Pushing Forward

Facing the Difficult Budget Choices

2011-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last week, I spent four days in Augusta learning about Governor LePage’s proposed plan to close an estimated $120 million shortfall in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget. During that time, I listened to Commissioner Mary Mayhew, several of her DHHS staff, and hundreds of Maine citizens testify on the impact that these proposed cuts would have on their lives. I drove back home to Rumford from Augusta each night humbled by what I had heard during those intense days of testimony and presentation.

There is no doubt that we face serious budget challenges. During an era of unprecedented economic prosperity, we started down a path to expand health care coverage and services to thousands of our Maine neighbors. Unfortunately, with the massive economic dislocation caused by a global economic recession, that expansion seems unsustainable as revenues continue to decline even as demand for services, and their costs, continue to rise. Something must be done; this is not a situation that can be ignored, nor will it just go away of its own accord. Difficult decisions, based on all the facts and realistic priorities, must be made in the coming days and weeks.

The testimony by Maine citizens last week was very sobering. We heard stories from our neighbors and members of the community concerning the circumstances they face and the impacts that these significant cuts will have on their health and ultimately their lives. The impact of these cuts will not be theoretical -- they will impact thousands of individuals and families -- not just those who receive the services, but those who provide the services as well. It means all of us and our communities will feel the effect of these cuts to some extent or another.

With that in mind, we must make these difficult decisions armed with facts. Therefore, here are the central concerns that I have and which must be answered before I will be able to support any budget initiative -- regardless of who proposes it.

What is the actual size of the budget shortfall?
Will any of these program eliminations violate federal statutes or rules thus requiring that we reinstitute them?
Will elimination of certain services create greater demand for the remaining ongoing services, erasing projected budget savings while creating dislocation for consumers and their families, workers, and providers?
What is the direct economic impact of these proposed program eliminations? How many workers will be laid off as a result of these cuts? How many providers will be put out of business? What are the stranded costs from unused facilities caused by these actions?
What is the indirect economic impact on our communities? Given the widespread and sizable nature of these reductions, what will be the secondary economic impacts on Maine communities? How many more people may lose their jobs or their livelihood?
How will these changes impact the availability, quality and cost of medical and social services for all Maine citizens?
What is the plan for and the timeframe of the transition of MaineCare recipients, workers, and providers as services are eliminated or reduced?

Without answers to these questions, the Legislature cannot make reasonable, albeit difficult, budget decisions.

Since I was elected three years ago, I have been working to make our human services and particularly MaineCare more sustainable and more affordable. There are changes that can be made that will reduce costs. There may be many unnecessary costs and programs that can be identified and eliminated. We may need to look closely at our priorities and eligibility standards, but we must do that work mindful of the impacts these changes will make in the lives of our neighbors.

One of my legislative colleagues is fond of reminding us all that we have a constitutional responsibility to have a balanced budget. I have read Maine’s Constitution and he is correct. There is one place where the Legislature is required to produce a balanced budget. However, there are many more places where we are directed to guard the health, safety and welfare of all Maine citizens. Both of these are constitutional mandates, and I will work to ensure we meet them both.

I have appreciated the many e-mails and calls I have gotten on this very important subject. I encourage you to pay attention to the issues as they emerge over the next days and weeks, and let me know your thinking. I will continue to work to find a way through to a budget that represents our core values as Maine citizens.

Environmental group gives local reps. top scores

2011-09-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – The non-partisan Maine Conservation Voters gave Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, and Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, “4 out of 4” for their votes to protect the environment during the first session of the 125^th Legislature. Both representatives have 100 percent lifetime scores from MCV.

“As an outdoor enthusiast and as a grandmother, I believe that it is important that we make sure that Maine is a place where we can continue to enjoy the outdoors now and in the future,” said Briggs.

“Maine's quality of place is a big part of what brings people to our state,” said Peterson. “In the River Valley in particular, where our industry is dependent on natural resources, a healthy environment equates to a healthy economy.”

Legislators were graded on their votes regarding energy efficiency, clean water, children’s health, wildlife and the North Woods. The Maine Conservation Voters 2011 scorecard measured votes on some of the most significant environmental issues passed this year:

· Children’s Health: LD 412 voting to ban the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food and beverage containers, like baby bottles and sippy cups;

· Children’s Health: LD 228 voting against the repeal of Maine’s pesticide spraying notification law;

· Energy Efficiency: LD 1416 voting against weakening the statewide uniform building and energy efficiency code;

· North Woods: LD 1534 voting against establishing a biased study committee to eliminate the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC), the state agency charged with conserving Maine’s vast North Woods.

In past years, MCV scorecards have been used to showcase votes that furthered protections for Maine’s environment, which is central to the state’s economic brand.

NewPage Declares Bankruptcy

2011-09-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today we learned that NewPage Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 under the United States bankruptcy code.

The announcement confirms many discussions that have been going on for months in Rumford. We don't have much information to go on, but I am sure we will learn more in the coming days and weeks. What we do know is that the issues are structural financial issues for the whole company -- not any issues specifically about the facility in Rumford. I've had many family and friends who have worked for the mill for years -- and it has been a well managed facility with a strong and committed workforce. Unfortunately, in this economic environment hard work is not always rewarded. This is an instance where a company has borrowed a great deal of money, and was significantly over leveraged just before the global economy collapsed as a result of decisions made a long way from the River Valley. It isn't the quality of the workforce; it isn't local regulation or the local tax climate or anything like that which threatens these jobs -- but we still need to concentrate on what we can do to keep the facility in Rumford operating and strong. We don't want to lose these jobs because someone on Wall Street at an equity capital firm made a series of bad decisions.

Governor LePage and his people won the election with the claim that they understand business -- what business needs and how business operates to create and maintain jobs. I hope they are right. I am looking forward to working with the Governor and his staff to maintain this vital industry and these jobs that anchor the entire economy of northern Oxford County. I hope they can apply the lessons they've learned in dealing with the situation of the mills in the Katadhin region to help mainatin these quality jobs for citizens in the River Valley. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and work with the administration and do whatever we need to keep the NewPage mill open, operating and maintaining the quality jobs that are essential to this region. What we can't afford in Maine is to have working people in Rumford pay for the mistakes made by Wall Street MBAs who will not suffer the economic consequences of their actions.

Steven Gamache takes on the Big Apple - and Sanchez

2011-07-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

By Tony Blasi, Staff Editor
Jul 15, 2011 12:00 am

Prizefighter Steven Gamache is seriously entertaining the idea of going a few rounds in Maine since pro boxing is no longer banned in the state, but he has bigger things on his mind for the moment — such as fighting in front of thousands of fans in New York City tonight.

Gamache (1-0) is elated that professional boxing is legal in his native state again, but his first priority is stepping into the ring at the Roseland Ballroom with contender Rogelio Sanchez (0-3) from Fort Wayne, Ind., in a four-round, junior middlweight bout on the undercard. Television coverage of Friday Night Fights begins at 9 p.m. on ESPN2. Junior middleweights Delvin Rodriquez and Pawel Wolak are the featured event.

This will be Gamache's second pro fight of his career. Gamache dropped Patrick Bozeman with a second-round knockout punch in Somersworth, N.H., in his pro debut last August.

"There's a lot of pressure," said Gamache in a telephone interview from New York City. "I am nervous and very excited. I sold $10,000 in tickets. It's crazy like that. They (promoters) want to see if you can sell tickets."

But you don't have to tell Gamache he's a long way from Lewiston even though he fought in the Big Apple as an amateur.

"I love the excitement of the city, but there's no place like home," said Gamache. "The good thing about New York City is I am getting a lot of top-level sparring."

"Steve has been sparring against quite a few champions," said Joe Gamache Sr., who is obviously proud of his grandson. "Steve has always been a hard worker."

It certainly helps to have a father who is a former world champion boxer as your trainer in the big city. Joey Gamache said his son's speed and knowledge of the sport should give him the edge against Sanchez.

"I know that he (Sanchez) is tough," said Joey Gamache. "He switches from lefty, righty. He throws body punches."

Besides training his son and working with other top-notch fighters, Joey Gamache is hoping to open his own boxing gym in New York City. "I have the investors in place," he said. "It is just a matter of finding a location."

While his dad is looking to step out on his own as a trainer, Steven Gamache said he is also in training at the dinner table and is hoping a new diet will give him an added edge in the ring.

"The biggest thing is my eating habits," said Steven. "I have been eating a lot better."

Steven knows a good punch accompanied with a healthy diet should go a long way to defeating Sanchez.

"From what I have heard, he switches from right to left. I have seen the tapes on him," Steven Gamache said. "I am looking forward to having a good night."

Boxing is back

When Gov. Paul LePage signed LD 889 into law on June 13 making professional boxing legal in Maine again, it was a victory for fight fans, the Gamache family and Rep. Matthew Peterson, D-Rumford, who introduced the bill in the spring. Mixed Martial Arts and pro boxing will now be governed by the newly renamed Combat Sports Authority of Maine, which will be headed by Bill Bouffard.

Pro boxing was banned in Maine when the law was changed in 2007 after the Athletic Commissioned was abolished due to budget cuts and lack of interest in the sport. That change prevented Steven Gamache from making his pro debut in Maine last year. He was forced to fight in New Hampshire.

According to Peterson, pro boxing will be legal in another 80 days, but it will take at least another six months before the Authority irons out new pro boxing rules.

Fight promoter Joe Gamache Sr. is considering holding a fight card in the spring as he keeps a close eye on the anemic economy.

"I am petrified of the economy," said Gamache Sr. "Let's hope it picks up in the spring. The last MMA show they had in Portland, they were charging $45 a ticket, and guess what, it sold out. Where are people getting all this money? To put on an all-pro show would be very costly."

Gamache Sr. said he would probably add several amateur bouts to go along with the pro matches to make the card cost effective. Of course, he wants to steer Steven Gamache back into the ring in Maine as soon as possible.

"I can't wait to watch Steven Gamache on Maine soil," said Peterson. "I am excited about that."

Peterson is not the only fight fan heralding boxing's return to the Pine Tree State.

"I think its great not only for myself, but for all the amateurs in Maine," said Steven Gamache. "I am looking to bring that back."

"He deserves to be in Maine," said Joey Gamache of his son. "It's where I got my start."

http://www.sunjournal.com/local-sports/story/1059837

Legislative Session Wrap-Up

2011-07-01T09:34:00.001-07:00

After more than six months, I will not be turning instinctively to drive to Augusta when I head out of my driveway, for the First Session of the 125th Maine State Legislature adjourned last Wednesday, June 29th. The new Governor and new Republican majority in both the House and Senate came to Augusta promising to change the direction of Maine state government and began the session with many bold initiatives to make good on that promise. By the time the session ended, there were clearly some new priorities and some new directions, but in the tradition of Maine’s government most of the changes were incremental and there was significant bi-partisan support for many initiatives.

Here are some of the highlights from the session, as well as an update on the legislation that I sponsored and shepherded through the process.

First, the Legislature passed a number of bills that will be a “down payment” on far-reaching regulatory reform the Governor and his party promised during the campaign. L.D. 1, which was designed as a comprehensive regulatory reform bill passed in a modified form that included many common sense elements and was supported almost unanimously by members. The more far-reaching elements in that bill were eliminated during the debate as a bi-partisan compromise was shaped.

Similarly, initiatives to eliminate the Land Use Regulation Commission which oversees development in Maine’s unorganized territories was defeated, as were efforts to eliminate Maine’s ban on billboards and recently enacted protections for vernal pools. These issues will likely be revisited in the next session.

Second, major changes in the rules governing the health insurance market were enacted over strenuous objections. This initiative will also likely be revisited as the effects of federal health care changes are more fully understood, as well as the impact of these changes in the state insurance regulatory environment. This is another area where the debate will likely be ongoing.

Third, there were a number of initiatives that would change the rules governing abortion, reproductive rights and the status of unborn children. All of these initiatives were defeated after lengthy and often emotional debates on the floor in both Chambers. These were votes of conscience for many lawmakers and did not tend to follow party affiliations.

Another area of concern was changes in laws governing voting in Maine. Most of these initiatives, described by supporters as measures to protect against voter fraud and characterized by opponents as efforts to limit voter participation, were defeated with one important exception. The forty year tradition of same day registration was overturned on a close, party-line vote after passionate debate. We have not heard the end of this issue and supporters of Maine’s tradition of same day registration have already started organizing a petition drive to put a people’s veto of this matter on the November ballot.

A group of other bills aimed at limiting the rights of workers to organize for the purpose of collective bargaining and participate in union activities were also defeated, although this discussion will re-emerge in the next session.

I sponsored a diverse set of legislative initiatives in this session and had a good deal of success working across the aisle to get these initiatives passed. Several of these bills were as a direct result of concerns expressed by constituents in District 92, and it is a special privilege for me to work for the passage of these initiatives. Here is a brief rundown of the bills I introduced in the 125th Legislature.

"Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry" was designed to enhance the branding of Maine maple sugar products, the use of the maple resource, increasing value added jobs and promoting export markets. This bill passed with strong support and has been signed into law by the Governor.

“An Act To Prevent the Disclosure of Student Social Security Numbers" protects the security of our children and students’ confidential information by repealing the provisions authorizing the Commissioner of Education to require local school units to request and report student social security numbers to the Department of Education. This bill passed with unanimous support and has been signed into law by the Governor.

“Resolve, To Leverage Federal Opportunities for Job Creation in Maine” which directs the Department of Economic and Community Development to monitor and evaluate federal development incentives and analyze how state programs and resources, including tax policies and training programs, coordinate with these federal initiatives to make sure that Maine is maximizing and taking advantage of all available resources to create quality jobs for Maine citizens. This bill passed with unanimous support and has been signed into law by the Governor.

"An Act To Enhance Long-term Care Services for Maine Citizens" builds upon a previous legislative proposal that I sponsored and passed in the 124th Legislature, and reorganizes the provision of long-term care services for Maine citizens. It streamlines long-term care services with the goal of making them more accessible for seniors and people with a disability and provides a framework for consolidated in-home and community support services and nursing facility services with combined funding and integrated service delivery. This bill passed with unanimous support and will become law at the end of September.

"An Act To Regulate Boxing and Prizefighting in Maine" amends the law that creates the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine to include boxing and renames the authority the Combat Sports Authority of Maine. By doing this, professional boxing events may commence in Maine once again. This bill passed with unanimous support and has been signed into law by the Governor.

"Resolve, To Establish Baseline Information on Health Impacts from Grid-scale Wind Energy Development" would direct the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health and Human Services, Public Utilities Commission and Executive Department, and the State Planning Office to establish an interagency task force to develop a database of scientific studies that document possible health impacts from grid scale wind energy developments. This bill, one of a large group of bills dealing with wind energy was voted Ought Not to Pass unanimously by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. However, a significant amount of the language of the bill was added to the more comprehensive bill on wind power developed by the Committee that drew the best elements from all the bills presented on this subject. That measure passed both chambers of the Legislature and was signed into law by the Governor.

Overall, this session was both challenging and rewarding. I am pleased with the success of bills that will improve the economic and job prospects for the citizens of District 92, protect the privacy of Maine students, and improve outcomes for vulnerable citizens who need services in order to secure their health and safety. Those bills where I worked with local citizens in District 92 to pass important legislation are a matter of particular satisfaction.

Serving as your legislator and representing you in Augusta is a very great honor and one that I take very seriously. Again this year, I am happy to report to you that I have 100% voting record -- having never missed a recorded vote in the House Chamber. In the three years I have served, I have only missed a few recorded votes, and those came in my first year as a legislator because I had to travel out of state on legislative business for a day and a half during the session. I was elected to serve, and I will continue to try to do that to the best of my abilities. The best way for you to help me reach that goal is to keep in touch with me -- share your concerns, your ideas and you opinions. As always, you can call me at (207) 776-8051 or reach me by e-mail at petersonhouse08@gmail.com. Thank you again for your support and the privilege of serving you. I look forward to seeing you this summer as we enjoy our beautiful part of the world.

Maine's New Two Year Budget

2011-06-28T07:41:00.001-07:00

Always the centerpiece of any legislative session, the Maine legislature passed and the Governor has signed a new two-year budget which will govern state spending and impact many of the aspects of our lives -- including education, transportation, public safety, health and taxes.

There was no doubt that we started the budget discussions in a hole -- with an estimated budget shortfall of over $800 million dollars if we held all spending levels according to the Revenue Forecasting Committee. That did not even take into account the new needs and priorities that were emerging. To put that shortfall in context -- the final budget that was passed was $6.1 billion, so the estimated shortfall as we began the process was very significant.

At the same time, it was not only the state that was feeling the budget pinch -- all of Maine’s municipalities were being pressed too -- with rising costs, particularly for health care and energy. The result was that reductions on the state level would have a ripple effect for local government and for local taxpayers, too.

Against this backdrop, Governor LePage presented a budget that would make deep cuts in many programs -- particularly in health and human services and in sharing expenses with municipalities through general assistance, revenue sharing and school funding. At the same time, the Governor was proposing a significant tax cut for Maine’s wealthiest individuals and some Maine businesses.

The Appropriations Committee went to work against a backdrop of shifting proposals as additional shortfalls and expenses were identified and the Governor introduced a change package that included even deeper cuts and more changes to programs. Given the timing of the budget negotiations, it was necessary to pass the budget by a 2/3rds majority so it would take effect at the beginning of the fiscal year -- July 1st.

Since January, I have received dozens of phone calls and hundreds of emails from residents of District 92. The overwhelming majority of these contacts were from individuals asking me to oppose the budget. I continued to participate in the budget compromise process and engage with our neighbors to learn more about the potential impacts of this budget here at home in the River Valley and the rest of the district.

At the end of the process, many compromises were reached and some of the more drastic cuts in services were restored, but other important areas remained unfunded or underfunded. I had pledged to support a budget that did not shift more burdens to our local governments and local taxpayers -- while setting priorities in key areas including education, transportation and services for Maine’s most vulnerable citizens -- seniors, children and people with a disability.

Ultimately, I was not convinced that the budget proposed by the Committee would meet those goals. While the final product was a great improvement over the Governor’s original proposals, I did not think it provided enough protections for local governments and would result in hardships -- either cutbacks in local services or local property tax increases. As a result, I went against the leadership of my caucus and voted against the budget, because I believed we could have found a better balance.

I hope that this new budget does not end up shifting a greater responsibility to local governments for services, or place our most vulnerable citizens at greater risk. As the budget is implemented and programs are reconfigured, we will see the results of these new approaches. I am sure that the conversation will continue, as the Governor has already committed to coming back in the next session with new proposals that will further change Maine’s budget priorities.

