Dear friends,
Hope this note finds you well! Since last weekend brought THE day designated to enjoy the love of your life, my Valentine and I took advantage of the dictate fully, with x-country skiing near Wilson Lake, followed by a toasty warm outdoor dining experience beside a huge backyard fire. Dinner cooked on sticks over an open fire is a gourmet experience, no matter the cuisine.
I remain busy on your behalf in the (virtual) State House. Though still in the learning phase of remote participation, the legislature is in full swing. We are moving forward with work sessions and public hearings on bill proposals, while continually improving the process and systems by which we are accomplishing this work.
There is, all at once, greatly limited and increased access to State Government in this pandemic impacted session. Watching committee deliberations on the YouTube channel, increases transparency, but the behind-the-scenes discussions are more remote than ever. What remains most concerning is that many Maine people are not able to participate via zoom because of technological challenges, whether lack of familiarity or lack of service. While virtual meetings are the method chosen for our State this year, it NOT a good way to create policy.
January, has been the deadliest month of the pandemic in Maine with 211 deaths. However, after a mid-January peak, new virus cases in Maine have dropped by three-quarters. Nationally, cases are down 77% over the past six weeks, in large part because of natural immunity from prior infection. We are almost out of the woods.
Please do reach out with any concerns regarding upcoming legislation. You can keep watch on my Facebook page for the State House weekly public hearing schedule, as well as finding it here:
The Weekly & Daily Committee Calendar
Enjoy winter!
With warmest regards,
Lisa
Lisa Keim
Senator, Maine State District 18
1505 Main St. Dixfield, ME
207.562.6023 (Home)
207.287.1505 (Senate Republican Office)
Working Together for a Better Maine
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Register Now for the Maine Moose Lottery |
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Forget the Megabucks! Now is the time to register for the annual Moose Permit lottery to be held in June. In order to get a license to hunt a moose in Maine, you need a permit, but so many people want them that they are awarded through a lottery system. Register by May 13, 2021 to be in the drawing to determine who will get their moose permits. For more information, click here: https://mooselottery.web.maine.gov/online/moose/
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There’s a New, Easier Procedure for Submitting Testimony on a Bill |
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The technical staff at the State House has created an easier way to provide testimony to virtual public hearings on bills in legislative committees. The new Web page allows the public to register to give oral testimony via Zoom or submit your thoughts in writing to the appropriate committee. It is important that your voice is heard in Augusta, so take a few moments to learn about the now easier process. To visit the new page, go to www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/ or click here.
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Louisiana Pacific Invests $150 million in LP Houlton Expansion |
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The LP Houlton Mill in New Limerick is slated to receive an investment of approximately $150 million to convert part of the facility to manufacture SmartSide, an advanced engineered wood strand siding. The parent company, Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions, a Tennessee-based manufacturer of engineered wood building products, says the expansion will mean an increase in their need for locally sourced fiber by about 30%. For details, click here.
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Is There Free Money Waiting for You? Check for Unclaimed Property |
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Each year, tens of millions of dollars go unclaimed by Maine residents. These financial assets are turned over by thousands of national and local businesses and organizations. The State Treasurer holds these assets, free of charge, until claimed by the owner or heir. Please use this website to search your name, your business, and the name of your friends and family. If you have time, help spread the word about this free service! Visit the unclaimed property Website: https://www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov/
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Senate Republican Radio Address |
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Striving to Protect Maine Workers with the PPP
Sen. Marianne Moore presented this week's radio address where she discussed the recent controversy over the federal Paycheck Protection Program and why Maine should not tax these funds.
To see the address in video or text form, click here.
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