Munjoy Hill Observer - May 2009
May 1, 2009 -
Thank you to the Munjoy Hill Observer for the opportunity to address my neighbors on the Hill. Also, congratulations to the Observer and Lisa Penalver for getting the Observer back into publication! While I represent a large portion of the city in Augusta, living on Sheridan Street gives Munjoy Hill in a special place in my heart.
The big news in state government these days is the money we are getting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus package. Maine will receive approximately $162 million for transportation in stimulus money, with a big chunk of it coming to Portland. We'll be get nearly $1.2 million for the Veranda Street Bridge, $339,000 for Allen Avenue, and another $800,000 for assorted projects throughout the city. Maine will also receive approximately $300 million for education in stimulus money, with Portland benefiting also. We will be getting close to $3 million for our schools.
In the Legislature, I have the opportunity to see a lot of bills. Every Senator and Representative can submit any kind of legislation they want, and every bill gets a hearing. While there are many great bills that come forward, nothing is more exciting than the opportunity to advocate for something you've submitted yourself and watch it go through the legislative process. A few of the bills I submitted had their hearings, were heard in committee, and were voted out onto the floor:
The first bill to make it out of committee, LD 606, would enable the Maine Employer's Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC), located on Commercial Street in Portland, to offer liability insurance to more companies. It was a small change in the law, but it could have a huge impact on businesses getting the insurance they need.
LD 806 also made it out of committee. This bill would allow School Administrative Units to set up a fund for heating fuel. If the cost of heating fuel goes down, School Administrative Units would be able to put some money into this fund to help offset costs if they rise again. We've experienced a sling-shot effect over the past few years, and this fund could help schools stabilize costs.
Lastly, LD 489 received a strong vote out of committee. This bill focuses on families and children ages 0-5 in Child Development Services. The bill would change early intervention so that a developing child can receive professional services throughout the year without interruption during vacations and summer break.
Finally, I also had the great opportunity in March to present Portland Local 740's nine-member fire fighting team a sentiment for their first place finish in a Boston competition climbing 82 flights of stairs in full turnout gear. Local 740's team was among 600 participants from 25 departments in the Race Up Boston Place fundraising event for the American Lung Association. The top five made the climb in a total of 46 minutes, 7 seconds! The competition is designed to replicate the endurance needed to climb stairs in a high-rise to fight a fire, as well as simulate its physical demands. Congratulations Local 740, and thank you for making Portland safe!
It is an honor to serve the people of Portland in the Legislature. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas about how we can make our state better. You can send me an email at justin@justinalfond.com, or call me at (207) 828-0277. Also, I send out a weekly email that you can sign up for on my website: www.justinalfond.com.