I always enjoy hearing from you about issues, concerns, or ways that I can be of assistance. I am here to represent you -- and I do that best if I know what you are thinking. You can reach me by e-mail at petersonhouse08@gmail.com, or call me at (207) 776-8051.

Thank you, Dick Austin

2011-06-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Richard "Dick" Austin--a local legend and a national treasure for his world-record-breaking accomplishments in power lifting--for this wonderful Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Rumford Falls Times last week:

To the Editor:

If you have not read as yet the article in our local newspaper, written by our legislator, Matt Peterson, you are missing out on up front, in your face information that will positively impress you.

His stance is so rigid and sensible as to defy any negative criticism from any party member.

Presently taking on the state to recertify boxing once again is exciting and worthwhile, he has managed to gather details to an acceptable form for the state to consider that their rejection will certainly be questionable at best.

I just want to voice my appreciation to a man who is truly doing the job he was elected to do and as voters wee will be very mistaken if we don't keep him in office for the full term allowed by law.

My hat is off to you Matt. Keep up the good and useful work that benefits us all.

Richard G. Austin,

Rumford

http://www.rumfordfallstimes.com/opinion/story/05austinlte20

My Remarks on LD 83, "An Act To Legalize the Sale, Possession and Use of Fireworks"

2011-06-15T20:20:00.001-07:00

We are currently debating LD 83, "An Act To Legalize The Sale, Possession and Use of Fireworks." I supported the passage of this bill and spoke in favor of the bill from the floor of the House of Representatives. The bill passed the House by a vote of 79-63. My remarks are reprinted below:
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Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House, I want to add my voice in support of the current motion.

While this may not be the most important matter that we've considered this session -- especially now that we have the great Whoopee Pie / Blueberry Pie debate behind us -- I think our vote here sends a message....

Do we really need to continue to maintain laws that criminalize the use of fireworks? Our efforts at criminalization have not stopped fireworks from coming in to the state and being used. All we have done is make this illegal and force the use of fireworks into more furtive settings...

In my corner of the state, western Maine, fireworks have a rich tradition. Our community display in Rumford was known statewide at one time before budget constraints forced its discontinuation. When the town stopped formally putting on a display, folks individually began a holiday tradition--like in many other parts of the state--of driving into New Hampshire to pick up fireworks for private celebrations with family and friends. A few weeks from now, these informal fireworks displays will light the skies in the River Valley and elsewhere in the state. Why do we make this illegal?

By passing this bill we accomplish two things. First we send a message to our citizens that we think they can be responsible in acquiring and using fireworks -- and we can be very specific about the kinds of fireworks that we deem safer for use. We allow people to acquire and use things that are much more dangerous than fireworks – things like snowmobiling and ATV’ing -- so why can’t we trust our citizens to use fireworks responsibly?

In fact, data from other states indicates that legalizing and regulating fireworks actually ends up being safer for citizens. According to the Indiana Department of Health, over the four years since fireworks were legalized there in 2006, fireworks-related injuries have actually decreased every year. And nationally, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, while consumption of consumer fireworks has gone up, injuries are down. This data shows that with legalization comes education, awareness and more responsible use.

Second -- we create opportunities for new businesses, or new profitable lines of trade at existing businesses, when fireworks can be legally sold by licensed vendors. We spend a lot of time in this body talking about New Hampshire’s competitive advantages on certain taxes. We are at an even greater disadvantage when it comes to fireworks – Mainers cross the border everyday to New Hampshire to buy fireworks, and tourists heading to Maine stop off and buy fireworks in New Hampshire when they should be buying them here.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this common sense legislation -- and I’ll be HAPPY to invite all of you to Roxbury Pond to see the fireworks after we have made it a legal activity here in Maine... Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Concluding the Budget Debate

2011-06-15T09:43:00.001-07:00

While every legislative session deals with countless policy issues among the hundreds of bills it considers (almost 1600 and counting), there is no place that sets state policy more clearly than the two-year budget. Today the Legislature will begin considering the biennial budget that has received unanimous approval by the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and was printed over the weekend.

This budget compromise was developed after hundreds of hours of public testimony and even more hours of negotiations involving administration officials, advocates, lobbyists and members of the legislature. The new budget must take effect on July 1st and therefore must receive support from 2/3rds of the members of the Maine Legislature. Maine’s constitution directs that laws become effective 90 days after adjournment, unless they are passed as emergency measures with a 2/3rds vote. That requirement virtually insures that all state budgets are bi-partisan in nature because they must either meet the 2/3rds test or be completed by March 31st -- a deadline that is very difficult to meet given the complexity of the budget process.

The Governor uses his budget proposal to reflect his priorities and occasionally to send a message to people he views as hostile to his interests (like proposing to cut state subsidies to Maine Public Broadcasting). The legislature works through these budget proposals -- which are constantly evolving as the Governor introduces “Change Packages.” The budget process reminds me of my recent experience having some renovations done to my house to make it more accessible. The state budget -- like that building project -- contained a number of surprises once we got into it, took longer to complete and cost more than anticipated. But just like my renovation project -- I couldn’t spend more on it than I had -- so I had to make some choices and make do in some areas. Sound familiar?

Every budget debate that I have observed, both as a legislator and as an advocate, concludes with all sides claiming victory. Expect the same to happen this year. The Governor likely will claim that he has fundamentally changed the direction of state spending and set us on a new path of sustainable government, including a reduction of the tax rate for Maine’s highest tax bracket. Others will claim that they have fought to retain the “safety net” even though it is a bit more frayed than it was in previous years.

Others will claim that the budget went too far in cutting this or that, while some will argue that the reductions or tax cuts did not go far enough. This is as predictable as the plots on many prime time television shows.

There are important questions that must be answered by this budget, and these are the areas where I will focus my attention during the debates.

First, have we just shifted the tax burden from the state income tax and sales tax to the local property tax? Known among advocates for municipal issues in Augusta as “shift and shaft” have we just reduced funding for state initiatives or mandates and left them for municipalities to fund? The property tax burden in the River Valley is already an issue for many of our residents living on a fixed income or struggling with the economic fallout from the recession. Our local leaders have worked hard to balance local budgets and keep the property tax burden as low as possible. Reductions in state subsidies -- for education, general assistance, or revenue sharing -- can create additional burdens for our municipalities.
If this budget merely shifts the burden for paying for services from the state to the municipalities -- I will not support it.

Second, does the budget provide adequate funding for infrastructure investments -- maintaining our roads and bridges as a key example? Such investments are important on many levels. The quality of our roads means additional safety in all our travels -- especially when the weather creates challenging conditions. Just as important, infrastructure projects create quality construction jobs that cannot be “exported.” I have met many people in the River Valley who made a transition from work at the mill to work in heavy construction -- like roads, bridges or public utilities. These are quality jobs that allow people to maintain their standard of living, even as employment in the mill has become more limited.

An infrastructure investment in transportation resources insures that we can maintain a diverse economy that includes tourist visits. Those visits contribute to our area as well. It is not just the direct jobs, either. Ask anyone who owns a convenience store near a road construction project and you’ll likely hear about some very good months of business. We all benefit from investments in infrastructure and if this state budget does not make room for such investments, I won’t support it.

Finally, the state has a responsibility to provide for folks who cannot adequately provide for themselves. Our seniors, children, people with a severe disability, or those with debilitating medical conditions, deserve our support so they can maintain themselves with dignity and remain a part of our community. Health care providers, facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, as well as community based service providers should receive the resources they need to continue to serve all our citizens. If the safety net has been undermined, I will not support the budget.

This week will tell the tale. I will be listening carefully to the debate on the floor and all the information I can get from my colleagues and other experts. The three big areas of concern I have described above will inform my decisions as the budget is discussed. As always, I welcome you input and feedback as well. Contact me by e-mail at petersonhouse08@gmail.com, or call me at (207) 776-8051.

In next week’s column I will give more details about the final shape of the budget.

Update From Augusta

2011-06-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting discussions of the week was a floor debate on amending the Maine Constitution to reduce the size of the Maine House of Representatives. As you may imagine, the debate was heated and extensive as views were freely exchanged. It’s never easy for a room full of politicians to agree, but especially if they are talking about possible changes to their own status. Reducing the number of representatives looks like a big game of musical chairs to some of my colleagues.

After listening to the debate, I decided to support this initiative. Unfortunately, the measure failed and voters will not get the opportunity to consider such a constitutional amendment. However, that was the argument that convinced me. One speaker in favor of the measure pointed out that it had been over 100 years since the people of Maine had the opportunity to vote on the size of the House of Representatives.

A lot has changed in the last 100 years, and it certainly seemed reasonable to me to get the voters of Maine directly involved in the discussion about the institutions -- like the Maine House of Representatives -- that make or execute our laws. I could be convinced either way -- to shrink the House, or leave it the same size. The most important consideration is the people’s voice. Hearing from voters every 100 years does not seem excessive to me, so I would have welcomed the opportunity to have this public debate and involve more citizens. Perhaps some time in the future.

During that floor debate, one of my colleagues from southern Maine made a very thoughtful observation about the increasingly larger role that lobbyists are playing in shaping our laws. As a freshman legislator, she expressed strong and legitimate concerns about the influence these paid lobbyists have on the shape of legislation.

Her concerns are important and go to the heart of the quality of our government. Since we instituted term limits the dynamics at the State House have changed. Every electoral system has advantages and disadvantages. The trade-off with term limits is complex. The positive benefits of fresh ideas and more even distribution of power outside of a system based on seniority are tremendous. On the other side however, there is diminished “institutional knowledge” as members tenure is reduced -- and that makes the knowledge of lobbyists more influential in the decision-making process.

Every legislator wants to make informed choices in representing the people that they serve. We hold extensive public hearings, receive numerous telephone calls, countless e-mails, and an endless stream of face-to-face conversations and discussions. Lobbyists are a resource in those discussions and deliberations. The best situation is when opposing views are both ably represented by advocates. This is a short-cut to understanding the arguments, having access to third-party information, and finally -- deciding on a vote. On highly technical issues this information can be very important to a quality outcome.

Unfortunately, there is also a darker side to the lobbying industry in Augusta -- and it is an industry. This week, I had an unpleasant encounter with a lobbyist who, instead of having direct communications, was spreading a good bit of misinformation. Our exchange was civil and courteous, and ultimately the facts won out over the disinformation, but the situation highlighted the impacts that lobbyists have on the process.

That brings me back around to hearing the voice of the citizens. It is essential to our democracy. When appropriate, I think people should be able to weigh in at the polls -- expressing their opinions directly. Just as important, I value the contacts I get from constituents. Just as an example, a contact from this time last year by a maple syrup producer in the far end of District 92 resulted in legislation signed by Governor LePage last week that will strengthen the Maine maple industry.

Your ideas, your opinions and your concerns shape my work in Augusta. I am always happy to hear from you about issues, concerns, or ways that I can be of assistance. You can reach me by e-mail at petersonhouse08@gmail.com, or call me at (207) 776-8051.

Bill to increase Maine maple sugar industry signed into law

2011-05-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage signed legislation Wednesday to establish a task force to study the potential for expanding the Maine maple sugar industry. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, strengthens the brand of Maine Maple products, creates new job opportunities and expands export markets.

“This is an important step in expanding the production and marketing of Maine maple products,” said Peterson. “Finding ways to extend the sustainable use of our natural resources, like the Maine woods, is a key to our long term economic health as a state. This initiative is a particularly sweet business development effort.”

Peterson added “This bill is also a real validation of the citizen legislative process.”

In the spring of 2010 Rep. Peterson was contacted by Chris Botka, a constituent who is a small scale maple producer. Through an arrangement with the Maine Department of Conservation, Botka, who resides in Rangeley Plantation, sustainably harvests maple sap from Maine lands, which he brands and markets for the Rangeley Lakes area.

Botka met with Peterson to find out why the State of Maine wasn’t doing more to promote Maine maple products on a regional, national and international level. As a result of that meeting, Peterson introduced the legislation signed into law yesterday.

“Maine's Maple Syrup Industry is about to shock the world as we begin the process to capitalize on Maine's potential,” said Botka. “The task force will open doors of opportunity which will have a positive economic impact for Maine people and businesses. It would have never come about without the determination of Representative Matt Peterson and bi-partisan support from all legislators. I believe and they have proved it is time to move Maine forward!"

The task force will submit their findings and recommendations in a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry by Dec. 7, 2011.

After doing some research, Peterson discovered that although Vermont is the recognized leader among United States maple producers with annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50 percent more hard maple trees than Vermont forests based on US Forest Service inventories.

After their meeting, Peterson and Botka worked with Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan who attended meetings with industry groups, other producers, and legislators to craft and refine the bill.

“The Maple industry has been promoting themselves worldwide and we need to find out how to support them as they grow,” said McCabe.

“I hope these efforts will replicate the strides we have made in managing and marketing other signature products, like Maine potatoes, Maine wild blueberries, and Maine lobsters,” said Peterson. “Can our delicious Maine maple syrup be far behind as another icon?”

Location:Capitol St,Augusta,United States

Encouraging Accountability

2011-05-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

I had already written another column dealing with more mundane matter in the State Legislature when, with a strange sense of disbelief last weekend, I started following with interest and concern the unfolding story of Representative Frederick Wintle. Representative Wintle, a freshman legislator from Garland, spent the weekend in the Kennebec County Jail after having been arrested and charged with violation of firearms laws -- including criminal threatening. Our system of justice presumes the innocence of anyone accused of a crime, so I will withhold any judgment on his behavior, his motivations or the legal consequences until the justice system has had an opportunity to do its work.

That being said, the Speaker of the House has suspended many of Representatives privileges as a legislator based on what a spokesman for the Speaker described as “increasingly erratic behavior.” This unfortunate incident throws two very different issues into sharp relief.

First, there is pending legislation that would make it legal for individuals other than the Capitol Security force to carry firearms inside the Capitol building. This recent event will certainly impact the debate on that proposal and people are already starting to line up for the debate. Those with the strongest interests in this agenda are already claiming that this series of events involving Representative Wintle underscores the need to (a) Allow firearms in the Capitol, or (b) Prohibit firearms in the Capitol. I am sure the debate will be lively, and I will follow the arguments closely and listen to the citizens of District 92 while I decide how to vote on this matter.

More importantly is the matter of representation in the Chamber. If Representative Wintle’s privileges have been suspended, it may be very difficult for him to represent the people of District 24 who voted to send him to Augusta. Should he resign as a result of these incidents, a special election will be held in the District to identify a replacement. However, should Representative Wintle decide to remain in his seat, even with his privileges suspended, the people of his District will effectively have no representation in the Maine House.

In March, the Maine House briefly entertained the idea of introducing a bill to enable citizens to recall elected officials. The Joint Order was tabled by Republican leadership. I hope this Joint Order comes off the Table before the end of the session for a vote so that I can cast my support for this important initiative.

The Joint Order was presented by Representative Cynthia Dill (D-Cape Elizabeth ) -- now Senator Dill having just won a special election. That Joint Order would direct the Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs to report out legislation that would create a citizens' recall process for state legislators, constitutional officers and the governor.

Currently there are 18 states that have a recall process. Maine's constitution allows for the impeachment of state civil officers --a legal process whereby the House votes on an indictment, and the Senate acts as jury and votes to convict or not.

The recall process that the Joint Order would seek to create would be in statute and be a political process that citizens would engage in similar to the citizens' veto and petition.

I supported that initiative and now I believe even more strongly that it is a simple matter. Maine people expect accountability for the actions of the people they elect to represent them. I am accountable to the voters of District 92, and I am happy to have that accountability increase -- because I think it encourages me to continue to constantly do a better job. This initiative is nothing more than a matter of consistency with existing policies.

• Here in Maine we have one of the easiest to access citizen initiative processes in the country, and as a result we have ballot measures in almost every election cycle -- accountability;

• We have a provision for a people’s veto and that has been exercised with increasing frequency -- accountability;

• We are required by the Maine Constitution to seek voter approval of certain types of long term debt obligations -- accountability;

• Our new State Treasurer wants to expand the involvement of voters in approving even more of the state’s financial transactions that have long term implications -- in the name of accountability;

• Some legislators are proposing that any initiative that would raise taxes and even certain fees must be approved by voters before they can become effective -- again, in the name of accountability.

We affirm constantly that accountability is a good thing and in order to be consistent, we need to facilitate the ultimate accountability tool -- the power of Maine voters to recall their state elected officials. I am happy to submit to that continuous accountability, and I have been encouraging all of my colleagues to support the initiative.

The unfortunate incident with Representative Wintle highlights the issue. The people in his District deserve to be represented, and if he will not step aside, or if the Legislature fails to undertake an impeachment process, the voters in his District have no alternative.

It is time to change that and introduce a provision in Maine statute that will allow voters to recall elected state officials -- including legislators and members of the executive branch.

Finding New Economic Opportunity

2011-05-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

The last two weekends, there have been big crowds at the Stephens Avenue Armory in Portland and the Portland Expo, as Maine promotion companies hosted the first ever full sanctioned mixed martial arts events in Maine. Thousands of spectators from all over the Northeast traveled to Maine to watch these shows. By all accounts, the events were a resounding success, offering an opportunity to both amateur and professional fighters from Maine and throughout New England to compete in the fastest growing professional sport -- mixed martial arts or MMA.

In the last legislative session, I worked to pass a bill that enabled these MMA events to be held in Maine. We had to rebuild our state’s ability to oversee and regulate gladiatorial sports after the Maine Athletic Commission, that had formerly regulated prizefighting and boxing, was disbanded. The Athletic Commission was disbanded because interest in prizefighting had waned in Maine and there were no requests for scheduling bouts over several years. At the same time, interest in mixed martial arts was growing -- not only nationally but within the state, so I sponsored a bill to create a new regulatory mechanism for this sport.

As a result of the growth of MMA, interest in more traditional gladiatorial sports, such as boxing, has been revived. One well known promoter in central Maine attempted to put on a fight only to learn that it was not possible. Given this interest, I got involved with a number of parties to develop a modification to the existing statute in order to restore the regulatory framework to enable sanctioned prizefighting to resume in Maine.

Combat sports have a large fan base and following in Maine, and provide an opportunity to attract new investments in Maine by expanding these sports. Maine has a long history with boxing -- including hosting one of Muhammad Ali’s most famous prize fights. This legislation is designed to provide opportunities for Maine fans of combat sports, as well as the people who compete in these contests to have events in our state.

