November 30, 2011

House Republican Office

November 21, 2011

For more information:

Jay Finegan, 287-1445

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ray Wallace sworn in as Legislature's newest member

AUGUSTA - State Rep. Ray Wallace was sworn into office today by Governor Paul LePage after winning a special election to fill a vacant seat in House District 24.

Rep. Wallace (R-Dexter) said he was motivated to run for office by the reform agenda championed by the Republican majorities in the House and Senate...

May 5, 2011

AUGUSTA - Landmark legislation to revamp Maine's health insurance market cleared a critical hurdle today in the House of Representatives by a vote of 76-72. The measure, designed to generate more competition and bring rates closer to national norms, now moves to the Senate. Final enactment votes in both bodies could come as early as next week.

"The people of our state are the winners today," said House Speaker Robert Nutting. "For years, reasonable proposals to fix a dysfunctional health insur...

May 4, 2011

AUGUSTA - The Judiciary Committee voted unanimous approval today for LD 247, a bill that would eliminate a process called "escheatment," in which the state demands 60 percent of the cash value of unused gift cards.

The legislation also changes the time limit on when a gift card is considered abandoned from two years to five years. The measure, which has bipartisan support, will now proceed to the full Legislature for consideration.

"I'm very pleased to see a unanimous vote from the Committe...

March 10, 2011

AUGUSTA - State Rep. Kerri Prescott has proposed legislation to amend Maine's gift card laws to relieve businesses of what she calls an "accounting nightmare."

LD 247, the bill by Rep. Prescott (R-Topsham), would remove the requirement that a merchant must remit 60 percent of a card's unclaimed amount to the state treasurer after two years of inactivity.

The proposal would change from two years to five years the time after which a gift card is deemed abandoned, but as discussions abou...