Legislative Update from Senator Ned Claxton
Dear friend,

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday season so far. Although this is an enjoyable time of the year for many, there are also folks who are struggling. That's why this is a great time to get in the spirit of giving. And now that we've experienced our first snow storms of the year, it's a good reminder to make sure you're prepared for the rest of winter. Maine Emergency Management has some tips for you! 

Back in November, I had a chance to tour the P&G Tambrands facility in Auburn. It's an impressive, high-tech place! You can also read a digital version of my latest column in the Twin City Times, all about supporting local businesses this holiday season. 

As always, you can contact me by emailing me at [email protected], or by calling my office at (207) 287-1515.

Sincerely,
Touring P&G Tambrands in Auburn
Last month, I had the privilege to tour the P&G Tambrands Plant in Auburn. They employ roughly 400 hard working people there, and have a very high-tech factory. I'm glad P&G has chosen to invest in Tambrands and to contribute so much to the economies of Auburn and Maine! 

It's always a great time getting out and learning more about the businesses in our community. If you have any ideas for a business I should tour and learn more about, please feel free to contact me and tell me more about it!

Rick Malinowski, HR and operations manager, and me. 
Read my latest column!
In my recent column in the Twin City Times, I talked about why you should consider shopping at some of our great locally owned businesses this holiday season. You'll not only get some great Maine-made goods, you'll be supporting friends, families and neighbors who own the businesses. More money stays in the local economy when you shop at these businesses, too! 

Read the full column here.
Speaking with folks at the New Gloucester Village Store, just one of the many great local businesses I like to visit.
C elebrating the Season of Giving
This time of year is marked by spending on gifts, food and drink, and celebrating the holidays. There's something else we should also remember this season: Giving to a local charity. We recently celebrated Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, on Dec. 3. This day is a great way to kick off the season of giving. 

While you're considering which of your favorite charities you want to give an extra boost to this year, you can visit the Maine Attorney General's website to see some tips to follow before giving money. You can also find how charities are spending their money on this website . 

Please consider donating to a local organization or charity this holiday season. There are so many groups that do great work to help people in our own neighborhoods and across Maine, and they can especially use donations this time of the year.  
You might also consider donating some of your time this year. Here I am volunteering for the Trinity Jubilee Soup Kitchen in Lewiston this past summer. 
A reminder to make sure your home is prepared for winter storms
Now that winter is upon us and our first storms have passed, it's important to ensure your home is ready for the remainder of the season. Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has tips to make sure you're prepared. 

Carbon monoxide is one danger to be extra aware of in the winter, as we pull out generators and prepare for power outages. MEMA has tips to prevent raised levels of carbon monoxide, which you can read by clicking here . Check out some other general tips for making sure you're prepared for winter here . If you need assistance heating your home this winter, visit Maine Housing's website to see how you can get help through the Home Energy Assistance Program.  

Stay safe and warm this winter. Let's not forget to look out for our neighbors!

A past winter's evening outside the State House. 
Senator Ned Claxton | (207) 287-1515 | ned.claxton @legislature.maine.gov  |  www.mainesenate.org
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