Senior Farmshare program
Rep. McCabe announces applications open for
Senior Farmshare program
AUGUSTA – Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Wednesday that applications for the Maine Senior Farmshare program will be available beginning March 4. The program is a partnership between the Maine Department of Agriculture and farmers throughout Maine, and is designed to provide seniors with up to $50 in free nutritious local produce during the summer growing season.
"This is a wonderful program that serves as a model, which connects local growers and local seniors,” said McCabe. “Maine Senior Farmshare provides high quality food and important social connections."
To qualify, Maine seniors must be at least 60 years old or 55 if a Native American, and either live independently with an individual yearly income of not more than $19,240 or have a combined yearly household income with a spouse or partner of not more than $25,900.
“This program provides healthy food to seniors and supports local farmers,” McCabe said. “By using local food, this program keeps Maine residents from contributing to the economic and environmental toll of shipping food across country when we’ve got better produce in our own backyards.”
In order to apply for the program, seniors should contact Spectrum Generations for income eligibility. Then, to receive their $50 in shares, they may sign up with a participating local farmer to select the types of produce and arrange pick up and delivery schedules. Farmers are prepaid by the Maine Department of Agriculture, and the program is funded through a permanent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Participating farms offer at least five different types of produce each week throughout a 10-week growing season. They also must offer the fruits and vegetables at the same price or a lower cost than they charge to the general public.
For more information and to learn more about other programs available, seniors may contact McCabe at or Spectrum Generations at 399-3185. Additional details on the program can be found at http://www.getrealmaine.com/connect/farmshare/senior.html.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
MPBN News Bill Would Steer Stimulus Funds to Maine's Dairy Farmer
Bill Would Steer Stimulus Funds to Maine's Dairy Farmers - 2/23/09 2:19 PM ESTBack
A Skowhegan representative has introduced a bill aimed at steering some of the federal stimulus funds to Maine's beleaguered dairy farmers. Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe says the state's existing dairy stabilization fund works, but is short of cash--about $5 million short. He says his bill would seek to identify any money among the hundreds of millions coming to the state that could be used for the fund. "Here's a chance to give the tools that are needed to stabilize an industry that works," he says. McCabe says dairy farmers provide jobs and the industry has a significant economic impact throughout the state. He says if money can't be found in the stimulus package, he'll seek state funding for the program.
A Skowhegan representative has introduced a bill aimed at steering some of the federal stimulus funds to Maine's beleaguered dairy farmers. Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe says the state's existing dairy stabilization fund works, but is short of cash--about $5 million short. He says his bill would seek to identify any money among the hundreds of millions coming to the state that could be used for the fund. "Here's a chance to give the tools that are needed to stabilize an industry that works," he says. McCabe says dairy farmers provide jobs and the industry has a significant economic impact throughout the state. He says if money can't be found in the stimulus package, he'll seek state funding for the program.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Rep. McCabe introduces legislation to support dairy industry
Rep. McCabe introduces legislation to support dairy industry
Bill would work to attract federal funding for Maine’s diary farmers
February 20, 2009
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that he has introduced a bill to attract federal stimulus funding for dairy farms in Maine. With the industry struggling, Rep. McCabe has been actively working to support farmers in the Skowhegan area since he took office, and this legislation is his latest effort to help farms through these tough times.
“The dairy industry in Maine is essential to our state’s economy, especially in the agricultural, recreation and tourism sectors,” said Rep. McCabe. “Dairy farms produce jobs, and they represent a sustainable resource in this state that we should make every effort to protect.”
The bill, L.D. 628, is a “concept draft,” meaning it is a work in progress for the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry to debate. Rep. McCabe serves on the committee, and he will present a number of options for the group to consider. The goal will be to produce a bill that brings the largest amount of federal resources to the dairy industry in Maine.
“In the past year, Congress passed a new farm bill with a number of useful programs in it, including funding for renewable energy and conservation,” said Rep. McCabe. “Our state should be utilizing every option we have to take advantage of federal programs to help dairy farms in Maine.”
The legislation will have a public hearing the next few weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Bill would work to attract federal funding for Maine’s diary farmers
February 20, 2009
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that he has introduced a bill to attract federal stimulus funding for dairy farms in Maine. With the industry struggling, Rep. McCabe has been actively working to support farmers in the Skowhegan area since he took office, and this legislation is his latest effort to help farms through these tough times.