Two weeks ago the legislature held a public hearing on L.D. 889, An Act To Regulate Boxing and Prizefighting in Maine. Rather than create a duplicative authority to regulate boxing, LD 889 proposes to expand the scope of the MMA Authority to regulate boxing as well as MMA. Since the state is facing serious financial constraints and consolidation and efficiency are guiding principles in shaping new initiatives, this seems preferable to creating a new standalone entity to regulate prizefighting. Given the similarities of regulating gladiatorial sports like MMA or boxing, it seems logical to expand the scope of the present authority to oversee these contests as well.

To that end, LD 889 will:

*Change the name of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine to the Combat Sports Authority of Maine;
*Expand the membership of the Authority by adding 2 new members, with expertise in boxing, and;
*Direct the new Authority to adopt new rules to govern boxing, using the rules that had previously been established by the Maine Athletic Commission during its operations, if appropriate.

Combat Sports -- both MMA and Boxing -- have many fans in Maine, and those who work and train as fighters, as well as those who see these contests of skill as good entertainment, should be able to practice their sport in their home state. Finally, MMA athletes have that opportunity, but now boxers who have a long and storied history in Maine are denied that privilege. LD 889 will correct that situation.

In addition to pleasing fans, these contests have the potential to generate new revenues for the state, its communities, and the many small businesses that make up the combat sports industry. If the last two weekend’s contests are any examples, we can look forward to generating tourism revenues from these sporting contests just as the Portland Seadogs or the newly founded Redclaws stimulate the economy -- selling hotel rooms and meals as well as revenues for venues, vendors and participants in the contests.

I am very proud to report that last week the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee voted 11-2 Ought To Pass on LD 889. One Democrat and one Republican opposed the bill. With such a strong report coming out of committee, LD 889 should hopefully pass both chambers of the Legislature and land on the Governor’s desk to be signed sometime within the next month.

I’ll be working on getting this legislation enacted -- not only because I am a fan of these combat sports, but because the growth of these sports can be a lift to our economy and mean more jobs. In this economy, every little bit helps!

I’m also thrilled to report that a week ago my colleagues on the Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted to support the passage of my bill LD 683, “An Act To Enhance Long-Term Care Services for Maine Citizens.” The bill now moves to the full legislature for votes by the House and Senate.

Coming up with new solutions

2011-05-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I was honored to present L.D. 683, a bill which will at long last begin really addressing the issue of long term care in Maine. We know Medicaid is a huge driver of our state budget. It is one of the biggest, if not the biggest driver -- and its influence has been growing and will continue to grow as long as this state/federal partnership remains in place. Nationally, one quarter of Medicaid expenditures are for long term care and it may be more in Maine given our demographics and aging population.

Unless we transform the long term care system in Maine -- by setting better priorities in our spending, insuring that dollars are spent on vital quality direct services that people really need rather than excessive and complicated administrative overhead, we will continue to fall further and further behind. In the last legislative session, I proposed very similar legislation. It met with a lukewarm reception from the Department of Health and Human Services management as well as the providers and their advocates who were basically satisfied with their contracts and their role in the system. They did not want to see systems change because they were comfortable. I’ve learned my lesson. This session, I will be looking for a vigorous debate, but will be asking for an up or down vote.

I have literally spent years engaged in this issue and traveling around the country looking at best practices from other states. Some of the best of those ideas are contained in this proposal. These ideas have been successfully implemented in a variety of states -- Minnesota, California, Oregon, Massachusetts -- and I have tried to find the approaches that improved overall quality and also promoted the cost-effective use of taxpayer resources.

Here is the core intent of the bill:

*Break down the silos in service delivery of long term care. We should provide the services Maine people need, when they need it, in the most cost-effective manner and not worry about running programs based on demographics or diagnosis. We should be approaching services from a functional perspective -- making sure people get the services they need to be as independent as possible delivered as cost-efficiently as possible.

*Services should be delivered on a priority basis -- the people with the greatest needs (both medically and financially) should be given the highest priority, so that the limited resources we have to allocate to long term care serve those with the greatest needs. This means better integrating skilled services and support for activities of daily living to enable people to remain at home for as long as possible if that is what they desire.

*We should organize ourselves to best accomplish this goal -- so consolidation of effort is in order. The Department should be organized to manage without creating silos; the provider network should be consolidated to reduce duplication of services or redundant administrative expenses.

*We should reallocate existing dollars away from non-essential administrative overhead and into direct services. That’s not to say that the services are not worthwhile -- they may be. The issue is really this -- Can we afford to spend money on administrative activities when we are facing the budget situation at hand? As good as the extra support services may be -- we need to find the way to direct as much resource as possible into the hands on services that maintain our citizens. Given that, LD 683 would completely redesign our intake system -- expect more work on the front end from AAAs, ADRCs and other intake conduits with the resources allocated from federal sources; eliminate the cumbersome multiple steps in receiving services -- intake, independent medical assessment by Goold, separate service brokerage services by EIM, finally delivery of services from a proliferation of small providers. The process should be much simpler. We need to find out what people need to be independent and then help them make an informed choice about their options -- encouraging use of the most appropriate cost-effective approaches.

*By consolidating program offerings, consolidating the provider network and eliminating expenditures that are not for direct, hands on services we should strengthen the delivery system being able to serve more people, provide higher quality services, pay higher wages to direct care workers, provide more realistic reimbursement to providers, and better utilize tax-payer dollars on the things that really matter.

I want this bill to set a broad direction for the new leadership at the Department to turn its attention proactively to this important part of the health care and support system. Investing state dollars, especially as they leverage federal Medicaid resources can help build an architecture of support for seniors and people with disabilities in all Maine communities. As we build the system and approaches, we should be thinking about all citizens, not just those eligible for direct state supported services. Our MaineCare spending should be a catalyst for systems that work for Maine seniors, people with disabilities and their families.

Unfortunately, this approach makes people uncomfortable because it embraces such significant change. Some of the organizations that have multi-million contracts for services with the state -- many of which have been in place for a decade or more -- may be put at risk in this system realignment. These are the difficult choices that I believe voters asked me to make when you sent me to Augusta to represent you. I look forward to working to fulfill that challenge.

The curtain goes up on an extreme new world

2011-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

PORTLAND - The cheers from the crowd drowned out the sound of his name. Trevor Kell didn't care. He was a winner in his very first amateur fight, on the first night Mixed Martial Arts fighting came to Maine.

Some 18 months after Maine's legislature gave promoters the green light to bring the sport to the state, Linda Shield's Cage Fighting Xtreme staged the Maine Event at the Stevens Avenue Armory on Saturday night. Shield and her co-promoter, Marcus Davis, believed their sport would find an audience. They got one.

Fans were waiting at the armory's main door more than an hour before it opened. By the time Pat Walsh of Stoughton, Mass., and Boston's Wai Kru club won the first of 11 amateur and professional bouts, it was standing room only on the arena floor.

"I never had a crowd cheer that loud for me," said Kell, a wrestler at Kennebunk High seven years ago. "Never. I had dreams about it."

He wasn't the only one. The sport, with its elements of boxing, wrestling and forms of martial arts with a bit of street brawling thrown in, has worked to change an early image and earn acceptance. Its critics call it barbaric. Its fans call it an extreme form of competition that challenges all the definitions of toughness.

"Being the first means everything to me," said Davis, a 38-year-old Bangor native who tried a career in boxing before switching to a successful professional career in cage fighting. He worked with state legislators to draft rules for a commission that would regulate the sport in Maine. He pushed. He may have twisted a few arms, figuratively speaking, of course. And he won.

"These are the people who will be remembered for being part of the beginning," he said, nodding at Shield's staff, the fighters from his Team Irish MMA Fitness Academy in Brewer. "Two of my goals in life were to fight in Ireland -- and I did that twice -- and to be part of this."

Five of his fighters were on the card. Kell, now a house painter living in South Portland, was one. Steve Desjardins of Brewer was another. Two hours before the first bout, Desjardins walked around the empty arena dominated by the eight-sided cage in the center. A Brewer High graduate, one-time wrestler and just 20 years old, he was making his debut as well. Davis has taken some members of his team out of state to compete, but Desjardins was not one. Was he nervous? No, he said. He had spent three years preparing for this.

Don't try to paint cage fighters with the same brush. They can be college graduates, like Mike Brown, the professional lightweight champ and Bonny Eagle High and Norwich University graduate. They can be working men. They share the desire to challenge themselves by walking alone into the cage to test their survival instincts.

"You can teach fighting," said Gary Foreman, who has spent 30 years in this world. "You can't teach toughness. You find out how tough you are very quickly. The good ones find out they can be better and commit themselves to this."

Foreman is Shield's husband and her partner in this business, based in Massachusetts. They spend a lot of time on the road, taking this level of cage fighting from city to city. At Friday's weigh-in, they worked quickly and efficiently. Unlike some weigh-ins in professional boxing, there was little in-your-face testosterone.

Muscles were flexed and chests expanded for the cameras, not each other. When photographers gave a thumbs up, opponents faced each other and embraced. Such a violent sport, such a show of respect when the cameras turn away.

"It takes two to fight," said Desjardins. "We respect that. It's all good blood outside the cage."

Inside, it's very bad blood. Call it mayhem, call it barbaric.

For Kell, Desjardins and all the others, it was a simple test. That hundreds of fans Saturday night watched to see if they passed or failed did matter.

"I've never felt like this before," said Kell, as he waited for his beating heart to slow down. He had won, paid his respects to his opponents and walked out of the cage and into the embrace of friends and family. He'll do it again.

Staff Writer Steve Solloway can be contacted at 791-6412 or at:

ssolloway@pressherald.com

http://www.pressherald.com/sports/solloway/the-curtain-goes-up-on-an-extreme-new-world_2011-05-01.html

Testimony Presenting LD 1196

2011-04-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today I testified in support of a piece of legislation I co-sponsored, L.D. 1196 An Act To Clarify Assistance for Persons with Acquired Brain Injury. Below is my testimony:

Good afternoon, Senator McCormick, Representative Strang-Burgess and distinguished colleagues of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, I am Matt Peterson and I represent District 92 which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today as a co-sponsor to support L.D. 1196 An Act To Clarify Assistance for Persons with Acquired Brain Injury.
I want to commend my colleague and friend, Representative Goode for submitting this important piece of legislation and thank him for asking me to join him as a co-sponsor of this significant initiative.

As you have already heard, this proposal amends existing statutory language to more fully recognize both the issues and the appropriate responses to acquired brain injury, something which, unfortunately impacts many Maine citizens and their families. I know you will hear more in a few minutes from the advocates and those with greater expertise on this significant health issue, but let me just point out that it is very appropriate for us to make these changes as a means to recognize not only the severity of acquired brain injury and its impacts on our citizens and Maine families, but also suggest that the state has an ongoing role to play in identifying and providing resources to mitigate the impacts of this condition on our people.

One of the tragic consequences of our recent involvement in the asymmetrical conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq has been a sharp increase in the number of returning service personnel who are coming home with an acquired brain injury as a result of their service to our country. The growth in frequency of acquired brain injury among our service members has led to a greater recognition of the impact of this condition on many other citizens who must deal with the consequences of the condition in their everyday lives.

This expanded recognition is another important step in coming to grips with the impacts that acquired brain injury has on the lives of Maine citizens and families. Representative Good’s proposal moves us a step along the path of assisting our citizens in facing and dealing creatively with this condition by acknowledging both new approaches to assisting individuals impacted by acquired brain injury, as well as preserving their rights, especially in instances where those rights may have been suspended as a result of the appointment of a guardian by the courts.

I am sure we all want the best for these citizens, and LD 1196 is another important step toward meeting that goal. I will not take up more of the Committee’s time unless you have questions for me. I look forward to working with you during our work session on this LD.

Update From Augusta -- Getting Our Facts Straight

2011-04-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

The River Valley leads the way in many different areas -- not just in football and wrestling. We are somewhat an epicenter for land based wind energy development in Maine. There is something about the area that has made it attractive to grid scale wind developers with projects having been proposed in a number of communities within the River Valley including Byron, Roxbury and Rumford. The proposed projects are in various stages of planning, permitting and development -- and the road thus far has not been a particularly straight path.

Earlier this week, there was a public hearing on legislation I introduced -- L.D. 1035 “Resolve, To Establish Baseline Information on Health Impacts from Grid-scale Wind Energy Development.” This proposed legislation embodies my intent to create a better framework and process that will help policy makers on the state and local levels access a set of commonly accepted facts about wind power health effects, based on a consideration of peer-reviewed studies rather than speculation and assertions which had not been rigorously reviewed.

We’ve all heard the old expression “You are entitled to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own set of facts.” In our Google culture, it seems there has been a real proliferation of pseudo-science. Self proclaimed experts appear on every corner of “Internet Avenue”, and it can be daunting sorting out the facts from the claims.

The foundation for most modern science and particularly the practice of medicine is intended to strike the balance between consumer safety and innovation. For example, without the acceptance of peer-reviewed studies as the basis for decision-making in medicine we would still be seeing patent medicines being sold with dubious results but out-sized claims. A factual foundation -- based on widely accepted, tested and peer-reviewed studies -- should also be the foundation for judging the health impacts of wind generation facilities.

It is precisely on this issue that the Rumford Board of Selectmen has been working for more than a year, with a contentious local debate and election that resulted in the rejection of a citizen committee drafted local ordinance. After that vote in November, Rumford went back to the process of drafting an ordinance -- and those discussions are continuing.

I believe all these deliberations could be better served by having access to a state-identified and recommended database of information and a set of conclusions based on peer-reviewed scientific studies. Our local officials do a great job sorting through the many challenges they face, particularly in these difficult economic times. However, like my colleagues in the citizen legislature -- they are not generally scientists, so need to be able to make decisions based on a factual foundation that has been examined and vetted by people who are qualified to make such a judgment.

That is my goal with this legislation. I think that people of Maine are better served if they can make decisions based on facts -- especially if those facts have been examined and vetted by experts that we support with our tax dollars and who are charged with the responsibility of serving our citizens. That is why an interagency task force, as envisioned in this proposed legislation, seems like the right approach.

Like all of my legislative colleagues, my goal remains to represent the District to the best of my ability. The only way I know to do that is to be sure that the elected officials and voters in our District have access to the best possible information so they can make informed decisions about the future of the River Valley. I have great confidence in the thoughtfulness of my neighbors and I believe they are very capable of making intelligent and informed choices if they have access to the facts. The goal of this initiative is to empower people to make thoughtful and informed choice.

As of this writing, I don’t know what the outcome of the Legislative initiative will be. Some folks thought the proposal went too far, others didn’t think it went far enough. That is the political and legislative process and it is not different from the discussion about wind power we have been having for the last several years here in the River Valley. At the end of the day -- making decisions based on some facts, particularly commonly held facts, seems better than flipping a coin, especially if we have to live with the impacts of a bad decision for many years.

In other news, I’m pleased to report that last week members of the Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation Committee gave their support to legislation I sponsored and wrote about in a previous column. LD 109, “Resolve To Establish the Commission to Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry” received a unanimous ought to pass committee report and now moves to the House and Senate chambers for a vote by the full bodies.

I’m always interested in hearing from you with feedback, thoughts, ideas or concerns. Please contact me by e-mail at petersonhouse08@gmail.com, or call me at (207) 776-8051.

Update From Augusta

2011-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

One of the things that is most gratifying as a legislator is being able to work with constituents to identify and solve problems. I was pleased when an Andover resident and member of the SAD 44 school committee came to me with a concern about a bill that was passed in the last legislature that directed school districts to use student social security numbers to track performance through school and beyond in the workplace, creating what is called a “longitudinal study.” The bill passed without much debate and I voted for the initiative.

The statute contains provisions that seek consent from parents, and ultimately students who have attained maturity while in the system, to collect and use the information. It also gives the authority to the Commissioner of Education to sanction school systems that do not comply by withholding the state subsidy payment -- a pretty large stick to discourage non-compliance by local districts.

It was only after the initiative moved forward to implementation at the local level that issues and concerns began to be raised. While the parental notification / opt in provision seemed to be an adequate protection, this notification coming usually at the beginning of the school year, and often included with other parental notifications and permissions -- often combined to achieve administrative efficiencies -- may blunt the thoughtful consideration of the issue by parents. I live in a household with four public school students -- and I understand the welter of paperwork that faces even the most conscientious parents, so careful consideration of the implications of such requests can be daunting.

In researching this initiative I had the opportunity to have some discussion with people familiar with research methodologies, longitudinal studies and privacy issues before I made the determination to introduce this measure. Those discussions helped me shape a bill and informed my support for this initiative. Here are some of the things I learned from those conversations.

First, the value of this data is questionable, especially if the data sets are not comprehensive. One experienced researcher told me that collection of such longitudinal data sets is valuable only if it is truly comprehensive. In other words, only if we have 100% or close to it participation, could conclusions from the analysis of this data be truly useful. When students / parents choose not to “opt-in” in significant numbers, and especially when entire districts refuse to comply, the data sets become increasingly less comprehensive and therefore less reliable.

When data sets like this are unreliable, other methods -- like random sampling of participants -- become a more reliable means to measure real outcomes for policy formation because you can control variations in the sampling. Working from partial and self-selected data sets such as those produced by an opt in system has limited value. The researcher indicated that the value of the data is better than an internet poll or a call-in poll / vote -- but not that much better without a careful, ongoing and expensive analysis of the underlying data. Random sampling may produce more reliable outcomes and have no greater cost than validating the collected data.

If the value of the underlying data is questionable, what are the potential downsides to collecting this information? It turns out there are many downsides. The most obvious is the potential for compromising people’s personal information -- especially social security numbers. Correlating a social security number with a name and address (which is likely in this data collection scheme) is the foundation for identity theft. This is the information that criminals seeks when they want to steal an identity as part of a larger criminal enterprise.

Collecting this data and building the database means that the state is liable in perpetuity to maintain the integrity and protect the data. I am sure we will receive assurances about the safety of this data -- but we have already seen too much about data systems that are likely more secure than this one will ever be that have been compromised. Is it really worth the risk? Are the rewards great enough to offset that potential downside? My answer is no, and that is why I have proposed this legislation.

There may be clarity about the intent for collecting this data today -- but what about 20 years from now? We don’t have any idea who will be able to access the information or for what reasons. I won’t spell out some of the more chilling implications of that train of thought -- but let’s remember that databases, once built, are enduring structures. If they aren’t built to endure, then they are even more likely to be compromised. If they are built to endure, than the data integrity must be maintained in perpetuity, or at least for the life of the participants. For that 6 year old who goes into the database today, we will need to insure the privacy and safety for at least 90 years or more. Is it worth the expense? Are we getting value for the investment?

