by James Cyr | Feb 12, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) today praised the Senate for its quick action on LD 138 “An Act to Update References to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Contained in the Maine Revised Statutes, Decouple Federal Bonus Depreciation Deductions and Create a Maine Capital Investment Credit.” The bill brings Maine into conformity with recently passed federal tax provisions that allow businesses and individuals to claim exemptions on their 2014 tax filings which are due on April 15, 2015. Among those who will benefit from the tax incentives are small businesses that have recently made capital investments and schoolteachers who have used their own money for classroom expenses. Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) said, “I am thrilled that the very first bill to be passed by the Maine Senate in the 127th Legislature is one that will provide incentives to bring new jobs to Maine and to allow taxpayers to keep more of the money that they earned. “With this vote, I believe we have set a very positive tone for the 127th Legislature by demonstrating our ability to work across party lines for the people of Maine.” Senator Jim Hamper (R-Oxford), who is the Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, said, “I’m pleased we were able to vote this legislation out of Appropriations with unanimous support, and that it has now passed the Maine Senate with bipartisan support. Maine’s businesses will benefit greatly from the passage of LD 138.” Senator Earle McCormick, who is the Chair of the Taxation Committee, said, “Tax laws are complicated enough, so it only makes sense to...
by James Cyr | Feb 3, 2015 | Uncategorized
“There is a lot to like in the plan the Governor laid out for the State of Maine tonight. I was particularly encouraged by his commitment to lower electricity prices for Maine homeowners and businesses and revisit some our renewable energy policies that are costing ratepayers too much. “I also support the Governor in his plan to continue the fight against welfare abuse by cutting down on fraud and protecting the system for the truly needy.” I thought other highlight of tonight’s speech were his commitments to provide much-needed funding increases for our struggling nursing homes and to reduce the waiting lists for disabled Mainers who have been waiting too long for critical services. “I would also like to commend the Governor for his proposal to reduce income taxes in Maine. For too long our tax policies have been a burden to our hard working families and businesses. As the session goes on, we will get a better understanding of how his entire tax proposal affects our local communities. “The Governor has put forth a bold proposal and I look forward to working with him on it to make Maine a better place for all of...
by James Cyr | Jan 30, 2015 | Uncategorized
AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) left the Senate rostrum today to speak from the floor in honor of John Ingraham Jr. of Knox who passed away recently. John Ingraham was born in the Town of Knox and graduated from Freedom Academy. He dedicated his life to agriculture and built a successful dairy farm with his wife, Beverly, and their five children. He also founded Ingraham Equipment, a snowmobile and farm equipment dealership. Ingraham was also a selectman for the Town of Knox and served on the board of directors for School Administrative District (SAD) 3. He was named Maine’s Farmer of the Year in 1994. “John left an indelible mark on the community he loved so much,” Senate President Thibodeau said. “In addition to all of his accomplishments, I can tell you that he was also a great family man and a friend to all who knew him. His presence will be greatly missed in Waldo County and my thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”...
by James Cyr | Jan 30, 2015 | Uncategorized
“It was no surprise to me that Carlisle McLean was confirmed to the PUC with a unanimous vote today in the Maine Senate. During the nomination process it was clear to all that she is highly qualified for this important role and has a thorough understanding of the issues before the PUC. “Given our state’s ongoing effort to bring more affordable energy to homeowners and businesses, it is comforting to know that someone of Carlisle’s caliber will be a member of this regulatory commission.” Senate President Michael Thibodeau...
by maineSenateAdmin | Jan 12, 2015 | Uncategorized
Ceremony will Take Place During Joint Convention at Augusta Civic Center AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will be sworn in for a second term during a joint convention of theMaine Legislature on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. The ceremony will take place at the Augusta Civic Center beginning at 11:30 am. The Governor was reelected by Maine voters last November. He will be sworn in by Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) who was also reelected and chosen by his fellow senators to serve as Senate President for the 127th Legislature. Following the inauguration, there will an inauguration party on the evening of January 7, also at the Augusta Civic Center. For more information on Inauguration Day events, please click...