“The dairy industry in Maine is essential to our state’s economy, especially in the agricultural, recreation and tourism sectors,” said Rep. McCabe. “Dairy farms produce jobs, and they represent a sustainable resource in this state that we should make every effort to protect.”
The bill, L.D. 628, is a “concept draft,” meaning it is a work in progress for the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry to debate. Rep. McCabe serves on the committee, and he will present a number of options for the group to consider. The goal will be to produce a bill that brings the largest amount of federal resources to the dairy industry in Maine.
“In the past year, Congress passed a new farm bill with a number of useful programs in it, including funding for renewable energy and conservation,” said Rep. McCabe. “Our state should be utilizing every option we have to take advantage of federal programs to help dairy farms in Maine.”
The legislation will have a public hearing the next few weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Rep. McCabe submits bill to support state parks
Legislation would help defray operating costs
February 18, 2009
AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, that would permit state parks to sell merchandise and use the funds to support operations and maintenance was introduced yesterday in the Maine House of Representatives.
“This legislation would give the Bureau of Parks and Lands the ability to dedicate revenue directly to the parks,” said McCabe. “In these tough economic times, it is crucial that we find creative ways to support the operation and maintenance of our state parks.”
The legislation, LD 562, would permit the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to sell items that are distinctive to the park or historic site, such as t-shirts, hats, mugs or other appropriate items. The Bureau could also rent items to be used for the enjoyment of the site, such as canoes, kayaks or bicycles. The bill would require, whenever possible, that the Bureau contract with Maine vendors in order to support Maine-based businesses.
McCabe currently serves as Director of Lake George Regional Park, a 320-acre park, which is located in the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. Lake George Regional Park is a day-use park owned by the State of Maine and leased by the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. The park offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, a public boat launch, a multiuse trail system, playing fields, and group use facilities.
“As the director of a self-supporting park, this is one tool we use successfully to ensure on-going revenue,” said McCabe. “I am pleased to sponsor this bill to enable parks and historic sites to do the same.”
The bill will be scheduled for a public hearing in the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in the coming weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
February 18, 2009
AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, that would permit state parks to sell merchandise and use the funds to support operations and maintenance was introduced yesterday in the Maine House of Representatives.
“This legislation would give the Bureau of Parks and Lands the ability to dedicate revenue directly to the parks,” said McCabe. “In these tough economic times, it is crucial that we find creative ways to support the operation and maintenance of our state parks.”
The legislation, LD 562, would permit the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to sell items that are distinctive to the park or historic site, such as t-shirts, hats, mugs or other appropriate items. The Bureau could also rent items to be used for the enjoyment of the site, such as canoes, kayaks or bicycles. The bill would require, whenever possible, that the Bureau contract with Maine vendors in order to support Maine-based businesses.
McCabe currently serves as Director of Lake George Regional Park, a 320-acre park, which is located in the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. Lake George Regional Park is a day-use park owned by the State of Maine and leased by the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. The park offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, a public boat launch, a multiuse trail system, playing fields, and group use facilities.
“As the director of a self-supporting park, this is one tool we use successfully to ensure on-going revenue,” said McCabe. “I am pleased to sponsor this bill to enable parks and historic sites to do the same.”
The bill will be scheduled for a public hearing in the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in the coming weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Monday, February 9, 2009
Winter Carnival at Lake George Regional Park
Day of winter games
BY DOUG HARLOW
Staff Writer
There was the popular rough-and-tumble box-sled races Saturday, six kinds of homemade chili, marshmallows to roast, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and an ice-fishing derby that attracted hundreds of anglers from all over the region.
But mostly the 17th annual Winter Carnival at Lake George Regional Park was fun, everyone said.
And cold.
Colder than predicted.
"It's been a great turnout this year, I think we had perfect conditions as far as the sled-box derby -- there was enough snow," said park director Jeff McCabe. "The ice, it's thicker than it has been in years. We have at least 250 people who signed up for the ice-fishing derby today -- there's probably 500 people out there fishing today."
McCabe said people came out on the ice and snow for the warmth of family fun -- and the food.
"We have a chili cook-off today," he said. "There's some folks who came out today to use our groomed cross-country trails, as well as to go snow-shoeing, and some kids are tying out some kick sleds for the first time."