In the end -- this is a simple cost benefit analysis. There is no doubt this information may have some value. The value may be limited based on the comprehensiveness of the information. In addition, there are other ways to gather comparable information that may not pose the same risks. It is our duty to protect our citizen’s right to privacy and the safety that comes with having personal information secure. Gathering this information is a big responsibility that will not go away and will become increasingly more difficult and expensive to maintain as people who seek this information for the wrong reasons become more sophisticated and determined. If that is the case, and I believe it is -- is this initiative worth it? Will our research outcomes be worth the investment and the potential risks?

I think not. That was the carefully considered conclusion of the leaders at SAD 44 -- and I agree with them.

Why were we elected anyway?

2011-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Some of the recent events and controversies in Augusta have people on both sides of the aisles scratching their heads and asking the fundamental question: Why were we elected? It’s a good question to be reminded about, but my answer is always the same in these conversations. I was elected to represent the people of the River Valley to the best of my abilities and I will continue to do that as long as I have the privilege to serve.

The days are getting longer and the tempers seem to be getting shorter -- a clear sign that it must be April in Augusta. Those who are urging more respect and civility seem to be winning the day – and I applaud their efforts. We need to keep alive that spirit and the willingness to compromise over the next few weeks as we enter difficult budget negotiations against the backdrop of our state’s fiscal problems. Working together, we can find solutions. We did in the last session, and I believe we can in this session as well.

While there are certainly people in both parties who are “hyper-partisan,” I find that most members of the Legislature are there to serve the people back home and do the very best they can. I will continue to work as hard as I can to collaborate with my colleagues whenever possible. We have a long way to go on budget matters to find solutions that can win broad support. The present proposals are far off the mark -- and that seems to go for both sides of the aisle. My Republican colleagues are as concerned about some initiatives as the Democrats.

In November, Maine voters sent a clear message -- they were ready for a change. Republican candidates sent a clear message, too -- we will bring change to Augusta. Republicans won the majorities because voters believed they could do a better job, it’s as simple as that. People believed that
Republicans who got elected would manage things more effectively. On the campaign trail, I often heard people say in talking about candidates, "Let a businessperson do it," as though business has the answers when it comes to good management.

Better management and new ideas is exactly what I want to see, too. I am convinced we can do a better job and manage our resources more carefully to provide high quality services with less waste and less duplication. It is one of the reasons I was such an enthusiastic supporter of Governor LePage’s nominee for Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, Mary Mayhew. I believe that Commissioner Mayhew brings new management skills and insight to the position. She is focused and energized and is capable of excelling in the job. I want to help her do just that -- manage the giant state human services bureaucracy more thoughtfully and more cost-effectively on behalf of taxpayers. In a future column, I hope to talk about some specifics and work I am undertaking in my dialogue with Commissioner Mayhew.

Beyond that, I keep waiting for those “new ideas,” and unfortunately I haven’t seen too many yet. As I said above, I know we can do a better job with our expenditures in health and human services. To that end, I have proposed some direction in a systems change bill that will be debated later in the session -- but I am still waiting to see those better approaches from the administration. Unfortunately, this budget is balancing the state's finances on the backs of working families, poor people, old people, people with disabilities, and public service men and women; teachers, firefighters, and police. Those are not particularly new ideas; they have been around for a very long time. The other way this budget balances is on the backs of Maine’s municipalities and the local property taxpayers. There’s nothing new or innovative there either.

Where are the new management initiatives? Where is the reorganization or consolidation to create efficiency? Where are the new ideas? How will we create new jobs? How will we better educate our children? How will we care for our aging parents? That’s what I want to work on and vote to support.

The legislative session is a work in progress and the budget is at its core. It’s always hard to see the end of the process from this vantage point, but I am sure it will finally arrive.

In the meantime, the next few weeks we will be having more lively debates. Changes in state policy around promoting and regulating wind power projects have been proposed in a number of bills. In the River Valley, we know first-hand how passionate those discussions can become. I expect the same for the hearings in Augusta.

Other details and proposals for welfare reform, regulatory relief and a host of other issues will be hotly debated. In the end, I am confident we can chart a course that will serve the very best interests of Maine people. At least we have the Whoopee Pie / Blueberry Pie vote behind us -- so we’ve proven we can compromise. Let’s hope those lessons carry over to other key policy choices.

Former President of the American Medical Association Says Maine Should Be 'Ashamed' for Sanctioning MMA

2011-04-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

In today's issue of the Portland Press Herald, the former President of the American Medical Association and Southern Maine resident, Dr. Robert McAfee, wrote that Maine should be "ashamed" for legalizing and regulating the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. With only a little over three weeks until Maine's first sanctioned MMA event and as the prime sponsor of the legislation that brought the sport to our state--I was a little disheartened to read the Dr.'s opinion this morning.

Ariel Helwani, one of the hardest working and most respected journalists in MMA, was good enough to interview me and blog about Dr. McAfee's position. Read what Ariel had to say about Dr. McAfee's editorial here.

Establishing a Process for Recall

2011-03-31T08:47:00.001-07:00

On today's House calendar a Joint Order was presented by Representative Cynthia Dill (D-Cape Elizabeth). The Joint Order would direct the Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs to report out legislation that would create a citizens' recall process for state legislators, constitutional officers and the governor.

Currently there are 18 states that have a recall process. Maine's constitution allows for the impeachment of state civil officers --a legal process whereby the House votes on an indictment, and the Senate acts as jury and votes to convict or not.

The recall process that Representative's Joint Order would seek to create would be in statute and be a political process that citizens would engage in similar to the citizens' veto and petition.

I support the initiative and believe it is a simple matter. Maine people expect accountability for the actions of the people they elect to represent them. I am accountable to the voters of District 92, and I am happy to have that accountability increase -- because I think it encourages me to continue to constantly do a better job. This initiative is nothing more than a matter of consistency with existing policies.

• Here in Maine we have one of the easiest to access citizen initiative processes in the country, and as a result we have ballot measures in almost every election cycle -- accountability;

• We have a provision for a people’s veto and that has been exercised with increasing frequency -- accountability;

• We are required by the Maine Constitution to seek voter approval of certain types of long term debt obligations -- accountability;

• Our new state treasurer wants to expand the involvement of voters in approving even more of the state’s financial transactions that have long term implications -- in the name of accountability;

• Some legislators are proposing that any initiative that would raise taxes and even certain fees must be approved by voters before they can become effective -- again, in the name of accountability.

We affirm constantly that accountability is a good thing -- and in order to be consistent, we need to facilitate the ultimate accountability tool -- the power of Maine voters to recall their state elected officials. I am happy to submit to that continuous accountability, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the initiative.

The Joint Order was Tabled today by Republican leadership. I hope this Joint Order comes off the Table before the end of the session for a vote so that I can cast my support for this important initiative.

There's Gold in the Hills

2011-03-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we celebrated Maine Maple Sunday -- a sure sign that we are in the middle of sugaring season -- that annual Maine tradition that signals the coming of spring. Maple syrup is great on our pancakes, but it is also an important part of our overall economic picture as a state.

Last year, I met with a constituent in Rangeley Plantation who has a commercial maple sugaring operation. He had one question for me -- Why isn’t the State of Maine during more to promote Maine Maple products on a regional, national and international basis? I didn’t have a good answer, so I did a little research -- and as a result, I put in a bill, LD 109, to establish a study commission to investigate what appears to be a very promising development and job creation opportunity for Maine’s woods.
In doing the research that lead to the bill, here’s what jumped out at me --

• Maine is one of the nation’s top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State.

• Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United State maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50% more hard maple trees than Vermont forests based on US Forest Service inventories.

• Far and away the largest producer in North America is the Province of Quebec, Maine’s neighbor for much of our northern and western borders.

It looked like an opportunity, but left me with this question -- Given our forest resources, a growing export market for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, what could we do to better utilize this resource to create jobs and revenues for Maine people?

Other Maine producers -- potato farmers, blueberry growers, lobstermen -- have enjoyed thoughtful assistance from the state in marketing and product development that has led to superior product branding. I wondered if maple products could offer another such opportunity for our state.

Since there were too many questions that I couldn’t answer, I decided to propose a short-term study commission that would look at the information and determine if there was some value in making a major effort in this area. Specifically, I am asking that a group of experts report back to the Legislature about:

• Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar;
• Obstacles to expanded production;
• Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand;
• Value Added Processing potential and its economic implications;
• Increased export marketing potential and its economic implications;
• Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production;
• Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with North America’s largest producer, Quebec, and;
• Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would produce a tangible economic return.

We need jobs in Maine -- and in our part of Maine, the woods have provided an important livelihood for many families for generations. Anything we can do to help us grow a sustainable resource-based industry that could employ people in a variety of areas -- is something we should take a hard look at.

There have always been concerns expressed every time the state has invested resources in a particular area. However, the results speak for themselves. Few would argue that some of our most important agricultural products -- whether it is potatoes or blueberries -- or others, have suffered as a result of the state’s investment of time and resources in marketing and market supports. The purpose of this legislation is not to foster new regulations or new controls or to waste money -- it is just the opposite. I want this commission to look for ways to make it possible to make our forests even more productive through the renewable activity of tapping and harvesting the sap.

Maine’s maples may well be an “untapped resource” for sustainable growth in jobs, business revenues and tax revenues. In my opinion, the best way to find out is to get the right people around the table to talk about it -- and that is why the bill will create a study commission. At the end of the process, this study group will report back to the Legislature and if warranted -- I plan to work on a bill to support initiatives identified by the study commission.

So next time you pour the syrup on your pancakes -- think about the job potential for an industry that we can grow and that will create jobs and new investments in our economy. I hope the bill will pass, and we get some good insights from the work of the study commission it will create.

Rep. Peterson calls for formal evaluation of federal program dollars to create jobs

2011-03-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2011
Contact: Jodi Quintero [Peterson], 287-1488, c. 841-6279

Local lawmaker presents resolve for one-time analysis of federal initiatives to support state job creation

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, introduced legislation that would require economic development officials to provide a one-time report to lawmakers evaluating federal initiatives and pending Congressional legislation that provide federal funding to create jobs in Maine. The report would be due by Dec. 1, 2011.

“I want to make sure that our state and local leaders in economic development have a systematic and formalized process to maximize our use of available federal resources, and that we are coordinating state investments, both existing and emerging, with federal opportunities,” said Peterson. “We need a thorough review of what tools exist to better inform policy decisions.”

The proposed legislation directs Department of Economic and Community Development to monitor and evaluate federal development incentives and analyze how state programs and resources, including tax policies and training programs coordinate with these federal initiatives to make sure that Maine is maximizing and taking advantage of all available resources to create quality jobs for Maine citizens.

This resolve would help identify new economic opportunities that would provide jobs for dislocated workers as well as jobs for people who are newly entering the workforce. “Jobs must be created by the private sector, but the state has a role to play in creating a climate for business to grow and for entrepreneurs to invest,” said Peterson.

Andrew Gilmore, President of ABG Strategies, a Yarmouth based businesses and consulting firm, spoke in support of this legislation at the public hearing. “In addition to utilizing federal programs and tools that perhaps we haven’t yet fully maximized or used at all, I think we can do a better job using some of our existing available incentives such as tax increment financing to help encourage business investment and job growth.”

A work session is scheduled for March 24.

Update From Augusta

2011-03-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Spring must be coming -- the Legislative session is in full swing, with activities and deliberations four or five days a week. What follows are some general observations as well as some specifics of legislation that I have introduced and will be working to promote.

The General Mood
The session opened with predictions and warnings coming from all sides. “There will be a revolution and a massive shift in priorities.” “Maine’s government and institutions will be fundamentally transformed.” “This will be the end of ‘business as usual’ under the dome in Augusta.” “The interest of Maine citizens will be sacrificed to a radical agenda.” And on and on. After a couple of months of overheated rhetoric, the actual picture is beginning to emerge.

Yes, the historic realignment between the parties has meant some significant change in Augusta, but they have not been as earth-shaking as either side predicted. The people pursuing a strong political agenda from either side are still pursuing their agendas -- but overall legislators from both parties tend to do most of their work together in the middle. That does not seem to have changed. The atmosphere is not overcharged with partisanship and the vast majority of legislators in both parties are looking for ways to work together to get things done for their constituents -- Maine citizens.

The Budget
The centerpiece of any legislative session is the deliberation of the biennial budget, or modifications to that budget based on changes in the state’s revenue forecasts. Our budget, more than any other piece of legislation, reflects our priorities as a government and our values as a state. The same is true this year. It is always difficult for any newly elected Governor to come off the campaign trail and immediately start the process of developing a new two year budget. This year has been no exception.

Governor LePage’s budget as originally submitted to the Legislature makes a clear statement about his priorities and his political philosophy. The deliberations to this point have followed a familiar pattern, and the Legislature is now “circling the airport” a bit waiting for the Governor to release a change package -- modified proposals based on the new information that has been received -- both in terms of changing revenue projections as well as some early reactions to the initial budget document.

Once the “Governor’s change package” has been released, the negotiations will intensify, but it seems clear now that the final budget will be a document based on compromise and consensus as it has been in most past years. Since the budget must be in place by July 1st, and no regular bills -- including the budget -- go into effect until 90 days after the adjourned of the Legislature, once we reach April 1st, the budget must be passed as emergency legislation (which means it can go into effect sooner than the 90 days post-adjournment mandated by the state’s constitution). Emergency legislation requires a 2/3rds vote of the Legislature -- so the budget will move to the center where it must be supported by members of both parties.

That process, while cumbersome, produces a budget that is usually more in line with the values and common sense of Maine people -- and I expect that will be the outcome this session. There will be drama and lots of rhetoric from all sides, but in the end, I expect we will pass a budget that will continue to serve Maine people. No one will be 100% happy with the outcome -- but the document will end up being much more centrist than the early commentaries have indicated. Hold on for a long and lively debate.

Specific Legislative Proposals
So far this session, I have presented a few bills and more are scheduled in the next few weeks. Here is a brief update on these initiatives.

• L.D. 109 Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry. I have presented a bill to look more closely at our Maple products industry to find new ways to promote these products -- better utilize our natural resources and create more jobs. The bill was heard on February 10th by the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and was generally well received. A work session will be scheduled soon, but since this is “sugaring season” that discussion will wait until more of the interested processors are out of the woods and available to help the committee in its deliberations.

• L.D. 679 Resolve, To Leverage Federal Opportunities for Job Creation in Maine. On March 17th, I presented this bill to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development where it was discussed and a work session will be scheduled in the near future. This bill calls upon the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development to look for ways that federal and state resources may be leveraged together to create more job opportunities for Maine citizens.

Over the next few weeks, other bills I am sponsoring will be coming before the appropriate committees and I will provide updates as they approach. Already printed, but not yet scheduled for public hearings are:

• L.D. 504 An Act To Prevent the Disclosure of Student Social Security Numbers

• L.D. 683 An Act To Enhance Long-term Care Services for Maine Citizens

• L.D. 818 Resolve, To Improve the Training and Retention of Maine's Professional Direct Care and Personal Supports Workforce

• LD 889 An Act To Regulate Boxing and Prizefighting in Maine

• LD 1035 Resolve, To Establish Baseline Information on Health Impacts from Grid-scale Wind Energy Development

I will post updates as these and other initiatives continue to develop throughout the remainder of the First Regular Session of the 125th Legislature. In the meantime, I can always be reached by phone at 776.8051 and via email at petersonhouse08@gmail.com. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Testimony Presenting LD 679

2011-03-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the Public Hearing for my bill, L.D. 679 Resolve, To Leverage Federal Opportunities for Job Creation in Maine. This bill was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development. Below is my testimony presenting LD 679.

Good afternoon, Senator Rector, Representative Prescott and distinguished members of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development, I am Matt Peterson and I represent District 92 which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to present L.D. 679 Resolve, To Leverage Federal Opportunities for Job Creation in Maine.

I know that I do not have to tell this distinguished committee how essential the process of job creation and promoting new investment is for all of our communities. In my part of the state, western Maine, we are seeing sustained economic turmoil as our traditional, resource based industries seem to be losing some of their competitive advantage in an expanding world market, and we are not yet finding those new economic opportunities that will provide the jobs and prosperity for dislocated workers as well as those people who are newly entering the workforce.

I understand that economic development is really a mosaic where many pieces have to be identified and fall into place in order for us to be successful. Jobs must be created by the private sector, but the state has a role to play in creating a climate for business to grow and for entrepreneurs to invest. The marketplace is competitive -- with incentives being offered by state and local governments to attract new investments and encourage the creation of new jobs.

The federal government, too, has been playing a role in providing stimulus for economic development. The best of that stimulus role has come when the federal government has created incentives to investment in new and expanding sectors -- both manufacturing and service business. As our economy continues to struggle, the federal government has been developing new approaches and devoting new resources to job generation at the local level. While the federal budget is tight -- and getting tighter, there will continue to be resources and investments from the federal government to maintain and stimulate our economic and job growth.

The purpose of this resolve is very simple -- I want to make sure that our state and local policy leaders in economic development are looking for all of the ways to maximize our use of available federal resources, and that we are coordinating state investments -- both existing and emerging -- with those federal opportunities.

I do not have an extensive business resume -- but I do understand the simple concept of leverage, and that is my goal with this bill. I want to make sure that the business tools we have in place can take maximum advantage of targeted federal business incentives. This is a developing landscape, and I expect we will see some new initiatives as we enter the 2012 election cycle. I want to be sure Maine is positioned to take the best advantage of any of these emerging opportunities.

To that end, I am proposing that the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development will monitor and evaluate the existing and emerging federal development incentives, analyze how state programs and resources -- including tax policies, training programs and everything else -- coordinate with these federal initiatives. The question is simple -- Are we maximizing our position to take advantage of resources to create new quality jobs for Maine citizens?

There is no fiscal note attached to this initiative, we are not creating a new bureaucracy or a new study commission or other entity. Instead, the bill attempts to raise an important issue and ask the Department of Economic and Community Development to examine alternatives and report back to this Committee by the end of the year. In this way, we can determine if there are areas where we can suggest new policies or approaches that may complement our efforts to expand jobs and economic activity in the state.

A great deal of attention is being focused on the business climate in Maine -- questions are being raised about the regulatory environment and obstacles that it may raise to the expansion of businesses and jobs. I think these are important questions and issues that we should be addressing.

