Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
DMR Urges Those with Storm-Damaged Property to Report Issues
(Augusta) Wednesday’s storm resulted in unprecedented damage to property along Maine’s working waterfront. The Department of Marine Resources is working closely with Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Emergency Management Agency to assess the extent of the damage and says it is imperative that individuals with damaged property – including wharfs, floats, and vessels – document damage, share it with their local municipality, and ask them to report it to the appropriate Maine Emergency Management Agency. MDMR says it will continue to evaluate the situation and communicate updates as storm recovery moves forward.
(Augusta) Whole buildings were washed out to sea, coastal homes and businesses flooded, and wind gusts over 90 mph were reported on Isle au Haut on Wednesday. The storm caused unprecedented damage to property along Maine’s working waterfront. The Department of Marine Resources is working closely with Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Emergency Management Agency to assess the extent of the damage. MDMR officials say it is imperative individuals with damaged property – including wharfs, floats, and vessels – document damage, share it with their local municipality, and ask them to report it to the appropriate Maine Emergency Management Agency. MDMR says it will continue to evaluate the situation and communicate updates as storm recovery moves forward.
Governor Declares State of Civil Emergency for Coastal Counties
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills on Thursday declared a state of Civil Emergency for eight of Maine’s coastal counties. Wednesday’s storm battered the coastline, leaving unprecedented damage in its wake. The declaration opens the door for further mobilization of the state’s resources and strengthens the state’s ability to seek federal financial assistance.
(Augusta) From York to Washington County, Maine’s eight coastal counties suffered unprecedented damage from storm Finn on Wednesday as winds and waves battered the coastline. Governor Janet Mills on Thursday declared a state of Civil Emergency for Maine’s coastal counties. The declaration opens the door for further mobilization of the state’s resources and strengthens the state’s ability to see federal financial assistance.
Local Politics
King Introduces Bill to Fast-Track Veterans’ Access to Healthcare
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King this week introduced legislation that would give combat veterans the option of enrolling in their healthcare benefits program before officially transitioning out of active duty. The proposal would ensure no lag in coverage for service members. The bipartisan Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act would create an opt-in program to allow transitioning service members to access VA healthcare services their first day as civilians.
(Washington) No gaps in healthcare for veterans – that’s the goal of a bipartisan act proposed this week by Senator Angus King. The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act would create an opt-in program to allow transitioning service members to access VA healthcare services their first day as civilians. The bill would allow combat veterans the option of enrolling before officially transitioning out of active duty.
Senate Confirms Dunn as First Woman to Lead Guard
(Augusta) The Senate easily confirmed Army Brigadier General Diane Dunn on Thursday. The vote was 33-1, with only Republican Eric Brakey voting against Dunn’s confirmation. The 57 yo Dunn hails from Rome, brings 33 years of military service, and will be the first woman in state history to lead the Maine National Guard.
(Augusta) Retired US Army Brigadier General Diane Dunn will be the state’s first woman to lead the Maine National Guard. Dunn was easily confirmed by the Senate on Thursday by a 33-1 vote, with only Republican Eric Brakey voting against the measure. The 57 yo Dunn hails from Rome, Maine and brings 33 years of military service to the position.
Maine Dems Push to Enshrine Abortion Rights
(Augusta) Months after pushing through an expansion of abortion access that drew huge protests at the State House, Legislative Democrats have now set their sights on enshrining the right to an abortion in the Maine Constitution. Senate Democrats announced this week the Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing later this month on a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic. The Portland Press Herald reports Vitelli issued a written statement saying, citizens have a fundamental right to control their own reproductive health.
(Augusta) Following last year’s bruising battle to expand abortion rights in Maine, Legislative Democrats are now setting their sights on enshrining the right to an abortion in the Maine Constitution. Senate Democrats announced this week the Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing later this month on a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic. The Portland Press Herald reports Vitelli said in a written statement, citizens have a fundamental right to control their own reproductive health. The bill, LD 780, would need two-thirds support in each chamber to advance to a statewide ballot.
Economy
Bill Introduced to Create Economic Opportunity for Wabanaki Nations
(Augusta) Compared to other tribes in the lower 48, a 2022 Harvard study found the Wabanaki have underperformed economically. This week, Democratic Representative Laura Supica held a public hearing before the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee to introduce LD 1777. The bill would authorize each federally recognized Indian Nation, tribe or band in Maine to operate internet gaming, opening a new revenue stream. Ten percent of the revenue received would be passed on to the state. The bill will have a work session in the Committee in the coming weeks.
(Augusta) Unemployment rates for Wabanaki tribal members are more than double those of non-tribal Mainers, and the average lifespan among the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy and Maliseet is 54 years, compared to the US National Average of 76. This week, Democratic Representative Laura Supica introduced LD 1777, a bill that would authorize each federally recognized Indian Nation, tribe, or band in Maine to operate internet gaming, opening a new revenue stream and helping to improve quality of life. Ten percent of the resulting revenue would be passed on to the state. The bill will have a work session in the Committee in the coming weeks.