In the chili cook-off, pots and cast-iron Dutch ovens steamed and bubbled over open fires.
"We have six entries, which is perfect for the amount of space we have in these chili cookers -- barbecues that are made out of a half of the interior of a hot-water heater," organizer Iver Lofving said.
The cook-off winner was Shawn Bixby from Skowhegan Regional Vocational School. Jim Veilleux took second place, with Lofving and Empire Grill sharing third place.
In the box-sled derby, in which ordinary cardboard boxes are transformed into painted, downhill racers, 40 children entered to win the top spot in four categories.
The best looking sled award went to Isaac Curtis for "Red Thunder." The most creative sled was made by Ella Siren, 5, of Skowhegan, riding "Red Baron," with the longest slide going to Evan Wallace, 9, of Cornville.
The best crash of the box-sled derby went to 6-year-old Olivia Shrader of Canaan, who tumbled four times and came up in tears, but a winner.
Dave Daigneault, Skowhegan Police Department's community-resource officer, cub master for Cub Scout Pack 403 and organizer of Saturday's box-sled derby, said little Olivia's winning crash was a real smash.
"She did about four tumbles -- face first -- before she come out and started crying," Daigneault said. "It was quite a crash. She won a trophy."
The annual winter carnival is put on every year through volunteer efforts of the Skowhegan/Canaan community and through the park's leadership team.
And not all of the volunteers are adults, said Josh Ring, 12, of Canaan.
"I'm helping with the food, and I'm helping with the sleds," Josh said. "This is my first year. It's cold."
Out on the lake, scores of ice huts, snowmobiles and pickups dotted the snowy landscape as far as the eye could see.
Young and old set their traps and waited.
Jim MacMichael, a former Lake George intern under lake ranger Bob Hubbard, said the turnout for the ice-fishing derby was up by about 40 people this year.
He said the ice is thick -- between 11/2 to 21/2 feet thick. He said a third of the entrants were children.
MacMichael said the fishing was slow on Saturday.
Derby first-place winners and cash-prize recipients in the fishing derby were: Kristin Cooley, longest yellow perch; Barry Henderson, longest white perch; Jackson Lord, longest trout; Debbie Holt, longest smallmouth bass; and Zack Tondreau, longest pickerel.
Hubbard, the park's ranger for 16 years, said there was a reason Saturday for the slow going of catching fish.
"There is a lot of activity," he said. "You've got snowmobiles, you've got ice augers, you've probably got 1,500 (ice-fishing) holes out here, you've got trucks going across the ice -- it's got to do something to the fish.
"They're hiding."
Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342
dharlow@centralmaine.com
BY DOUG HARLOW
Staff Writer
There was the popular rough-and-tumble box-sled races Saturday, six kinds of homemade chili, marshmallows to roast, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and an ice-fishing derby that attracted hundreds of anglers from all over the region.
But mostly the 17th annual Winter Carnival at Lake George Regional Park was fun, everyone said.
And cold.
Colder than predicted.
"It's been a great turnout this year, I think we had perfect conditions as far as the sled-box derby -- there was enough snow," said park director Jeff McCabe. "The ice, it's thicker than it has been in years. We have at least 250 people who signed up for the ice-fishing derby today -- there's probably 500 people out there fishing today."
McCabe said people came out on the ice and snow for the warmth of family fun -- and the food.
"We have a chili cook-off today," he said. "There's some folks who came out today to use our groomed cross-country trails, as well as to go snow-shoeing, and some kids are tying out some kick sleds for the first time."
In the chili cook-off, pots and cast-iron Dutch ovens steamed and bubbled over open fires.
"We have six entries, which is perfect for the amount of space we have in these chili cookers -- barbecues that are made out of a half of the interior of a hot-water heater," organizer Iver Lofving said.
The cook-off winner was Shawn Bixby from Skowhegan Regional Vocational School. Jim Veilleux took second place, with Lofving and Empire Grill sharing third place.
In the box-sled derby, in which ordinary cardboard boxes are transformed into painted, downhill racers, 40 children entered to win the top spot in four categories.
The best looking sled award went to Isaac Curtis for "Red Thunder." The most creative sled was made by Ella Siren, 5, of Skowhegan, riding "Red Baron," with the longest slide going to Evan Wallace, 9, of Cornville.
The best crash of the box-sled derby went to 6-year-old Olivia Shrader of Canaan, who tumbled four times and came up in tears, but a winner.