This bill tries to take a complementary approach -- instead of looking at the obstacles, I want the Department of Economic and Community Development to be looking at the opportunities we might have if we can better leverage federal, state and local resources to expand our employment and business base. We need to be looking at both sides of this equation if we are really going to do our best as a body intent on strengthening the Maine economy.

I hope you will support this idea and send it to the floor with a unanimous recommendation. I look forward to answering your questions now and will be available when you schedule a work session on the bill. Thank you for your attention and interest.

The Right Approach

2011-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

The following Letter to the Editor appeared in today's issue of the Sun Journal:

To the Editor:

Maple syrup season is fast approaching, so no better time than now to grasp an opportunity.

The need to expand Maine’s economy is on everyone’s mind and Rep. Matthew Peterson of Rumford has the right approach with submission of LD 109: “Resolve, To Establish The Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maple Syrup Industry.” LD 109 will help build Maine’s economy through manufacturing, research and development, thus creating less dependence on out-of-state resources.

With the state government’s focus on growing Maine, how better than to expand a market that has an endless demand and shortage of supply?

Maine has more vast resources, determination and capable work force than any state or province. Maine needs to make an investment in the production of natural resources. LD 109 will begin the process.

Chris Botka, Rangeley

http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/986662

Bell rings for ultimate fighting in Maine

2011-02-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

The following article originally appeared in the Portland Press Herald. After passing the bill in 2009, it's exciting to finally see events being scheduled. My sincerest thanks to all of the members of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine for all of their hard work over the past 13 months to make this happen.
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PORTLAND — Inside a cage of chain-link fence, fighters will try to knock each other out with kicks, punches, wrestling moves and jujitsu.

Mixed martial arts fighting is coming to Maine, nearly two years after the Legislature legalized it.

The Maine Mixed Martial Arts Authority, which spent the past year developing rules to govern the sport, announced Wednesday that it has sanctioned two events, both in Portland.

The first will be held April 30 at the Stevens Avenue Armory. The second is scheduled for May 6 at the Portland Expo, said Bill Bouffard, chairman of the state authority.

"It took us a while to get rolling," Bouffard said, "but our number one priority was the safety of the fighters. As brutal as the sport may seem, it's safer than boxing."

Mixed martial arts fighters try to knock their opponents out or disable them. They can be penalized by the referee for head butting, eye gouging, biting, hair pulling, groin attacks, putting fingers into orifices, or kicking the head of an opponent who is on the floor.

Timidity, including avoiding contact, is also grounds for a penalty.

Professional fights last three rounds; title fights can go five rounds. If both fighters are able to finish, a three-judge panel determines the winner.

In spring 2009, the Legislature legalized mixed martial arts fighting in Maine and created the authority, a five-member volunteer board, to regulate the fights.

Matthew Peterson, a Democratic state representative from Rumford, sponsored the bill, viewing it as a way to spur economic development and boost tourism.

"I've been a lifelong fan of mixed martial arts fighting," Peterson said. "It's the fastest-growing sport in the world and represents a real economic development opportunity for the state."

If the sport catches on in Maine, Bouffard said he would expect to see about two mixed martial arts events a month.

He said the event at the Expo will include a title match between two professionals -- Portland's Paul Gorman and Pedro Gonzalez of Rockport, Mass. Both men fight in the 135-pound division.

Jason Leeman, director of operations for the Brunswick-based Bellum Combat Association, said he hopes to fill the Expo. The building can hold 3,000 people.

"Our goal is to have a sellout crowd," said Leeman, whose firm will market the event and hold a "ring girl" tryout. Ticket prices will range from $40 to $75.

The Massachusetts-based Global Fight League will produce the event, providing video coverage, lighting, staffing, big-screen televisions and, of course, the cage for the fights.

Bouffard said the state authority determined during the rulemaking process that cage fighting, as opposed to fighting in a boxing ring with ropes, would be safer for the fighters and the audience.

Leeman noted that several Maine athletes have fought outside Maine. Two fighters, Mike Morin of South Portland and Ryan Cowette of Brunswick, will make their Maine debuts on May 6.

Other well-known mixed martial artists from Maine are Marcus Davis of Bangor, who helped get the sport legalized, and Mike Brown, a former champion from Portland.

Bouffard said mixed martial arts can be violent.

"It's not for everybody. But the people who do it are doing it because they have a great passion for the sport," he said.

Bouffard said the April 30 event will be promoted by Cage FX of Massachusetts. The authority, which has not received that fight card, approved the event Wednesday during a meeting in Cape Elizabeth.

Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at dhoey@pressherald.com.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/bell-rings-for-ultimate-fighting-in-maine_2011-02-10.html

Rumford Hospital to be reimbursed for much of MaineCare costs

2011-02-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

The following article appeared in today's issue of the Sun Journal:

By Eileen M. Adams, Staff Writer
Published Feb 10, 2011

RUMFORD — Rumford Hospital Chief Executive Officer John Welsh was pleased that the state is scheduled to begin repaying overdue MaineCare reimbursements, a plan that will provide the local facility with some cash reserves and a chance to replace some critical care equipment.

The hospital is one of three dozen statewide that is scheduled to receive overdue MaineCare funding.

For Rumford, that figure is estimated to be just over $1.9 million, which represents MaineCare funds owed from 2007, 2008 and part of 2009.

“This is a first step. We look forward to working with the Legislature and administration to get the rest,” Welsh said.

He's unsure how much more is owed, but said it is less than the $1.9 million.

The announcement that Maine's hospitals will receive partial MaineCare reimbursements was made through a news release sent from Gov. Paul LePage's office Tuesday evening. It is part of a supplemental state budget.

Rumford Hospital is part of the Central Maine Healthcare. It also includes Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, which is scheduled to receive $32.6 million, and Bridgton Hospital, which will receive about $4.5 million.

Welsh said the local hospital has been without cash reserves for a couple of years. The 400 employees of Rumford Hospital, Rumford Community Home, and the hospital's practices are currently in a wage freeze.

Whether raises will come about at the end of this fiscal year, which is June 30, is unknown at this time, Welsh said.

Welsh was particularly appreciative of local delegation members, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, and Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford.

“They worked hard and did a great job,” Welsh said.

eadams@sunjournal.com

http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/983955

Testimony Presenting LD 109

2011-02-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

Today was the Public Hearing for my bill, L.D. 109 Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry. This bill was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Below is my testimony presenting LD 109.

Good afternoon, Senator Sherman, Representative Edgecomb and distinguished members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. I am Matt Peterson and I represent District 92, which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to present L.D. 109 Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry.

It is a real privilege for me to present this bill. Last year, I met with a constituent in Rangeley Plantation who has a small commercial maple sugaring operation. He had one question for me -- Why isn’t the State of Maine during more to promote Maine Maple products on a regional, national and international basis? I didn’t have a good answer, so I did a little research -- and as a result, I am proposing this study commission to investigate what appears to be a very promising development and job creation opportunity for Maine’s woods.

I make no special claim to knowledge about forestry of woodlot management, no expertise on food production, nor any depth understanding of agricultural economics or product marketing. I’m just a guy from the Western Maine woods, whose family has worked in the woods for generations and who likes maple syrup on my pancakes on those special occasions that I get them.

Following my conversation, I did start doing some research and here’s what jumped out at me --

• Maine is one of the nation’s top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State.
• Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United State maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50% more hard maple trees than Vermont forests based on US Forest Service inventories.
• Far and away the largest producer in North America is the Province of Quebec, Maine’s neighbor for much of our northern and western borders.

It looked like an opportunity, but left me with this question -- Given our forest resources, a growing export market for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, what could we do to better utilize this resource to create jobs and revenues for Maine people?

You know better than I what success other Maine producers -- potato farmers, blueberry growers, lobstermen -- have enjoyed as a result of superior product branding and some thoughtful assistance from the state in marketing and product development. I wondered if maple products would not offer another such opportunity for our state.

There were too many questions that I couldn’t answer, but the idea seemed too promising to just leave alone. As a result, I decided to propose a short-term study commission that would look at the information and determine if there was some value in making a major effort in this area. Specifically, I think we need someone that will report back to us about:

• Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar;
• Obstacles to expanded production;
• Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand;
• Value Added Processing potential and its economic implications;
• Increased export marketing potential and its economic implications;
• Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production;
• Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with North America’s largest producer, Quebec, and;
• Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would produce a tangible economic return.

We need jobs in Maine -- and in my part of Maine, where the woods have provided an important livelihood for many families, we are really hurting. Anything we can do to help us grow a sustainable resource-based industry that could employ people in a variety of areas -- is something we should take a hard look at.

I understand that there are obstacles to this bill. To start with, we don’t have any money -- and we certainly don’t have money to spend on studies or schemes if they won’t produce results. That is why we have included language that makes the study dependent upon outside funding for the initiative. Should this initiative be approved, I will begin immediately looking for funds to support the effort -- because I think more Maine jobs are possible by expanding our maple products industry.

I’ve also encountered some questions from a few maple producers. I understand the concern from people who spend a good bit of their time working in the woods and the rest of their time thinking about working in the woods. My father works in the woods -- he harvests timber and doesn’t run tap lines, but he has a healthy distrust of most things connected with the government trying to help. I understand the fear that government engagement could mean new forest management standards, new regulations on food processing or labeling or any number of other things. If this market grows and expands as it might, creating new opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs, increased competition may mean changes in the way business is done now -- and that can be uncomfortable for people who have a comfortable niche and want to hold on to it. I get it. The concerns are legitimate.

The results speak for themselves. Few would argue that some of our most important agricultural products -- whether it is potatoes or blueberries or others -- have suffered as a result of the state’s investment of time and resources in marketing and market supports. The purpose of the study commission is not to foster new regulations or new controls or to waste money -- it is just the opposite. I want this commission to look for ways to make it possible to make our forests to be even more productive through the renewable activity of tapping and harvesting the sap.

Someone has to say this today -- so I might as well be the one. Maine’s maples may well be an “untapped resource” for sustainable growth in jobs, business revenues and tax revenues. The best way to find out is to get the right people around the table to talk about that. The study commission I am proposing would have six members of the Legislature -- two from the Senate and four from the House; five members appointed by the Governor to represent the maple industry, large landowners, small woodlot owners and other interested parties, as well as; representatives from the appropriate state agencies -- at the least -- Conservation, Agriculture, and the Finance Authority of Maine, but might involve other agencies like Economic and Community Development or Tourism or the International Trade Center for other components that should be considered.

At the end of the process, this study group will report back to the Legislature and if warranted -- we can come back together to work on a bill to support initiatives identified by the study commission.

I hope you will support this idea and send it to the floor with a unanimous recommendation. I’m happy to try to answer any questions you might have now or later and I will be available when you schedule a work session on the bill. Thank you for your attention and interest.

Maple Marketing

2011-02-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

The following editorial originally appeared in the 'Maine Opinion' section of the Bangor Daily News:

Maine’s next agriculture commissioner can work to hold the line on what seems like the inexorable decline of Maine’s small farms. That alone is a full-time job. And these small businesses, with their unique challenges, are worth saving for a host of reasons. But former Republican legislator and current dairy farmer Walter Whitcomb — who awaits likely confirmation as commissioner —also can focus his efforts on expanding niche export sectors.

The recent debate over designating the whoopie pie as Maine’s official state dessert, aside from generating a lot of letters to the editor and wisecracks, highlights the possibility. What seemed like an innocuous, uncontroversial bill touting a local treat sparked a campaign for another contender. Why not the blueberry pie, asked those who objected to the less-than-healthful qualities of the whoopie pie. And blueberries are a Maine crop worth promoting, both within the state and outside.

Another niche crop — if that is the right word — worth promoting is Maine’s maple sap. As a high value-added product, maple syrup holds great potential for Maine businesses. Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, has proposed creating a commission to study the potential for growing the maple syrup and maple sugar industry. Maine is the second-biggest producing state in the U.S., behind Vermont and ahead of New York. Yet Maine, Rep. Peterson notes, has 50 percent more of the kind of maple trees that produce the sweet stuff. Quebec province is the continent’s top producer.

Both blueberries and maple sweeteners are ripe — no pun intended — for promotion to a national population that may be ready to embrace healthful, pure foods. By virtue of Maine’s brand as an unspoiled place, our blueberries and maple syrup have a leg up on the competition. A concerted effort by the Department of Agriculture with state and private economic development and resource management staff could grow these businesses.

Mr. Whitcomb, after being confirmed, also should investigate other emerging agricultural niche commodities, especially those that are sold as value-added products.

Maine may not be able to compete with the megafarms of the Midwest for some crops, but the state must get its share of the pie — make that blueberry — of the growing market for healthful food.

http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/02/06/opinion/maple-marketing/

Lawmaker seeks study to boost maple syrup industry

2011-02-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

By Terry Karkos, Staff Writer
Published Feb 03, 2011 12:00 am | Last updated Feb 03, 2011 12:00 am

RUMFORD — A local lawmaker wants Maine to tap into the unrealized potential for growing its maple syrup industry.

State Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, said Friday by e-mail that he's submitted a resolve to create a commission that would study the potential for expanding the Maine Maple Sugar Industry.

It would also determine how to strengthen the brand of Maine maple products to better utilize existing natural resources, create new value-added job opportunities, and expand export markets.

Maine is one of the nation's top three producers of maple syrup, ranking well behind Vermont and just a little behind New York State, he said.

“Although Vermont is the recognized leader among United States maple producers with a very strong brand identity and annual production that is more than double what Maine markets, Maine forests contain 50 percent more hard maple trees than Vermont forests, based on U.S. Forest Service inventories,” Peterson said.

The Province of Quebec in Canada, which borders much of Maine's northern and western boundaries, is the largest producer in North America.

“Given our forest resources, a growing export for maple products, and our relatively low production in relationship to the total inventory of hard maple trees, the Maine Maple Commission will be established to examine the potential for growing Maine's maple industry,” Peterson said.

Using successful models that have already been employed to promote other Maine food product industries — including marine products and agricultural goods like potatoes — the commission would be tasked to examine:

* Potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar.

* Obstacles to expanded production.

* Opportunities for enhancing a Maine Maple brand.

* Value-added processing potential and its economic implications.

* Increase export marketing potential and its economic implications.

* Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production.

* Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with Quebec.

* Investment or actions that could be taken by the state that would generate a tangible economic return.

Peterson said the commission would be established and begin to function at the end of the first regular session of the 125th Maine Legislature. It would then make an interim report to the second regular session of the 125th, and be prepared to offer a complete report and recommendations to the 126th Maine Legislature.

The commission would be composed of two members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate president; two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; one representative each from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, and the Finance Authority of Maine; and five Maine citizens, appointed by Gov. Paul LePage, who would represent Maine maple producers, large landowners, and small woodlot owners.

The commission is to seek funding contributions to fully fund the costs of the study, subject to approval by the Legislative Council.

Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies.

That's why Peterson is seeking emergency status, because the commission's study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires.

On approval, the legislation would become effective.

The resolve was referred on Jan. 20 to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

The committee will hold a public hearing on LD 109 at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in Room 206 of the Cross Office Building in Augusta.

http://www.sunjournal.com/river-valley/story/980302

A New Session Begins in Augusta

2011-01-12T15:31:00.000-08:00

The New Year and a new legislative session have begun in Augusta, with many new faces and a new alignment of political power. Once again, I am humbled to have been sent by my friends and neighbors in District 92 to represent your concerns and your ideas in the Legislature.
Hearing from you is the most important ingredient in a successful session for me, so I will work hard to keep you informed about issues and solicit your comments and ideas.

Once again, I will be serving on the Health and Human Services Committee which will likely be one of the settings where the new political agenda in Augusta will be considered and developed. I will remain committed to finding that balance between serving the Maine people who have the greatest needs and living within our financial resources. I felt we struck that balance in the last session and I hope we can achieve the same result this year as well.

The challenges will be great. Our economy has not yet recovered and state revenues are down. Last year, federal stimulus monies helped bridge the gap for some of our necessary programs, but those resources will not be available in this budget cycle. Instead, we must find ways to set new priorities, concentrate on the direct services that people needs and eliminate unnecessary and unproductive administrative costs. I believe we can achieve that balance and will be committed to finding such solutions.

The incoming administration is committed to two broad principles -- finding ways to expand the economy and job opportunities for Maine citizens by encouraging our businesses to grow, and insuring that Maine taxpayers do not face additional burdens. I strongly support both of those agenda items and will be working hard with other members of the Legislature and the LePage administration to meet those goals -- because they are in the best interest of all Maine citizens. The devil, as always will be in the details but I think these important agenda items can and must be addressed.

Striking the right balance will be essential. Government cannot do it all -- in fact, it cannot even do most of it, but it does have a key role to play in providing essential services that protect the safety and health of our communities and our neighbors. Setting priorities will help us find that balance. We need to eliminate the unnecessary burdens and expenses that bog down an efficient government while maintaining the protections that are vital to a healthy economy, a healthy environment, and the Maine way of life we all cherish.

In future columns I will be laying out some of the specific ideas and legislation I will be proposing in this session in order to encourage our dialogue and get your best thinking on these matters. One thing I heard during the campaign is that people are very concerned about taxes and particularly property taxes. Rising property taxes often hit those on fixed incomes and personal budgets that have no margins -- people who are least able to afford the increase because such taxes are not based on income or earnings. To that end, I pledge now to all my neighbors in the River Valley that I will not vote to support any budget proposals coming out of Augusta that will have the effect of raising our local property taxes.

We have capable and committed leaders in all the municipalities in the River Valley, and I want to be sure that we don’t make their jobs more difficult by cutting state programs, lowering state taxes and passing the burdens on to local government to finance. We must find a better way, and I will not support balancing the state’s budget on the backs of municipalities or local property tax payers.

I look forward to your ideas and our ongoing conversation throughout the session. I’m doing everything I know to give you up to date information. If you have questions or concerns, please e-mail me at petersonhouse08@gmail.com, call me at (207)776-8051, or you can follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/PetersonForME or. Finally, you can visit my website that will soon be fully operational at -- http://www.petersonforme.com/.

Our connections are the best way to make me the most effective legislator on your behalf. Thanks again for your vote on confidence. I want to earn that confidence everyday as I serve the River Valley.

Election Day '10

2010-11-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Neighbors--

Tomorrow, November 2nd, is Election Day.