WIC Food Assistance Shortfall
(NYT) For the first time in decades, many states could begin turning away eligible applicants from an assistance program that provides low-income women and children critical access to food. The NY Times reports the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a federally funded program known as WIC, has traditionally received bipartisan support from lawmakers. But the broader push for spending cuts among some House Republicans has threatened the program’s ability to provide benefits to every eligible person who applies. Lawmakers are running up against a January 19th deadline to extend funding.
Summer EBT Assistance
(CBS News) A new federal program will provide summer grocery money to 21 million children as part of the Biden administration’s goal of making sure students get enough food when they’re not in school and can’t access free or reduced breakfast and lunch. CBS News reports the program will be rolled out in 35 states, including Maine, and all five U.S. territories, while four tribes have also opted into the Summer EBT. States will identify which families qualify for the $120 or more in benefits and either mail out EBT cards or reload existing ones, which families can then use at local grocery stores. In the meantime, the Houston Chronicle reports Texas turned down $350M in summer food assistance for needy children, saying a state agency lacked the time and resources to implement the program.
Education
MaineCF Offers Hundreds of Scholarships
(Ellsworth) Ready to extend your education? The Maine Community Foundation has hundreds of scholarships available for graduating high school seniors, graduate students, and adult learners pursuing myriad areas of study and professional certifications. This spring, MaineCF will travel across the state, hosting workshops for students and families to learn about MaineCF, and offering application support. To apply for a scholarship or to find a workshop near you, visit maine c f dot org.
(Ellsworth) The money is out there – you just have to apply. The Maine Community Foundation has hundreds of scholarships available for graduating high school seniors, graduate students, and adult learners pursuing a variety of areas of study and professional certifications. This spring, MaineCF will travel across the state, hosting workshops for students and families to learn about MaineCF, and offering application support. To apply for a scholarship or to find a workshop near you, visit maine c f dot org.
Health
Nation’s Largest Rehab Hospital Could Open in Bangor
(Bangor) The nation’s largest owner and operator of rehab hospitals could open a 50-bed inpatient facility in Bangor before the decade is out. The Bangor Daily News reports Encompass Health recently outlined its intent to build the facility at 1017 Union Street in January 2027. The proposed hospital could help fill a hole in health services left when Northern Light EMMC stopped offering similar services at the end of 2022. A spokesperson for Encompass said the project could bring between 100 and 150 jobs to the city within the first five years of opening.
(Bangor) There’s a pressing need for additional rehabilitation services in the Bangor community. Those are among the findings of a market analysis by Encompass Health, the nation’s largest owner and operator of rehab hospitals. The Bangor Daily News reports Encompass has filed for permits to build a 50-bed inpatient facility at 1017 Union Street. The facility, if approved, would be ready in January 2027. The proposed hospital reportedly could help fill a gap in health services left when Northern Light EMMC stopped offering similar services at the end of 2022. Encompass said the project could bring between 100 and 150 jobs to the city within the first five years of opening.
Obamacare Enrollment Breaks Records for Third Straight Year
(NYT) More than 20 million people have signed up for plans on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces during the annual open enrollment period, far surpassing last year’s record of more than 16 million enrollments. That announcement this week from the Biden Administration. The figures were a landmark moment for the 2010 health law, underscoring the significance of enhanced subsidies for Americans and the continuing reach of the marketplaces, after years of Republican efforts to whittle them down. Folks have just until next Tuesday, January 16th, to check eligibility status and enroll.
(The Hill) Health insurance enrollment through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace has reached a record for the third consecutive year, according to the latest update from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS said in a statement this week, enrollment for 2024 ACA plans had broken 20 million so far, with just less than a week left for people to sign up for plans. The Hill reports the numbers exceed 2023’s enrollment – 16.3 million – by roughly 4 million people. Deadline to check eligibility and enroll is this Tuesday, January 16th.
Sports
Celtics fall to the Milwaukee Bucks last night at TD Garden – 135-102.
Bruins lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, 2-1 in overtime.
High school basketball last night, the Old Town Lady Coyotes defeated Washington Academy, and these boys’ team reporting in – Ellsworth over Orono, George Stevens beats Sumner, WA gets the win over Narraguagus, Bucksport over John Bapst, Searsport over Deer Isle/Stonington, and the Calais Devils get the win over the Woodland Dragons.
High school basketball games this evening, the Jonesport-Beals girls and boys take on Bangor Christian, and these other girls’ games – Ellsworth up against Houlton, the Sumner Lady Tigers take on the Bucksport Golden Bucks, and George Stevens vs. Orono.
It’s official – Bill Belichek has agreed to part ways with the New England Patriots.
The Celtics host the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The Bruins in St. Louis as they try to overcome the Blues.