Maine Senate Republicans In The News News from the Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/ Video Clip-> Full Republican News Conference on Hospital Repayment Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20130517_00000049_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Democrat Lawmakers Tie Medicaid Expansion to Hospital Repayment in Bill Ramrodded Through Committee Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130517_00001915 Maine hospitals are owed $484 million by the State of Maine. Earlier this week, Committee members had reached consensus on a bill that would pay down that debt, and at the same time, release voter-approved infrastructure bonds, injecting $700 million into the state's economy. The pro...

Read complete article online.]]> Last Minute Political Stunt Derails Hospital Payment Agreement Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130516_00001914 The bill that would pay the hospitals by creating a revenue bond, which would be paid off with liquor contract revenues, is currently before the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and the Veterans and Legal Affairs...

Read complete article online.]]> Governor Urges Union to Stop Spreading Fear about Government Shutdown Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130513_00001911 "You are lying," the Governor told Tim Belcher, general counsel for MSEA. "I, as the Chief Executive of the State, have had no plan to shut down state government. It did not come from the executive branch. Why are you scaring people?"

The MSEA stated in ...

Read complete article online.]]> Party-Line Vote Endorses Use of Food Stamps for Junk Food Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130510_00001910 LD 1411," Resolve, To Require the Department of Health and Human Services to Request a Waiver To Prohibit the Use of Food Supplement Benefits for the Purchase of Taxable Food Items," was defeated by the Health and Human Services along party lines. Republicans on the Committee voted in favor of the measure that would have requested...

Read complete article online.]]> Legislative Panel Approves Funding to Aid Lewiston Fire Victims Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130509_00001909 More than 200 people were left homeless following separate fires in downtown Lewiston. Many of the victims are African refugees who recently settled in Lewiston. Two of the fires have been ruled arson by the State Fire...

Read complete article online.]]> State Taking Right Approach in Helping Lewiston Fire Victims Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130508_00001908

The smoke had barely cleared from the most recent fire before a small group of Democrat lawmakers demanded Governor Paul LePage clean out his office's limited contingency fund to help the victims.

"The problem with that ...

Read complete article online.]]> Senator Roger Katz Sponsors Bill to Ban Use of Food Stamps for Junk Food Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130503_00001907 The legislation is a Governor's bill that is sponsored by Senator Katz and several other Republican and Democratic legislators.

It directs Maine's Department and Health and Human Services to request the federal gover...

Read complete article online.]]> Senate President Chooses Party Politics over Fairness Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130429_00001906 Currently, no Republican Senator sits on the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources. As a result, many bills have had to be tabled until Senate Republicans have had an adequate...

Read complete article online.]]> Maine Senate Passes Bill to Keep Concealed Weapons Permit Holders' Information Confidential Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130424_00001905 LD 345 had significant bipartisan support in the Legislature after hundreds of gun owners, including domestic abuse survivors, came to the Capitol to speak in favor of it.

"I am very proud of what we were ...

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The committee is expected to vote on several bills.

Read complete article online.]]> Firearm and Ammunition Legislation Introduced to the 126th Legislature Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130405_00001903

Monday, April 8, 2013 10 am

LD 267, "An Act Regarding the Sale of Firearms at Gun Shows" Sen. Gerzofsky of Cumberland

This bill requires that a national instant criminal background check be performed prior to the sale or transfer of a firearm at a gun show. The bill makes a gun show operator responsible for any failure to perform a required background che...

Read complete article online.]]> Senate approves bill banning teens from tanning beds Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130404_00001900

It was a close vote, with party lines split down the middle.

Republicans say LD 272: An Act To Reduce Youth Cancer takes the responsibility from the parents and gives it to the government.

Democrats say since science now links ultraviolet rays in tanning beds to skin cancer, this bill is no different than putting an age restriction on cigar...

Read complete article online.]]> "Right to Work" Debate Gets Testy in Augusta Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130402_00001899

Lockman says these bills would demand accountability from unions and attract business to Maine. "It would introduce some competition into the marketplace," Lockman said. "It would basically force the unions to offe...

Read complete article online.]]> In The Arena: Alfond and Thibodeau Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130315_00001898 Read complete article online.]]> Former GOP Lawmaker Blasts Democrats, Leftist Groups at Re-nomination Hearing Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130313_00001897

"There were many things said about me last Tuesday. Some of them were true," said former Republican Rep. Jonathan McKane of Newcastle in reference to the March 5 hearing in which the committee rejected his nomination by an 8-5 ...

Read complete article online.]]> Statement from Senate Republican Leader on Democrat Liquor Contract, Hospital Payment Plan Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130311_00001896 "I find it interesting that in their news release, the Democrats call the Governor's proposal to use...