During this campaign I visited over 3000 doors in the district and talked with thousands of voters. I met with retired folks in Madrid Township, attorneys and maple syrup producers in Weld, papermakers in Rumford, educators in Andover, and carpenters in Roxbury--just to name a few. Yesterday, during one of the final days of the campaign, I met with a Selectperson in Byron, a Maine Guide “off the grid” in Roxbury, and saw two massive bull moose moving slowly alongside the road next to Coos Canyon--a wonderful reminder of the wild beauty we’re so fortunate to be surrounded by here in Western Maine. I appreciate the openness, the candor, and the wisdom of the many folks that met and spoke with me during my campaign for re-election.

This has been a challenging election cycle in general and in particular for incumbents. Our national economy has continued to struggle and understandably people are running out of patience. I’m proud of the fact that I ran a positive campaign focusing on the issues and my service to the citizens of the River Valley. Unfortunately, like a lot of my colleagues, I was the target of negative advertising both from my opponent, as well as outside groups. I’m happy that I choose not to respond to the attacks and distortions because I think we’re better than that in the River Valley.

Throughout the campaign, I never stopped focusing on my service to District 92. Over the past few months, I have been able to submit a number of proposed bills--most of which have been based on ideas I heard from you during my last two years of service and the campaign. These ideas range from promoting expanded marketing of Maine maple products, to finding ways to make government more efficient and responsive. These initiatives will strengthen our economy and create jobs, as well as protect the health and safety of our citizens. I hope that I will be re-elected and able to pursue these important initiatives that you have suggested.

To all of you who have given me advice, encouragement and support during my campaigns and legislative service, I want to express my sincerest gratitude. It would be impossible for me to undertake the tasks of a legislator without your ideas and opinions--so thank you for helping me to do better work on your behalf.

Finally, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you for the past two years. Serving the River Valley has been one of the best experiences of my life. I hope that I have the opportunity to continue serving to keep pushing forward for District 92 on the issues that matter most to all of us--jobs, educating our children, and protecting this wonderful state of Maine.

I humbly ask for your vote tomorrow and thank you again for the support.

All the Best,

Matt Peterson

"Matt is an honorable and caring individual who knows how to overcome obstacles."

2010-10-28T05:22:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Donna Morse, one of our area's great educators, for this letter from yesterday's issue of the Falls Times:
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I live in Andover and have known Matt all his life. Matt is an honorable
and caring individual who knows how to overcome obstacles. He is
productive and helpful and looks out for the good of all with knowledge
and a common sense approach. Matt has managed to build important
relationships with leaders of both parties. I am sure Matt will continue
to work diligently in helping to make Maine and the River Valley a more
affordable state with more jobs, helping seniors, and ensuring that our
schools are preparing out young people for tomorrow jobs. Please vote for
Matt

Donna Morse, Andover

"He best embodies the spirit of his district."

2010-10-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Cam Kaubris--MV's star Quarterback--for this great endorsement! Go Falcons!
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I am a senior at Mountain Valley High School and I live in Rumford, Maine. I am a three sport athlete and a member of the National Honor Society. I am captain of both the Falcon football and basketball squads.

I have previously voted for Matt Peterson in the primary. At the time, I was only seventeen (17) years old, and I learned from my history teacher, Chris Carver, that as long as I was eighteen (18) by the time of the November elections, I could vote in the primaries. Needless to say, I was very excited. I had been waiting for quite some time now to take part in our nation’s governing process. I feel that it is important for all Maine’s citizens to get out and vote and to have a fair representation in Augusta.

As I scanned the ballot at the American Legion, I happened upon Matt Peterson’s name. I was glad to see that he was running for re-election. Mr. Peterson has done an excellent job as a representative for this area’s voters. He has all the qualities one would look for in a politician. He is thoughtful on all issues, he brings a common-sense approach to all of his decision making and most importantly, he best embodies the spirit of his district. He has an amazing ability to incorporate the views of both the youth as well as the elderly. He has also built relationships with leaders of both parties in order to benefit the constituents of the River Valley. That kind of talent and bipartisanship is rarely seen and is an often over looked strength of Mr. Peterson.

Matt Peterson has already accomplished a great deal and has overcome plenty of obstacles. I hope that voters take into account what he has done, and also the potential that he holds. Vote for Matt, he still has much that he can accomplish for us.

Cameron Kaubris
Rumford, Maine

"I’m proud to have him representing our community."

2010-10-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Rick Greene for this Letter to the Editor that ran in today's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:
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I am writing in support of Matt Peterson in his re-election as state representative in District 92. I have had the pleasure of having a number of different interactions with Matt during his first term as state representative. He is always accessible to answer questions and listen to concerns.

Matt started his first year sponsoring a bill that sought to radically overhaul services for people dependent on home health care services. His goal was to improve the options for people that were dependent on these services while saving the taxpayers money through reducing a duplication of services and increasing efficiency. This bill was ultimately passed by the legislature. This is extremely rare for a freshman legislator. I believe this is a testament to Matt’s intelligence, hard work and concern for all of the people of the state of Maine.

Matt is not simply a politician, playing the game to get elected. It is very clear to me that Matt truly cares for the people he represents. I’m proud to have him representing our community.

Richard Greene, Rumford

"Matt has demonstrated his commitment to serving the diverse needs of the district."

2010-10-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Jim and Linda Macgregor for this wonderful endorsement in today's issue of the Sun Journal:
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In his first term as a representative, Matt Peterson has demonstrated his commitment to serving the diverse needs of the district. District 92 covers a large territory: Andover, Byron, Rumford, Weld, Rangeley and Sandy River Plantation; the unorganized territories of west central Franklin County; and Madrid.

He brings many strengths and skills to his office, including boundless energy, a questioning mind and genuine respect for the people he serves.

But the standout for us is his communication with his constituents — not only reports from his office, but rapid and reliable response to the citizens; no call unreturned, no letter or e-mail unanswered.

He is running for a second term in the Maine House. We’re confident that the voters of District 92 will cast their ballots for Matt Peterson. We surely will.

Jim and Linda Macgregor, Rumford Point

http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/929082

"Matthew J. Peterson of Rumford has already rolled his sleeves up, proven his honesty and integrity."

2010-10-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant for this wonderful endorsement in today's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:
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To the Editor:

As a resident of Rumford I want to believe I am represented in Augusta by an individual who is not lacking in honesty and integrity. I want to believe I have a representative that is a true voice of those he represents. I want to believe that my state representative knows he is in Augusta to represent our needs not the dictates of government or special interests. I believe our state representatives, now more than ever, need to forget party politics, roll up their sleeves and do the things needed to get this State out of the deep fiscal hole it has fallen into.

District 92 State Representative Matthew J. Peterson of Rumford has already rolled his sleeves up, proven his honesty and integrity. He proudly goes to Augusta and clearly has shown he knows who he represents…all the people of District 92. Please join me on November 2nd in allowing Matt to continue the great job he has been doing.

Wayne J. Gallant
Rumford

"Matt will again be my choice for a better Maine."

2010-10-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Brenda Sassi for this beautiful letter which also ran in today's Rumford Falls Times:

I supported Matt in his previous election and having seen him in action there is no doubt in my mind that this young man is going places. Visiting Matt in Augusta and listening and watching Matt it is very obvious that he is respected by members of both parties. Everyone wanted to talk to him about various topics and get his feedback. His continuous updates in our weekly newspaper keeps us well informed on what he is doing. There is no lack of communication with his District 92 and the State of Maine in what he is achieving to get the real value for our tax dollar.

Matt is a gentlemen that is positive, very approachable, a problem solver and will work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisles and will always work to achieve mutual goals. Matt will again be my choice for a better Maine. Why change something great if it is going well.

Brenda Sassi, Rumford

"It’s all possible because of Matt’s leadership."

2010-10-13T04:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Randy and Ruby Gunther for this wonderful endorsement from today's Rumford Falls Times:

To the Editor:

We have known Matt most of his life, have watched him grow up in Rumford, and see he is reflecting the best of our River Valley community. Despite facing a few setbacks along the way, Matt has continued to work hard and has always focused his attention outward on how he could help others. He has provided great service to Rumford and the River Valley in the Legislature and we look forward to giving him our vote on November 2nd.

We are particularly proud that our representative was the one who brought forward the legislation to make Mixed Martial Arts a legal and regulated sport in Maine. We share Matt’s passion for this sport, and he was the one who stepped up to get the sport regulated in our state. Matt accomplished this by securing almost unanimous support from both parties in both bodies of the Legislature. In just a few months, we expect that Maine citizens will be attending the first ever mixed martial arts show in our state -- and that will be just the beginning for promotions that will bring new revenues to small businesses around the state. While the first shows will likely be in Portland, Lewiston/Auburn or Bangor -- we’re looking forward to the time that events will be held in the River Valley. It’s all possible because of Matt’s leadership.

As a young family that has decided to live and work and raise our daughter here in Rumford, we understand the need for strong representation to promote the future of our area. We hope you’ll join us in sending one of Rumford’s finest back to represent us in Augusta. Vote for Matt Peterson.

Randy and Ruby Gunther, Rumford

Comments to Honor Paul Harris Fellows

2010-10-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Today, Columbus Day 2010, I was honored to be invited by the Rumford Area Rotary to participate in a tree planting ceremony in honor of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary. Reprinted below are my remarks from today:

Comments by Representative Matt Peterson to Honor Paul Harris Fellows October 11, 2010

It is a particular honor for me to have been invited to make a few comments regarding the important contributions that Rotary has made to our community and to communities across the globe. We remember Paul Harris, who started the Rotary Clubs, who came to Rumford more than 70 years ago to give a boost to the Rumford Rotary which has an outstanding record of community service for 85 years.

Over those 85 years, Rotary members, collectively and individually have done many things for the community -- service that was both obvious and public, as well as acts of kindness that were private and every bit as significant in the lives they have touched.

It’s become pretty popular to bash government these days and as someone who has had the opportunity to serve my neighbors in the River Valley for the last two years -- I can tell you that the negativity can become a little discouraging. There is a great deal of need in our community and in our state, and there is an appropriate role for government to play in developing and delivering the services that individuals need in order to stay healthy and make the most of their lives.

One area where the critics of government are correct is that “government has its limitations.” Government cannot do it all. Motivated individuals, working individually or in service organizations like Rotary are another essential ingredient in making our communities work for all citizens. I look at the areas of concern for the Rumford Rotary -- Health Care Services; Education; Quality of Community Life --and these are the same issues that are central to the discussions of the Legislature. Fortunately, the Rotary doesn’t have to deal with the details of fishing licenses -- although they would probably do a good job with that, too.

When I look at Rotary -- I see partnerships. Partnerships between individuals, partnerships with government, partnership with institutions that serve the community like the Red Cross or Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, partnerships that extend educational opportunities through scholarships or literacy action. These partnerships are essential to any healthy community and Rotary is that glue that holds communities together.

I’m honored to be here today and look forward to the opportunity to hear from the Paul Harris Fellows and celebrate the many achievements of Rumford Rotary and its members. Thank you.

November 2010 Ballot Questions Information

2010-10-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Question 1: Citizen Initiative

Ballot Question: Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines at a single site in Oxford County, subject to local approval, with part of the profits going to specific state, local and tribal programs?

Question 1 is a citizen initiative that would authorize the Gambling Control Board to license a casino at a single site in Oxford County for the operation of table games and slot machines. The casino could be licensed to operate up to 1,500 slot machines and would be the only place in the state where table games are allowed.

To be eligible for a casino license, the operator must own a facility at which harness racing was conducted in the 2009 racing year. The only facility that meets this requirement is the Oxford County Fairgrounds, which conducted harness racing in 2009 under a state license. The casino also must meet other minimum requirements including lot size, distance from the fairgrounds and proximity to police, hospitals and the interstate.

The casino would also have to be approved by the municipality where it is to be located. The local vote must be held on or before December 31, 2011. Renewal of a casino license would also require local approval.

After January 1, 2011, no other casino or slot machine facility could be licensed unless it is first approved by voters in a statewide referendum, as well as by the municipal officers or voters of the municipality where it is to be located.

The casino operator would be required to turn over 46% of the net revenue from slot machines and 16% of the net revenue from table games to the Gambling Control Board for distribution to a variety of state and local programs in specified amounts. 25% of the net revenue from slot machines and 10% of the net revenue from table games would be used to supplement (but not supplant) funding for essential programs and services in public schools. The remainder of the net slot machine revenue would be distributed in amounts, ranging from 1% to 4%, to the University of Maine System and Maine Community College System scholarship programs, the tribal governments of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Agricultural Fair Support Fund, the Sire Stakes Fund, a fund to supplement harness racing purses, and dairy farm stabilization programs. Net revenue from both slot machines and from table games would also be directed to the host municipality (2%), the host county (1%), and to support administrative costs of the Gambling Control Board (3%), which include counseling services for gambling addiction.

A YES vote is to enact the initiated legislation.

A NO vote opposes the initiated legislation.

Question 2: Bond Issue

Ballot Question: Do you favor a $5,000,000 bond issue to be awarded on a competitive basis to increase access to dental care in Maine, $3,500,000 to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine to be matched by $3,500,000 in other funds, and $1,500,000 to be used to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics?

Question 2 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to raise funds to be used for a community-based teaching dental clinic and to create or upgrade community-based health and dental clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics. The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State. The bonds may not be issued before July 1, 2011.

Proceeds of the sale of the bonds are to be awarded on a competitive basis and would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services as follows:

$3,500,000 must be expended for a community-based teaching clinic affiliated with or operated by a college of dental medicine and must be matched with $3,500,000 in other funds.

$1,500,000 must be expended to create or upgrade community-based health and dental care clinics across the State to increase their capacity as teaching and dental clinics.

A YES vote approves the authorization of the $5,000,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.

A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.

Question 3: Bond Issue

Ballot Question: Do you favor a $9,750,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation and working waterfront preservation and to preserve state parks to be matched by $9,250,000 in federal and other funds?

Question 3 would authorize the State to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,750,000 to raise funds to invest in: the acquisition of land and interest in land for conservation, water access, outdoor recreation, wildlife and fish habitat, farmland preservation and working waterfront preservation. The bonds would run for a period not longer than 10 years from the date of issue and would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State.

Proceeds of the sale of the bonds would be expended as follows:

$9,250,000 would be expended under the direction and supervision of the Land for Maine’s Future Board, as follows:

$6,500,000 must be spent for the acquisition of land for conservation, water access, and wildlife and fish habitat, outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing, and farmland preservation. The bond funds must be matched with at least $6,500,000 in public and private contributions.

$1,750,000 must be made available to protect working waterfront properties that support commercial fisheries businesses in accordance with the Maine Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program. Grants for working waterfront projects would have to be matched, dollar for dollar, by the local governments or organizations receiving the grants and would be made subject to a condition that the property may not be used, altered or developed in a manner that precludes its use by commercial fisheries businesses.

$1,000,000 must be made available to preserve working farmland. Grants for the preservation of farmlands would be made when matching funds are available from cooperating entities.

With the exception of working waterfront projects and farmland preservation projects, hunting, fishing, trapping and public access may not be prohibited on lands acquired with these bond proceeds, unless required by applicable federal, state or local laws.

$500,000 would be expended by the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to preserve state parks and properties managed by the Department of Conservation.

A YES vote approves the authorization of the $9,750,000 bond issue to finance all of the activities.

A NO vote disapproves the bond issue in its entirety.

" I can depend upon Matt to make sure that this area is not forgotten in Augusta..."

2010-10-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Ron McHugh, Executive Director of Oxford County Mental Health Services, for the following letter that appeared in this week's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:

I am writing on behalf of Rep. Matt Peterson’s campaign to represent this District again in Augusta. I have resided in Rumford for 10 years and I manage Oxford County Mental Health Services, located at 150 Congress Street in Rumford.

I first met Matt Peterson five years ago when the Jane deFrees Health Center was being built. I needed someone to re-assure me that this facility was barrier free for people with disabilities and Alpha-1 sent Matt Peterson to evaluate the Health Center. From the moment I met him, he impressed me with his genuine and deeply felt concern for the people of this area.

Since Matt’s election two years ago, I have depended upon him to help preserve and promote the services this agency provides and the almost 50 jobs at stake. He has never let me or my agency down. He always returns phone calls and he has worked hard in many different ways to promote this area of Maine. He is in touch with our concerns. Whenever I had to deal with key decision makers in Augusta, I thankfully could always depend on Matt Peterson being in my corner to preserve and improve the services we offer to the people in this area and throughout Oxford County.

Last year, Matt Peterson played a very important role in advocating for our fair share of health care funding. Sometimes, Oxford County is not at the top of the priority list in Augusta but because of his efforts, this agency received an increase of about $125,000 for expanded health care services for the Rumford area.

I know that Matt Peterson will continue his dedicated work on our behalf. These are tough times and we will face tough decisions. Matt is a dedicated and creative guy who finds solutions without raising our taxes. I can depend upon Matt to make sure that this area is not forgotten in Augusta and that our government is responsive and cost effective as we go forward.

I would urge everyone re-elect Matt Peterson in the upcoming election.

Ron McHugh, Rumford

Peterson's Maine Forest Legacy PAC Ranking -- Highest Category of VERY STRONG

2010-10-04T11:58:00.001-07:00

I am proud to report that I have received the highest rating of a VERY STRONG advocate for Maine’s forest products industry by the Maine Forest Legacy Political Action Committee based upon my responses to a candidate questionnaire and prior voting record in the 124th Maine Legislature. This ranking indicates the highest level of support for Maine’s forest products industry including loggers, truckers, private landowners, manufacturing facilities and foresters.

More from the Maine Forest Legacy PAC: "Candidates in this category demonstrate a very strong support of the forest products industry in their survey responses and many in their voting records during the 124th Maine Legislature. As candidates, you have a firm grasp on policy issues pertaining to the forest products industry and we feel that you can be looked to as champions on issues that matter to Maine’s loggers, truckers, paper mills, saw mills, private landowners, foresters, and wood energy facilities."

For more information visit http://www.maineforest.org/.

"He is always looking for solutions."

2010-09-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Rumford's Fire Chief, Bob Chase, for this letter of endorsement from today's Rumford Falls Times:

To The Editor:

Having known Matt Peterson for my entire life I have developed a great respect for his knowledge, ideas and ability to work with people.

Over the last two years, it has been a real pleasure to work more closely with Matt Peterson as our State Representative. I cannot remember another state representative who has been so consistent in attending Selectman's meetings, talking with the Town's staff and leaders and looking for opportunities to move forward our agenda in Rumford.

Matt is a listener -- he makes a point to ask your opinion. He is more interested in trying to hear about the challenges we face then the things he is doing. He is always looking for solutions. I find that approach very refreshing.