Dave Daigneault, Skowhegan Police Department's community-resource officer, cub master for Cub Scout Pack 403 and organizer of Saturday's box-sled derby, said little Olivia's winning crash was a real smash.
"She did about four tumbles -- face first -- before she come out and started crying," Daigneault said. "It was quite a crash. She won a trophy."
The annual winter carnival is put on every year through volunteer efforts of the Skowhegan/Canaan community and through the park's leadership team.
And not all of the volunteers are adults, said Josh Ring, 12, of Canaan.
"I'm helping with the food, and I'm helping with the sleds," Josh said. "This is my first year. It's cold."
Out on the lake, scores of ice huts, snowmobiles and pickups dotted the snowy landscape as far as the eye could see.
Young and old set their traps and waited.
Jim MacMichael, a former Lake George intern under lake ranger Bob Hubbard, said the turnout for the ice-fishing derby was up by about 40 people this year.
He said the ice is thick -- between 11/2 to 21/2 feet thick. He said a third of the entrants were children.
MacMichael said the fishing was slow on Saturday.
Derby first-place winners and cash-prize recipients in the fishing derby were: Kristin Cooley, longest yellow perch; Barry Henderson, longest white perch; Jackson Lord, longest trout; Debbie Holt, longest smallmouth bass; and Zack Tondreau, longest pickerel.
Hubbard, the park's ranger for 16 years, said there was a reason Saturday for the slow going of catching fish.
"There is a lot of activity," he said. "You've got snowmobiles, you've got ice augers, you've probably got 1,500 (ice-fishing) holes out here, you've got trucks going across the ice -- it's got to do something to the fish.
"They're hiding."
Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342
dharlow@centralmaine.com
Encourages dairy farmer participation at forum
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Rep. McCabe encourages dairy farmer participation at forum
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will be holding a public forum relating to milk pricing and Maine’s Dairy Stabilization Program on Wed., Feb. 18, 2009 in Room # 208 of the Cross Office Building.
Members of the Agriculture Committee have expressed their concern relating to falling milk prices on Maine’s dairy farmers. Maine created a Dairy Stabilization program in 2004 to provide a safety net for dairy farmers during periods of falling prices. The state’s declining revenues have many apprehensive that there may be inadequate funds for the program.
“It is crucial for dairy farmers to voice their opinion and suggestions at the upcoming meeting,” said McCabe. “Committee members need to hear directly from farmers who are trying to make ends meet during difficult financial times.”
Those who cannot attend the public hearing in Augusta may submit written comments to the committee by mailing them to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Legislature, State House Station #100, Augusta, ME 04333. Members of the public may also listen to the forum via the Legislature’s website at http://www.maine.gov/legis/audio/.
February 9, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Rep. McCabe encourages dairy farmer participation at forum
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will be holding a public forum relating to milk pricing and Maine’s Dairy Stabilization Program on Wed., Feb. 18, 2009 in Room # 208 of the Cross Office Building.
Members of the Agriculture Committee have expressed their concern relating to falling milk prices on Maine’s dairy farmers. Maine created a Dairy Stabilization program in 2004 to provide a safety net for dairy farmers during periods of falling prices. The state’s declining revenues have many apprehensive that there may be inadequate funds for the program.
“It is crucial for dairy farmers to voice their opinion and suggestions at the upcoming meeting,” said McCabe. “Committee members need to hear directly from farmers who are trying to make ends meet during difficult financial times.”
Those who cannot attend the public hearing in Augusta may submit written comments to the committee by mailing them to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Legislature, State House Station #100, Augusta, ME 04333. Members of the public may also listen to the forum via the Legislature’s website at http://www.maine.gov/legis/audio/.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Redington-Fairview Hospital Budget
For Immediate Release
January 29, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Funding preserved for Redington-Fairview Hospital in state budget
Rep. McCabe works with legislature to adopt compromise budget proposal
Augusta —The Maine Legislature passed a supplemental budget on Tuesday, addressing the current budget shortfall caused by the national economic crisis. State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Thursday that while the budget included a number of cuts to state services, the Legislature was able to reach an agreement that continues support for Redington-Fairview Hospital (RFGH), and other similar critical access hospitals that many Mainers in rural areas depend on.
The supplemental budget, which passed 120-22 in the Maine House of Representatives, restored cuts to these hospitals that were proposed by Gov. Baldacci.
