy Manchester, Senate President Michael Thibodeau, Scott Hawthorne, Larry Grondin ...
by James Cyr | Mar 11, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) has announced the formation of the Senate President’s Business Advisory Council. The mission of the Council is to forge a strong partnership between the Legislature and the Maine business community. The Council will be made up of Maine business leaders and will meet on a regular basis throughout the year. “Maine businesses, both large and small, are the backbone of our economy,” Senate President Thibodeau said. “If they don’t succeed, Maine doesn’t succeed. “That is why I think it is crucial that we, as lawmakers, have constant input from the business community, particularly when the Legislature is in session. What we do here in Augusta has a direct impact on them, and as a result, on the entire economy.” The Senate President’s Business Advisory Council will be made up of people representing many sectors across the state. The primary goal is to understand and work toward the continued economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness in the State of Maine. The Council will: Foster dialogue and understanding among Maine’s business leaders Improve the efficacy of the private sector in promoting continued economic growth and development Be a collective voice to influence and inform legislation Participate in the development of critical issues, regulations and government-produced policies. Assist in the selection of the Senate President’s Cornerstone Awards for Business The first meeting of the Senate President’s Business Advisory Council will take place In the Senate President’s Office on March 11, 2015 at 3 pm. ...
by James Cyr | Feb 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
“I would like to thank the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee for taking this important step that will ensure our county jails have the resources they need through the end of the fiscal year. I look forward to the full Legislature acting on this legislation as quickly as possible. “At the same time, I think this underscores the fact this is a temporary fix and we need to have serious discussions in the weeks ahead about a long-term solution.” Senate President Michael Thibodeau...