Matt understands the River Valley. He has lived here all his life except for a few years while he was attending college. We are lucky to have him, and I hope all my friends and neighbors will join me in voting for Matt in November and sending him back to represent us in Augusta.

Robert Chase, Rumford

Testimony in Support of the Rules for the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine

2010-09-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in Augusta was the rule making proceeding of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine to adopt new rules as required by Title 8 MRSA §523 relating to Mixed Martial Arts competitions/contests, including but not limited to rules designed to protect the health and safety of authorized participants and the integrity of the competition. Below is my testimony in support of the proposed rule.
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Chairman Bouffard and Members of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine, I am Matt Peterson, proud to represent District 92 in the Maine House of Representatives, which includes the towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, Rumford, Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to speak in favor of the adoption of the rules to govern the sport of mixed martial arts here in Maine.

To begin with, I’d like to applaud you all for your service on this board. As the prime sponsor of the bill that created the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine, I have closely followed your work over the last nine months. You’ve met early, and you’ve met often, and you’ve approached the work of rulemaking with the diligence and attention to detail that it requires.

Our goals when my legislative colleagues and I set out to find a way to bring the sport of mixed martial arts to Maine were very clear. The safety of the sport’s participants and spectators was our highest priority. To that end, we knew we needed a regulatory body in place with strong standards to protect people. We also recognized that we weren’t the first state to sanction and regulate this sport--so we also wanted to see adopted best practices from other parts of the country where shows were already being held successfully.

I feel that the document before us for consideration today achieves these goals. You’ve done the work--you’ve consulted with Athletic Commissions from other states that have successful mixed martial arts circuits and have brought to bear here all the best elements of those programs. I have complete confidence that the rules you’ve proposed for adoption will protect the competitors, promoters, and Maine people that plan on attending these events. I’m grateful for the work you’ve done, honored to be associated with you, and urge quick adoption of these rules. Thank you.

Press Release: SAM Endorses Rep. Peterson

2010-09-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine's PAC has endorsed Representative Matt Peterson in his bid for re-election to represent District 92 in the Maine Legislature.

The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine is a non-profit membership organization with 15,000 members and is the largest conservation organization in the state. SAM advocates for hunters and other outdoor sports enthusiasts before the Legislature.

Commenting on this prestigious endorsement, Representative Peterson said: "I’ve grown up in the River Valley, where hunting, fishing and boating are all integral to the lives of so many people -- including my own family. We live in a beautiful part of the state and I remain committed to preserving the natural resources of the area and to ensuring access for sports men and women who contribute to our economy.”

"We will be facing many difficult choices in the upcoming Legislative session and the pressures on our budget will be intense,” Peterson said. “Given those pressures, I will pay particular attention to the bills pertaining to our outdoor recreation and sporting heritage including -- the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife budget, milfoil prevention, firearms safety education, fish hatcheries and access to stocked waterways."

Matt Peterson is running for re-election to the House of Representatives for District 92 which includes Andover, Byron, Roxbury, Rumford, Weld and Plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River, plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. He is completing his first term and serves on the Health and Human Services Committee.

For further information, call 776-8051 or the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine at 622-5503.

"In tune with Mainers"

2010-09-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

From today's Sun Journal:

“I will keep pushing forward for you on jobs, reasonable state spending, educating our children, keeping the services for our most vulnerable neighbors, and protecting this wonderful state of Maine.”

That statement by Matt Peterson, seeking re-election as state representative in District 92, focuses on issues that are very important to all Mainers.

Peterson first points to jobs, which Republicans nationwide have reduced through their devastating great recession. He also points to education that is so important to jobs in our state. And he understands that spending must be reasonable.

He also notes “services for our most vulnerable neighbors,” which means maintaining Medicaid, not only for people, but for the state's hospitals.

Last, “protecting this wonderful state of Maine,” a value that we all share, work to conserve and defend.

I support Matt Peterson, a Mainer who is in tune with Mainers.

Tom Fallon, Rumford

http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/914463

"Matt has all the qualities we need..."

2010-09-22T18:14:00.001-07:00

From today's issue of the Rumford Falls Times:

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Matt Peterson's re-election. Matt has all the qualities we need in our representatives -- a strong belief in citizen participation, a willingness to listen, and the intelligence to find solutions. We need more people like Matt in Augusta."

Steve Thurston

Endorsed by SAM

2010-09-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to earn the endorsement of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM) in my race for re-election. Some candidates disregard the endorsement process and dismiss it as unimportant, but I don't share that opinion. Earning the SAM endorsement demonstrates that my voting record in the last session and my positions on the issues line up with the thinking of this important advocacy group -- one with lots of members in the River Valley. I am proud to have been endorsed by SAM, and I have sought the endorsement of other groups that are important to River Valley voters. The most important endorsement will be November 2nd, when I hope that the majority of District 92 voters will give me their vote so I can have the honor of continuing to serve. Thank you for your support. --Matt

Summer '10 Update

2010-09-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Although the 124th Maine Legislature adjourned back in April, there is still plenty of work to be done during the off-season and the summer of 2010 has been no exception.

In July I drove to Washington D.C. to meet on Capitol Hill one-on-one with each of the four members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation; Representatives Michaud and Pingree and Senators Snowe and Collins.

The major focus of our discussion was, of course, jobs and the economy. I stressed my firm belief in the need to strengthen our existing manufacturing base while positioning Maine to be a part of the future employment market. There was little disagreement amongst us that we constantly need to be seeking ways to keep Maine’s bread-and-butter paper producing roots intact while simultaneously improving our educational system so that the next generation is well prepared for the science, technology, and engineering employment opportunities for which the demand is always increasing.

Another talking point during my discussions came directly from my conversations with local providers and constituents. I asked each member of our delegation to support the extension of the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which is used to calculate the amount of Federal share of state expenditures for services. Extending FMAP as part of the ongoing economic stimulus is essential to maintain the social services safety net for people with a disability and seniors. Given our demographics and economics, many Maine citizens depend upon support from the federal and state government to live independently. I am committed to the most sustainable and cost-efficient service delivery system, but that system must be adequately funded -- and in this economic downturn greater participation by the federal government is essential to bridge the gap as the Maine economy recovers.

I also stressed that now is the time to promote full funding of the federal portion of special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Maine’s public schools are struggling with the impacts of state budget cuts that have reduced state aid to education in light of declining state revenues. One of the largest expenses for schools is the money spent to serve children with special educational needs. This is also a very vulnerable population where an early investment can pay lifelong dividends for the individual as well as society as a whole. When the IDEA was passed, creating specific mandates for states and local schools, the federal government agreed to pay its share of the costs associated with those mandates. That promise has never been kept. The federal government is providing local school districts with just under 20 percent of its commitment rather than the 40 percent specified by the law, creating a $10.6 billion shortfall for states and local school districts. I pointed out that now is a perfect time for the federal government to honor those commitments by fully funding special education mandates for local schools and that H.R. 3578/S. 1652 is an appropriate mechanism to accomplish this funding.

The final issue I raised during our discussions was the fact that as a result of our involvement in two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the number of young Maine citizens with serious disabilities is increasing. We owe an enormous debt to these wounded warriors, and we must make adequate investments to insure that we support them now that they have made a significant sacrifice for their country. Not only must we insure that the resources are available through our Veteran’s facilities, but we must also insure that there are adequate resources in the broader community to support their full re-integration into community life. Simply put, we must invest directly in our soldiers who are returning with some type of disability, but we must also invest more broadly in the communities that will continue to serve them. Such investments will create the largest possible return.

On the last day of my visit to Washington D.C, I responded to an invitation to present at the National Council of Independent Living’s (NCIL) Annual Conference on the importance of each of us as citizens taking a role to access and influence the lawmaking process. NCIL is the longest-running cross-disability, grassroots organization in the nation. This year their annual conference was attended by over 700 people. I was honored to be invited and excited to share with them the progress we’ve made in Maine in promoting systems change in areas such as home and community based long-term supportive services.

I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy start to the school year. With a fresh start comes a renewed sense of hope and new opportunities to succeed. Good luck in all of your endeavors this academic year and I look forward to watching everyone work hard in the classroom and on the sports field.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Representative.

Peterson Endorsed by Fire Fighters

2010-08-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM) has endorsed Matt Peterson in his run for re-election to continue serving House District 92 in the Maine Legislature. The decision to endorse Peterson was made based upon his voting record in the 124th Maine Legislature and his responses to the PFFM questionnaire.

"I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of an organization that plays such a vital role in maintaining the health and safety of our communities," Peterson said. "Fire fighters put their lives on the line to serve us and I'm glad that my voting record on the issues that are important to them reflects my respect and admiration for what they do for Maine people day-in and day-out."

For more information visit http://pffmaine.org/.

Peterson Endorsed by Teachers

2010-08-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Maine Education Association (MEA), Maine's professional advocacy organization for over 25,000 Maine educators, has endorsed Representative Matt Peterson in his bid for re-election to continue serving House District 92 in the Maine Legislature. Endorsements were given to candidates who demonstrated strong support for public education, for the well-being of Maine's students, and for the best interests of Maine's dedicated education workforce.

"Being a product of Maine's public schools and coming from a family of educators, I understand the need for a strong educational system," Peterson said. "I also respect that there aren't any quick fixes or magic bullets and that just giving a child a computer does not make him or her a motivated learner. Teachers play a priceless role in the process--and as individuals, families and as a state we need to support them in their efforts to give our children a quality education."

For more information visit http://www.maine.nea.org/.

Presentation to Rumford Board of Selectmen 8/5/2010

2010-08-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of the job of being a legislator is getting to learn about a lot of the details that make up the funding patterns for state and local government. I had no idea about charges mandated to municipalities by the state in order to offset the cost of fire protection from a publically operated and regulated water district. Selectman Buccina brought this to my attention a couple of months ago when he asked why Rumford had to pay the water district a mandated fire protection charge that is governed by the Public Utilities Commission.

It was a great question, and I didn’t have the answer, so I set up a meeting with PUC staff to get some history and background on this charge. Selectman Buccina and I met with PUC staff on June 25th, and they were ready for us. It seems like we are not the first to raise this question and look for alternatives to this mandated charge.

Here are some of the things we learned:

• As far as the state is concerned fire protection is the main purpose for any municipal water system, with providing water for other uses (residential of commercial) are all secondary.
• Since fire protection is the primary rationale for creating, funding and regulating a municipal water system -- it must be built to produce flows that are adequate to meet fire protection demands -- and for small systems that means the total system is significantly “overbuilt” were it to be compared to a system just to deliver water to homes and businesses.
• The assessment to the municipality is based on a formula that has been developed over many years -- starting in 1888 -- with the most recent study finished in the late 1980’s. That resulted in Chapter 69 of the PUC rules which establishes the rate setting mechanisms for these charges.
• I’ve provided a very complete overview of the charges and how they have been determined, prepared by the PUC staff. It gives lots of detail about these charges and how they are governed.

Next steps:

The PUC does not seem ready to abandon this long held practice of charging a Public Fire Protection assessment to every municipality with a regulated water utility. In fact, just the opposite -- they are ready to defend this practice vigorously.

Here are our choices:

1. Take the information and drop the matter -- continuing to pay the fire protection assessment.
2. Look at alternative ways to evaluate the real cost / value of the fire protection assets, so that the annual payment reflects the actual associated costs. This approach has two downsides -- it will cost money to conduct such a study, and the study could actually raise the assessment rather than lower it.
3. Pursue a policy change that would create a new approach or formula for the allocation of fire protection assessments to municipalities. If that is your choice, I would be happy to work with you to put together legislation to accomplish this and sponsor that legislation. Let me observe, however, that this will likely be a contentious issue that could pit municipalities against one another. Most likely, depending upon what changes would be made, it would match bigger municipalities against smaller ones. Therefore, if you want to pursue policy changes, I suggest that you bring the matter up with the Maine Municipal Association and work through their Legislative Policy process.

I am happy to stick with this issue and process just as long as you want to. Let me know what you want to do and we’ll stay at work on the issue. You may want to review this material from the PUC in some detail and discuss this again at another time. We have several months before any legislative proposals would be submitted, so you can consider the approach with some tine. The way to succeed with a policy change in an area like this is to build some allies -- and that will mean close cooperation with other municipalities -- probably though MMA.

Selectman Buccina may have something to add -- so I’ll turn it over to him. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this matter and at least get the ball rolling.

Remarks from the Denis Pratt ADA Awards

2010-07-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked the 20th Anniversary of the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here in Maine we marked the occasion in Bangor with the Denis Pratt ADA Awards presented by the Maine ADA Coalition and hosted by Husson University.

Founded in 2009 and led by Alpha One, Maine's Center for Independent Living, the Maine ADA Coalition is a group of non-profit organizations. The Coalition is involved in disability related information and services working together to create new opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine.

I was honored to be invited to speak at the event. Below is a copy of my remarks and an example of the press that followed.

Thank you for allowing me to celebrate today's historic occasion with you all.

As an Independent Living Specialist at Maine’s Center for Independent Living, as a Member of the Maine House of Representatives, and as someone with quadriplegia, I wish I could say that Maine leads the nation in accessibility... We don’t. In fact, we haven’t really surveyed accessibility in Maine on a large scale or formally. We’ve looked at pieces of the puzzle -- schools, public buildings, our court houses, parks, some businesses, places of public accommodation, our voting facilities -- all the things mandated under the ADA and other federal laws like HAVA (Help America Vote Act passed after the contested 2000 presidential vote). Denis Pratt -- who we remember today was involved in lots of this work.

Let me start with the good news part of this discussion. Our state government facilities have made the concerted effort to be accessible and they are to be commended in that regard. I have always found the public facilities in our Capitol complex to be fully accessible. The same is true for almost all the public facilities statewide. Although we’re not perfect, we’ve done a great job on the state and municipal government levels.

We’re winning that battle. And we are winning the battle with Maine businesses, too. Business people realize that access is good business. People with a disability are consumers, too. Good business is good business -- so the progress will continue.

But accessibility in Maine is a different story from that.

I can’t cite statistics -- and if I did it would be out of keeping with our celebration. Instead I want to share an experience which I am now repeating. Governor Baldacci can probably still remember his days as a member of the Maine Senate before he went on to serve with distinction in higher office -- both the US House of Representatives and the Blaine House -- and I am sure he remembers his many hours campaigning for the Maine Legislature.

Campaigning in Maine means “knocking on doors.” It means going door to door in the District, introducing yourself and asking people one on one to give you their vote. For elected officials, a vote is almost a sacred thing, and “the ask” is a great responsibility and a duty. I was struck by the weight of this duty two years ago when I made my first run for elected office, and I’m reminded of it every day as I campaign for re-election in November.

If knocking on doors is the essential task -- and it is -- what does that mean for me when the door is up a small flight of stairs?

From the perspective of a legislator -- and legislative candidate in a wheelchair Maine accessibility has a long way to go. Any person with a disability -- looking for an accessible place to live -- knows exactly what I am talking about. Any Maine family who is welcoming an elderly parent or a disabled family member into their home knows what I am talking about. Even one of my colleagues in the Legislature who had a skiing accident that left him temporarily with a mobility impair knows what I am talking about.

Having a disability is not a moral flaw or a mortal failure. It is not something that deserves discrimination or censure. My friends -- if you are lucky enough to live a very long life -- it is something you will most likely encounter. There is a point in a long life where we stop gaining facility and start losing it -- and that is unavoidable. If you live long enough -- you too will doubtless enter that category we call “people with a disability” because you need assistance with one or more activities of daily living.

In short -- we have a way to go -- especially when it comes to our homes. As I pointed out -- first things first -- but after 20 years, we should raise our expectations.

Alpha One has consistently helped people improve access. Sometimes we’ve done it with good technical assistance, sometimes with a key referral, and sometime with money to make an improvement. And we are making progress-- but we still have a long way to go. A good friend of mine is just finishing a 33 foot ramp that will allow me to get out of my car and roll up on his deck and the into his home. Great, but he talked about it for four years before he did it.

So today -- let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made. But let’s also be sure not to take our eyes off the ball. We’ve done a good job. We’ve made remarkable progress. We still have a long way to go. We need to keep working and this work will be generational in scope. I am glad we are here today and I especially want to thank Governor Baldacci for taking the time from his schedule to join us -- but let’s keep working. Making Maine the most accessible state in the nation sounds like a pretty good goal--and one worth pursuing.

Thank you again, and enjoy the celebration.

http://www.wabi.tv/news/13143/denis-pratt-ada-awards

Mixed Martial Arts bill goes into effect this week

2010-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA — A new law sponsored by Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, that clarifies the role of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine went into effect as of Monday, July 12.

The new law as sponsored by Peterson, LD 1685, “An Act To Clarify the Enforcement Role of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine,” spells out the Authority’s role and duties and authorizes the board of directors of the Authority to conduct specific inspections of mixed martial arts competitions, exhibitions or events and enhances enforcement mechanisms of the board.

The new law also requires the Authority to adopt rules regarding the certification process for authorized participants and requires that a physician be present during each mixed marital arts competition, exhibition or event. It allows the board to discipline authorized participants if they fail to adhere to the rules adopted by the Authority and allows for fines up to $500 for each violation. It also extends the deadline for the Authority to adopt rules from March 1, 2010 to October 15, 2010.

These clarifications will expedite the increasingly popular sporting events to be held in the state, bringing revenue and entertainment to Maine’s citizens. If all goes as planned the first MMA event will be scheduled at the end of 2010 and will ensure the health and safety of the participants.

Mixed Martial Arts is a full combat contact sport, combining several different styles of fighting. In 2009 Peterson introduced a bill establishing the Mixed Martial Arts Authority to regulate and promote mixed martial arts competitions, exhibitions and events in Maine.

Recent plans to hold a boxing match in Lewiston brought to light the discovery that due to the abolishment of the Athletic Commission in 2007, boxing no longer has a governing body and is therefore illegal under a centuries old statute.

“I was dismayed to learn that boxing events cannot be held in Maine since they no longer have a regulating body,” said Peterson. “If reelected, I would love to work with the boxing community the same way I worked with mixed martial arts community, to change the statute, so that boxing events can once again be held in Maine.”

Bill to cover prosthetics signed into law

2010-05-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – A bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham, and co-sponsored by Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, to require insurance plans to cover the latest prosthetic limbs was signed into law by Governor John Baldacci today. Under current law, health insurance carriers are required to provide coverage for prosthetic devices, but coverage is not required for those devices containing a microprocessor. The bill removes the exclusion for prosthetic devices that include a microprocessor.