“In addition to the emergency and life-saving role that RFGH provides to our area, the hospital is a true cornerstone of our community by providing preventative health care services and quality jobs,” said McCabe. “I am pleased that the legislature was able to respond to the concerns of the hospitals about these proposed cuts in the supplemental budget.”
The Governor had proposed cutting reimbursements to critical access hospitals in order to fill the current budget gap. However, many patients and employees of critical access hospitals told legislators they feared their hospital would go under if the state cuts had survived. McCabe said that dozens of constituents contacted him over the past month expressing support for Redington-Fairview Hospital and their concern over how losing those services could impact the Skowhegan area. McCabe said that in preventing these cuts, the Legislature reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all individuals in the state of Maine should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.
Included in the supplemental budget package was a commitment by the Legislature to use a portion of any federal stimulus package funds to pay down charges owed to Maine hospitals by the state for MaineCare services. The biennial budget, which will be negotiated by the Legislature over the next few months, includes a placeholder for $99 million in federal stimulus funds for MaineCare services. It is expected that Maine will actually get more federal support than that, and the commitment to pay hospitals for services rendered will come from the money the Legislature receives over and above the placeholder.
“Hospitals such as RFGH are crucial to the fabric of towns in rural Maine,” said Rep. McCabe. “The pride expressed in the many letters, e-mails and phone calls that I have received over the last few weeks are shared by my wife and me. We have benefited from the wonderful staff at RFGH who were so supportive to our family during the birth of our two children.”
Redington-Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan provides health care services to more than 30,000 people in over ten towns in the region, which extends from Skowhegan to the Canadian border. In addition to the hospital’s ambulatory care services, Redington-Fairview has recently expanded their Radiology Department, Laboratory and Oncology services, and their Birthing Center.
The Legislature will begin work on the biennial budget in February, which sets state spending priorities for the next two years.
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January 29, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Funding preserved for Redington-Fairview Hospital in state budget
Rep. McCabe works with legislature to adopt compromise budget proposal
Augusta —The Maine Legislature passed a supplemental budget on Tuesday, addressing the current budget shortfall caused by the national economic crisis. State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Thursday that while the budget included a number of cuts to state services, the Legislature was able to reach an agreement that continues support for Redington-Fairview Hospital (RFGH), and other similar critical access hospitals that many Mainers in rural areas depend on.
The supplemental budget, which passed 120-22 in the Maine House of Representatives, restored cuts to these hospitals that were proposed by Gov. Baldacci.
“In addition to the emergency and life-saving role that RFGH provides to our area, the hospital is a true cornerstone of our community by providing preventative health care services and quality jobs,” said McCabe. “I am pleased that the legislature was able to respond to the concerns of the hospitals about these proposed cuts in the supplemental budget.”
The Governor had proposed cutting reimbursements to critical access hospitals in order to fill the current budget gap. However, many patients and employees of critical access hospitals told legislators they feared their hospital would go under if the state cuts had survived. McCabe said that dozens of constituents contacted him over the past month expressing support for Redington-Fairview Hospital and their concern over how losing those services could impact the Skowhegan area. McCabe said that in preventing these cuts, the Legislature reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all individuals in the state of Maine should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.
Included in the supplemental budget package was a commitment by the Legislature to use a portion of any federal stimulus package funds to pay down charges owed to Maine hospitals by the state for MaineCare services. The biennial budget, which will be negotiated by the Legislature over the next few months, includes a placeholder for $99 million in federal stimulus funds for MaineCare services. It is expected that Maine will actually get more federal support than that, and the commitment to pay hospitals for services rendered will come from the money the Legislature receives over and above the placeholder.
“Hospitals such as RFGH are crucial to the fabric of towns in rural Maine,” said Rep. McCabe. “The pride expressed in the many letters, e-mails and phone calls that I have received over the last few weeks are shared by my wife and me. We have benefited from the wonderful staff at RFGH who were so supportive to our family during the birth of our two children.”
Redington-Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan provides health care services to more than 30,000 people in over ten towns in the region, which extends from Skowhegan to the Canadian border. In addition to the hospital’s ambulatory care services, Redington-Fairview has recently expanded their Radiology Department, Laboratory and Oncology services, and their Birthing Center.
The Legislature will begin work on the biennial budget in February, which sets state spending priorities for the next two years.