Read complete article online.]]> Dirigo Board Candidate's Nomination Sent back to Committee after Fair Hearing Denied Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130308_00001895

AUGUSTA - In an unprecedented move, the Maine Senate today committed the nomination of Jon McKane to the Dirigo Health Board of Trustees back to the Insurance and Financial Services (IFS) Committee. The Committee rejected McKane's nomination on Tuesday along party lines. During and after the hearing, concerns were raised about procedural fairness issues.

Several people testified on behalf of McKane, noting his extensive knowledge of Dirigo, six years serving on the I...

Read complete article online.]]> Audio Recording-> Senator Saviello LD 243 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 James Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_radio/radio_page.php?story_id=20130227_00000055_radio Read complete article and hear audio online.]]> Video Clip-> Senator Thibodeau on Lost Business Revenue Impact Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_video/video_page.php?story_id=20130130_00000048_video Read complete article and view clip online.]]> Maine Republican Leaders Comment on the Governor's Budget Proposal Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130111_00001894

"This is a serious budget proposal that will receive serious consideration in the Legislature," said Se...

Read complete article online.]]> Senate Republican Leader Mike Thibodeau's Response to the Democrats Agenda Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130109_00001893 Read complete article online.]]> Maine Senate Republican Leaders Disappointed with DHHS Secretary's Ruling on Medicaid Waivers Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130109_00001892

"I am very disappointed with Secretary Sebelius' decision on the Medicaid waivers," said Senate Republican Leader Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo). "While some of the Governor's requests were granted, the refusal to authorize all of them will make it even mo...

Read complete article online.]]> Feds deny some of LePage's Medicaid cuts Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130108_00001891

In letters sent to the LePage administration Jan. 7, U.S. DHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius rejected the governor's request to cut Medicaid insurance for low-income 19- and 20-year-olds. It also spurned a request to cut health insurance for parents earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level.

Sebelius did approve th...

Read complete article online.]]> Senator Roger Katz backs Governor on soda ban for food stamps. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130107_00001890

Sodas and other sugary drinks are the single biggest source of calories in the American diet. Most Maine schools have banned sodas. Now, Governor Paul LePage and the state Department of Health and Human Services want to ban the purchase of soda with food stamps. Samarali Daniels has an EBT...

Read complete article online.]]> Congressional delays pose problems for Maine Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20130104_00001889 Read complete article online.]]> Senator Garrett Mason Nominated for Senate President Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 Jim Cyr - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121204_00001886 "I am deeply honored to have won the confidence of my colleagues who nominated me for Senate President," said Mason, who is serving his second term in the Legislature.

"I believe Garrett would be very effective in this leadersh...

Read complete article online.]]> Maine Senate Republicans Look to the Future, Elect New Leaders Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121129_00001885

Newly elected Republican Leader Mike Thibodeau str...

Read complete article online.]]> Fiscal cliff worries blamed for Maine revenue drop Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121129_00001883 That was the message Thursday from the state's revenue forecasting committee to members of the Legislature's budget-writing committee.

Because of reduced revenue projections, lawmakers are waiting to learn whether Gov. Paul LePage will order state agencies to immediately curb spending to fill the $35 million gap created by the shor...

Read complete article online.]]> Maine Chamber forum seeks to clear clouds over Affordable Care Act's business impact Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121128_00001884 The Maine State Chamber of Commerce hosted the event in an attempt to help solve problems employers might encounter when trying to understand the law and its regulations, many of which will go into effect in the coming years. . .

Read complete article online.]]> $2.8 million Lewiston/Auburn railroad reconstruction project to advertise for construction in November Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121011_00001727

Senator Snowe-Mello stressed the importance of this news and its impact on the region's eco...

Read complete article online.]]> Bangor Daily News: GOP leaders say record means they deserve 2 more years of legislative control Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121009_00001726

State Senate President Kevin Raye, House Speaker Robert Nutting and Republican leaders in both chambers cited a regulatory reform bill, tax cuts, changes to the state employee pension...

Read complete article online.]]> Senator Garrett Mason Posts Perfect Attendance Record in the Maine Senate Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20121005_00001725

"My constituents have entrusted me to work hard on their behalf in the Legislature, and I take that responsibility very seriously," said Senator Mason. "It is important for me to be a strong and dependable voice for th...

Read complete article online.]]> AP: Beardsley, other LePage nominees, confirmed Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120907_00001724

Senators confirmed all 70 of Republican Gov. Paul LePage's nominees for judicial, cabinet and board posts, and Beardsley's was the only one to draw serious debate. But the 13 votes to overturn a committee recommendation for his appointment fell ...

Read complete article online.]]> Slanderous Election Year Smear Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 Mark J. Ellis - Maine Senate Republicans http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate_gop/_news/news_page.php?story_id=20120906_00001723

Senate Republicans expressed both surprise and disappointment at the action of Senate Democrats in the face of the facts surrounding the nomination, and the complete lack of ...

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