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Redington-Fairview Hospital Budget
For Immediate Release
January 29, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Funding preserved for Redington-Fairview Hospital in state budget
Rep. McCabe works with legislature to adopt compromise budget proposal
Augusta —The Maine Legislature passed a supplemental budget on Tuesday, addressing the current budget shortfall caused by the national economic crisis. State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Thursday that while the budget included a number of cuts to state services, the Legislature was able to reach an agreement that continues support for Redington-Fairview Hospital (RFGH), and other similar critical access hospitals that many Mainers in rural areas depend on.
The supplemental budget, which passed 120-22 in the Maine House of Representatives, restored cuts to these hospitals that were proposed by Gov. Baldacci.
“In addition to the emergency and life-saving role that RFGH provides to our area, the hospital is a true cornerstone of our community by providing preventative health care services and quality jobs,” said McCabe. “I am pleased that the legislature was able to respond to the concerns of the hospitals about these proposed cuts in the supplemental budget.”
The Governor had proposed cutting reimbursements to critical access hospitals in order to fill the current budget gap. However, many patients and employees of critical access hospitals told legislators they feared their hospital would go under if the state cuts had survived. McCabe said that dozens of constituents contacted him over the past month expressing support for Redington-Fairview Hospital and their concern over how losing those services could impact the Skowhegan area. McCabe said that in preventing these cuts, the Legislature reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all individuals in the state of Maine should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.
Included in the supplemental budget package was a commitment by the Legislature to use a portion of any federal stimulus package funds to pay down charges owed to Maine hospitals by the state for MaineCare services. The biennial budget, which will be negotiated by the Legislature over the next few months, includes a placeholder for $99 million in federal stimulus funds for MaineCare services. It is expected that Maine will actually get more federal support than that, and the commitment to pay hospitals for services rendered will come from the money the Legislature receives over and above the placeholder.
“Hospitals such as RFGH are crucial to the fabric of towns in rural Maine,” said Rep. McCabe. “The pride expressed in the many letters, e-mails and phone calls that I have received over the last few weeks are shared by my wife and me. We have benefited from the wonderful staff at RFGH who were so supportive to our family during the birth of our two children.”
Redington-Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan provides health care services to more than 30,000 people in over ten towns in the region, which extends from Skowhegan to the Canadian border. In addition to the hospital’s ambulatory care services, Redington-Fairview has recently expanded their Radiology Department, Laboratory and Oncology services, and their Birthing Center.
The Legislature will begin work on the biennial budget in February, which sets state spending priorities for the next two years.
-30-
January 29, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Funding preserved for Redington-Fairview Hospital in state budget
Rep. McCabe works with legislature to adopt compromise budget proposal
Augusta —The Maine Legislature passed a supplemental budget on Tuesday, addressing the current budget shortfall caused by the national economic crisis. State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Thursday that while the budget included a number of cuts to state services, the Legislature was able to reach an agreement that continues support for Redington-Fairview Hospital (RFGH), and other similar critical access hospitals that many Mainers in rural areas depend on.
The supplemental budget, which passed 120-22 in the Maine House of Representatives, restored cuts to these hospitals that were proposed by Gov. Baldacci.
“In addition to the emergency and life-saving role that RFGH provides to our area, the hospital is a true cornerstone of our community by providing preventative health care services and quality jobs,” said McCabe. “I am pleased that the legislature was able to respond to the concerns of the hospitals about these proposed cuts in the supplemental budget.”
The Governor had proposed cutting reimbursements to critical access hospitals in order to fill the current budget gap. However, many patients and employees of critical access hospitals told legislators they feared their hospital would go under if the state cuts had survived. McCabe said that dozens of constituents contacted him over the past month expressing support for Redington-Fairview Hospital and their concern over how losing those services could impact the Skowhegan area. McCabe said that in preventing these cuts, the Legislature reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all individuals in the state of Maine should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.
Included in the supplemental budget package was a commitment by the Legislature to use a portion of any federal stimulus package funds to pay down charges owed to Maine hospitals by the state for MaineCare services. The biennial budget, which will be negotiated by the Legislature over the next few months, includes a placeholder for $99 million in federal stimulus funds for MaineCare services. It is expected that Maine will actually get more federal support than that, and the commitment to pay hospitals for services rendered will come from the money the Legislature receives over and above the placeholder.
“Hospitals such as RFGH are crucial to the fabric of towns in rural Maine,” said Rep. McCabe. “The pride expressed in the many letters, e-mails and phone calls that I have received over the last few weeks are shared by my wife and me. We have benefited from the wonderful staff at RFGH who were so supportive to our family during the birth of our two children.”
Redington-Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan provides health care services to more than 30,000 people in over ten towns in the region, which extends from Skowhegan to the Canadian border. In addition to the hospital’s ambulatory care services, Redington-Fairview has recently expanded their Radiology Department, Laboratory and Oncology services, and their Birthing Center.
The Legislature will begin work on the biennial budget in February, which sets state spending priorities for the next two years.
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Winter carnivals this weekend
BY DOUG HARLOW
On Saturday, the 17th annual Lake George Regional Park winter carnival and ice-fishing derby begins bright and early with a breakfast from 4 to 9:30 a.m. at the Masons' Hall on Oak Pond Road.
"Snow and great ice will make conditions perfect for Saturday's events," said park director Jeff McCabe.
The annual ice-fishing derby is set to open at sunrise, just before 7 a.m. at the park on the Canaan Road, U.S. Route 2, east of downtown Skowhegan.
Registration for the derby starts at 4 a.m. at the breakfast and continues, beginning at 5 a.m. at the derby headquarters near the boat launch. The entry fee is $5 for all anglers.
Prizes worth more than $1,000 are being offered for fish caught in various categories and angler-age groupings.
Snow-shoeing and cross-county skiing demonstrations will be offered on the west side of the park, as well.
Registration and judging for a box-sled derby is set for 10 a.m. A marshmallow roast is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the west side of the lake, as is a chili cook-off. The chili must be in a metal pot for reheating and the entry fee is $5.
Food will be offered at lunch time at the west side office. An Operation Center tour and tea is slated for noon.
For more information call the park at 474-1292.
On Sunday, the Skowhegan Parks & Recreation Department is set to hold its fourth annual winter carnival from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Community Center off West Front Street.
Program assistant Mickey Hoyt said outdoor activities are set to include snow shoeing and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Activities inside the Community Center gym are to include games, a bounce house, face painting, cookie decorating, a coloring contest for the little kids and a bake sale. Hoyt said a new Wii gaming system featuring "Dance Dance Revolution" also will be offered in the gym for some of the older kids.
"We outgrew the conference rooms last year and moved into the gym," Hoyt said. "We try to add something new every year."
For more information of the winter carnival, call 474-6901.
Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342
BY DOUG HARLOW
On Saturday, the 17th annual Lake George Regional Park winter carnival and ice-fishing derby begins bright and early with a breakfast from 4 to 9:30 a.m. at the Masons' Hall on Oak Pond Road.
"Snow and great ice will make conditions perfect for Saturday's events," said park director Jeff McCabe.
The annual ice-fishing derby is set to open at sunrise, just before 7 a.m. at the park on the Canaan Road, U.S. Route 2, east of downtown Skowhegan.
Registration for the derby starts at 4 a.m. at the breakfast and continues, beginning at 5 a.m. at the derby headquarters near the boat launch. The entry fee is $5 for all anglers.
Prizes worth more than $1,000 are being offered for fish caught in various categories and angler-age groupings.
Snow-shoeing and cross-county skiing demonstrations will be offered on the west side of the park, as well.
Registration and judging for a box-sled derby is set for 10 a.m. A marshmallow roast is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the west side of the lake, as is a chili cook-off. The chili must be in a metal pot for reheating and the entry fee is $5.
Food will be offered at lunch time at the west side office. An Operation Center tour and tea is slated for noon.
For more information call the park at 474-1292.
On Sunday, the Skowhegan Parks & Recreation Department is set to hold its fourth annual winter carnival from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Community Center off West Front Street.
Program assistant Mickey Hoyt said outdoor activities are set to include snow shoeing and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Activities inside the Community Center gym are to include games, a bounce house, face painting, cookie decorating, a coloring contest for the little kids and a bake sale. Hoyt said a new Wii gaming system featuring "Dance Dance Revolution" also will be offered in the gym for some of the older kids.
"We outgrew the conference rooms last year and moved into the gym," Hoyt said. "We try to add something new every year."
For more information of the winter carnival, call 474-6901.
Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342
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