“Microprocessors have become far more common and affordable,” said Bryant. “Most artificial limbs prescribed to amputees by doctors today have microprocessor chips in them. This bill is a needed step to bring the law covering artificial limbs up to date. At the public hearing we heard from dozens of people who utilized artificial limbs, they all testified that going from an older prosthetic to one that contained microprocessor technology had huge benefits for their health, mobility and overall quality of life.”

The original law requiring policies to cover prosthetic limbs was passed over a decade ago, when microprocessor technology was very new and expensive. Microprocessor chips are tiny computers embedded into the artificial limbs that allow them to move and react more like a real limb.

“Technology has continued to improve the lives of people living with a disability, and no place have these advances been more significant than in the development of sophisticated prosthetic devices that expand the capacity and independence of people who have lost a limb,” said Peterson. “This law is designed to do one simple thing--to make sure that insurers in our state will make available the most appropriate alternative available to those they cover. This is what we all expect when we purchase insurance, and we have the responsibility to ensure that these expectations are enshrined in our statutes and regulations. This is another important step in making sure the insurance climate in Maine strikes the proper balance.”

The bill, LD 20 “An Act To Require Insurance Companies To Cover the Cost of Prosthetics Containing Microprocessors,” passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Remarks at the Hope Association Annual Meeting May 18, 2010

2010-05-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

On May 18th, 2010, I was honored to be featured as the Keynote Speaker at Hope Association's Annual Meeting.

For decades now, Hope Association has been providing top-quality services to individuals in the River Valley living with developmental disabilities. To learn more about Hope Association please visit their website at http://www.hopeassociation.org/.

Reprinted below is a copy of the remarks I offered at Hope Association's Annual Meeting:

It is truly a great honor to be invited to share this evening with you and to offer a few remarks. Having grown up in Rumford, I have long been aware of the great work that this organization has done on behalf of other Rumford citizens. You have been one of the real leaders in Maine in serving a very special population with creativity and dedication. It is a privilege to join you and a distinct honor to get a chance to talk with you tonight.

I have to admit that I’ve known about his speaking engagement for quite a while, and I’ve had lots of time to think about what to say -- which means I’ve had lots of time to worry over what I should say and do and how I could rise to the occasion of sharing my thoughts and my experience with a room full of such dedicated and caring people. What I mean to say is this -- What can I possibly say that would be worthwhile to such an audience? I’m truly humbled by this crowd and your record of service to our community.

Fortunately, having spent two years in Augusta, I’ve had plenty of experience observing people who are willing to talk at great length about things they know very little about -- so I certainly know how to “take the plunge!” Please don’t quote me to any of my Augusta colleagues -- although we’ve all been guilty at one time or another. I don’t want to dive in -- so I thought I’d talk about some of my own experiences and things that I do feel qualified to talk about.

I thought I’d take my few minutes tonight to consider some of the lessons I learned from the Legislature in the last session -- and some of the larger issues they suggest, including some of my life lessons. I’m the kind of guy who has to bring things down and internalize them -- apply them to my own life and experience to really understand them. I grasp things -- but to really understand them, I have to see ideas through the lens of my own life. I’m a pretty concrete thinker in that way -- it’s just the way I’ve always been made, and it has served me pretty well. I hope so anyway -- because I don’t imagine I’ll wake up tomorrow having become a theoretical astrophysicist overnight.

So, tonight I want to talk about two themes that came through over and over in the last session and that have larger implications for almost all we do. The themes are balance and resiliency. They are both pretty important ideas to me personally, and it seems like they are engines for this great organization, too.

First, balance. I’ve gotten a little bit of attention in the news recently for something that was almost accidental. As you may know, one of the initiatives I sponsored in the last session was a bill to sanction and regulate mixed martial arts events in Maine. I’m a huge fan of the sport. I was a wrestler in high school, and my younger brother was one of the greatest wrestlers to come out of Mountain Valley. He has continued to train and has become a mixed martial artist. I have friends who are fighters and trainers and promoters, and I wanted to bring the sport to Maine while making sure that there were standards and oversight to protect the health of all those involved in the sport.

I won’t go into a lot of detail about the mechanics of the legislation -- but we had to pass something because in 2007, the Maine legislature eliminated the Maine Athletic Commission that used to oversee professional boxing events. Apparently, it had been years since there was any boxing match scheduled, maintaining the Athletic Commission cost the state money, and so in 2007, the Legislature voted the Commission out of existence. Nobody came to testify against that action, there were no questions asked about the elimination of an organization that apparently had no function.

In 2009, we created a new regulatory body -- the Mixed Martial Arts Authority -- designed to oversee mixed martial arts or MMA events. The Governor appointed members to the Authority, they have been meeting and working on rules, and the first MMA contests will be held later this year. Here’s where the story gets complicated. I read an article in the Lewiston Sun Journal about the Gamache family planning to have a prize fight in June in Lewiston. I was at an MMA Authority meeting, sitting next to a representative from the Attorney General’s Office and asked him if he had seen the article. I was actually reading the article on line at the time. He said, he hadn’t seen it and would I send him the link. So I did -- with a simple question : Who is overseeing these fights?

To make a long story short, the Gamaches were eventually contacted, informed that the fight they had planned was illegal under a 19th century Maine statute and that they should consult a lawyer before they proceeded with the fight. Apparently, my question started a process that ended up with the Gamaches being “warned” against holding the event. Since then, I have been working to try to find a way to let this fight move ahead under emergency rules passed by the MMA Authority. Unfortunately, the AG’s office has vetoed the idea and so now it looks like the fights will have to be moved to next year after the Legislature can create a new statute allowing boxing to once again be sanctioned in Maine.

So -- what does this have to do with balance? Besides the fact that boxers need good balance. As you can imagine -- I have gotten a fair number of e-mails and calls from irate boxing fans who want to tell me how stupid the state is for eliminating the Athletic Commission -- WHAT WERE WE THINKING? My favorite was from a constituent that I hear from a lot. He has strong opinions about many things and I enjoy the exchanges because he is a thought-provoking, common sense fellow I have known all my life.

He let me have it in an e-mail. Augusta this, and Legislature that -- you get the idea. We were interfering where we had no business and so forth. Why I liked the e-mail so much was because I had gotten one from him just a few days before complaining about the way we “wasted money in Augusta” spending it on all kinds of unnecessary things -- bureaucracy that didn’t do anything, and on and on …..

I hadn’t had the chance to respond to that first e-mail, so they were both in my inbox, and ended up next to each other. I suppose you can see where I am going with this ….. How do we balance such competing interests? When the Legislature eliminates a Commission that was costing taxpayer dollars but hadn’t had any activity in years -- it looked like a good idea -- one he could certainly support. It was a good idea, until the Commission was needed to license a boxing match -- which he really wanted to attend. Tough to be a fan of less government, smarter budgeting and fiscal responsibility -- and still want all the services that government provides -- including regulating prize fighting.

It’s all about finding the balance between what we need, what we want and what we can afford.

That has been a big lesson for me serving the River Valley in the House of Representatives. How do we find that balance? Another way to think about it is -- how do we set the right priorities? As a member of the Health and Human Services Committee that was the stark lesson from every day’s sessions. There are so many valid, yet competing claims for the limited resources. Allocating those limited resources requires a real balancing act -- and lots of priority setting.

I wish I could come here tonight and say -- things in the next budget will be better, it will get easier, money that has been cut will be restored. But that is not the case. We will have even greater demands and even more fiscal constraints in the next session. In the last session, we were able to fill some of the gaps with the infusion of federal resources from the stimulus act. Those funds will not be available as we project the next two year budget. As a result, we can expect even more belt tightening, even more cut backs, and an even harder time trying to provide essential services to Maine’s most vulnerable citizens.

Sounds pretty bleak, doesn’t it?

So that brings me to my second theme for the evening -- Resilience. We not only need to keep our balance -- we need to find the ways to bounce back -- be resilient. I can tell you right now that there will be pressures on the state funding that Hope Association receives. That will be true of every health, human services or social services organization that receives state funding or state contracts. I don’t know what the pressure will look like -- but it will be coming. Guaranteed.

As someone who has lived with a disability for more than a decade -- I’ve learned firsthand the value of resilience. Without an ability to bounce back, I don’t know where I’d be. That same resilience is characteristic in the lives of so many of the individuals and families that your organization so ably serves. Resilience is what we do -- and what we will be called upon to do even more if we are to continue to serve.

But even before my injury, resilience is something that I learned growing up in the River Valley. We’re a place and a people who come back. We’ve seen difficult economic times -- and we are still seeing them. We’ve seen big changes at the mill and in the paper and woods industry -- but we know how to bounce back.

Resiliency requires some creativity. After my injury I had to learn lots of new ways to do things I had been doing all my life. In hindsight, I realize I had to unlearn a number of things -- old patterns, old ways of doing things that just didn’t work anymore because of my changed circumstances. Being creative, learning new approaches became a lot easier when I finally let go of some of the patterns that had dominated my life. The key to resilience is that ability to let go of old patterns that may have worked well in the past, but have a more limited application in the future. Tough to let go of things that have served us well -- but it is necessary to face the new challenges.

For an organization like Hope Association that is all about promoting resilience for individuals and their families -- I know you can and will rise to the challenge. You have got to find new ways to reach out and to serve, even in an era of fewer resources. You will have to find new ways to help families become more resilient, more independent and more creative as we all struggle to do more with fewer resources.

We have a lot going for us. The River Valley is a strong community of neighbors and friends. We have a tradition of caring and looking out for each other. Hope Association is a perfect example of that spirit. And we have a history of picking ourselves up and moving forward despite setbacks.

Now is the time to start exercising those creative muscles. Go back to the roots of the organization and look for new ways to accomplish your goals. Prepare now for the changes that are coming -- don’t wait to be overwhelmed by them. This is a strong and vital organization -- and its true vitality will be found in its resiliency in this changing environment. Don’t just react to the change -- lead the change.

Speaking to an organization with a name -- Hope Association -- you cannot deliver anything but an upbeat message. Yes, times ahead will be challenging. My commitment to you is that I will work as hard as I can to find balance and help the state set the right priorities between supporting programs that people depend upon, and operating in the most cost-effective manner possible.

I hope you will work with me in seeking that balance -- with your good ideas, your thoughtful analysis of alternatives, and your commitment to resiliency. Together, we will find a way to continue the outstanding record of service that has characterized Hope Association for decades.

Thank you for the opportunity to be here tonight. I look forward to working with you individually and as an organization. Thanks again.

The 124th Legislative Session -- Impacts to the River Valley

2010-05-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

Now that the 124th Legislative session has been adjourned for a couple of weeks, the dust is starting to settle and it seems a good time to take stock of what happened during the session and how the decisions made in Augusta may impact the River Valley. I’ve spent the last week reviewing the Legislative summaries and talking to leaders in government, business and social services in our communities to measure the outcomes from the work in Augusta in 2010. First, I want to thank all the people who took the time to talk with me about how the legislative session will likely impact our community.

Budget Concerns

Overall impressions are that the session was a difficult one -- but the results were better than anyone really expected based on the first projections of the state’s fiscal situation and the expected budget impacts. To put this in some context -- the supplemental budget passed for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1 of this year is roughly equivalent to the budget passed for the first year of the Baldacci administration -- eight years ago. Given the cumulative rate of inflation over those eight years -- this means that the new budget is a reduction of approximately 20% in real dollars over that period. Inflation in areas like energy and health care costs was higher than 20% over this period, and since a larger portion of the state budget is devoted to such areas, the overall reduction in real state spending may be greater than the 20% would indicate.

In short, we once again met the constitutional mandate to provide a balanced budget and we did that by making significant cuts to programs and restructuring other efforts. There were no broad based tax increases, nor were there any real “budget gimmicks” that would book significant one-time savings. As a result, the Legislature passed a strongly bi-partisan budget that was supported by all the members of the Appropriations Committee and large majorities in both the House and Senate.

We had some help in solving the problems in this budget cycle that may not be available next year, so everyone is already preparing for a difficult budget session next year. One of the biggest aids in resolving the budget shortfall was the infusion of additional federal dollars -- particularly in the area of health and human services that came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that provided stimulus funds in a number of areas. These funds filled some gaps, but they will not be available for the next budget cycle so additional cuts may have to be made if the economy continues to lag.

Many of the River Valley leaders I spoke with left the impression that we did about the best we could, having been dealt a bad hand. Financial impacts were kept to a minimum, but there will be some real changes as a result of this year’s budget.

First, state aid to education will be reduced to RSU 10 by approximately $1 million or a little more than 3%. While this is not as bad as was first projected since close to $350,000 was added back near the end of the session—this will still mean either cuts to the budget or an increase in local share, or both. School leaders have developed new budget proposals based on these changes, and we will all feel the impacts -- in the classrooms and in our tax bills.

The towns were similarly affected with reduction is Revenue Sharing. For example, Rumford will see Revenue Sharing drop from approximately $1.1 million to about $800,000, with the $315,000 needing to be made up through reduced services or increased revenues. Compared to the reductions for other municipalities, it could have been worse, but it is still a reduction in resources from the state to assist Rumford citizens.

The agencies that serve River Valley citizens in meeting their physical and mental health needs were very concerned at the start of this year’s session. Most already felt they did not have the resources to meet the needs of people in our community and the initial rounds of cuts would have eliminated so much support that many programs risked being discontinued entirely. A few services may well be curtailed in the River Valley, but in the short term both our institutional and community based services will remain intact. Providers are bracing for deeper cuts in the next session and are already working to find creative ways to do more with the diminishing resources. Having served on the Health and Human Services Committee in the last session, I was very engaged in these issues and I understand many of the challenges on the road ahead.

Jobs and Development

There were a number of initiatives that could have major impacts -- both positive and negative -- on jobs and economic growth in the River Valley. Fortunately most of the news in this area was positive. For example, one bill involving the use of bonded Canadian labor in wood harvesting could have had the impact of raising the overall cost of raw materials for the mill. The bill would have impacted the cost of timber throughout Maine’s wood-basket, potentially impacting the Mill, local loggers, and landowners. Fortunately, a compromise was reached that will mitigate most negative impacts.

Other similar issues, including those to balance the needs of workers and the needs of businesses were carefully considered as we work together to restore Maine’s economic health and vitality. Many of these issues come up almost every session, so we can expect that the dialogue will continue in future Legislatures. Finding a balance is always a key.

Energy and Windpower

At the end of the session, a bill was passed that enables local areas to have a greater say in the development of energy corridors. This can be an important opportunity for the River Valley since we live in an area with existing and emerging energy resources. Our gas fired generation facility, permitted and proposed wind energy facilities, our hydro resources, the potential for bio-mass co-generation, as well as our proximity to Hydro Quebec power resources all make the River Valley an energy gateway. This new energy corridor legislation may create opportunities for citizens and businesses to work together on initiatives to build new employment in our region.

Windpower continues to be an important topic, and initiatives will likely emerge in the upcoming Legislative session to continue to look at permitting and health issues related to the operation of these facilities. Although major legislative initiatives were not considered in the last session, they will certainly be on the agenda in the upcoming session, with the goal being an evidence-based approach to permitting new land based wind facilities to insure that they do not have unwarranted impacts on the health and safety of local citizens. These topics are sure to lead to lively discussion and exchanges -- and hopefully some sound policy judgments in Augusta.

Looking Back

Veteran legislators tell me it is a lot easier to serve when you can carry home good news to your community rather than bad news. This was not the year for funding new projects or new initiatives. This was a session to look carefully at expenditures and set priorities for our hard earned tax dollars. Next session promises to be more of the same -- maybe even tougher. I appreciate all the ideas and input from people in the River Valley -- before, during, and after the session. I want to keep up the conversation and if I am fortunate enough to return to represent you in the 125th Legislature, I will need that input even more. Thank you again for the opportunity of a lifetime to represent the River Valley in the Maine Legislature.

Roll Call Voting Percentage for the 124th

2010-04-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last week the official Roll Call Voting Percentages for the 124th Maine Legislature were released. For the Second Regular Session of the term I had a 100% attendance record. My overall attendance record for the First and Second Regular Sessions combined was 96%. Unfortunately, during the First Regular Session I was absent during a day and a half in the six-month schedule and missed a few votes. The days I missed were during a trip to California to lobby a prominent promotions company to bring their business to our state as a part of the legislative initiative I sponsored to sanction mixed martial arts in Maine. It was worth missing those votes since during the trip I received a commitment directly from the company’s President that they would work hand-in-hand with us to bring their brand to Maine generating a potential for millions of dollars in new business revenues.

Two people rarely—if ever—align perfectly on every issue in life. Ideas and opinions are as varied as the constellation of bills that are brought forward by the thousands in almost every legislative session. I would never pretend that every single person in District 92 will agree with every vote I cast in the 124th Legislature. If that were the case, we wouldn’t be an independent and passionate part of the world. I intend to continue to show up for every vote -- because the River Valley deserves a strong voice for all the issues we face as a state.

One thing that almost all of us in the River Valley can agree on is working hard and remaining committed to a goal. When you sent me to Augusta, my goal was to show up every day and fight for the jobs and systems change we need in order to have a successful Western Maine way of life. I believe my attendance record reflects the consistency that I see all around me every day in the hard working men and women of our community, and I hope you feel the same way. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent our area in Augusta.

Josh Thornton, state wrestling champion, honored at the State House

2010-04-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA - Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, recently presented Josh
Thornton, of Rumford, with a special legislative sentiment honoring his
first place finish at the 2010 Class B Wrestling State Championship in
the 140-pound weight division.

"Josh's path to a state championship was not without its challenges this season. He sustained losses along the way, but he learned from those lessons and applied all of that knowledge to go all the way when it counted," said Peterson. "And he's not done yet, Josh is only a junior this year and we just recently learned that he was invited to participate in the prestigious Maine-Nebraska wrestling exchange, so you can bet that this experience out west will help to prepare him to repeat the performance next year."

Thornton began his wrestling career in the first grade and was a New England Champion in the second grade. In the eighth grade, he went undefeated all the way to a state title. As a sophomore, he won the Western Class B Regional competition, placed fourth at the state championships and the Eastern National Tournament. He had a 34-4 record during the season he earned his state title, placing first at the prestigious Redskin Invitational Tournament, the Mid-State Championship and the Western Class B Regional Tournament.

Peterson noted that wrestling is a family affair in the Thornton household when he pointed out that Josh's younger brother, Jake, competes for the Mountain Valley Middle School wrestling team. Josh and Jake's father, Joe, was one of Peterson's middle school wrestling coaches. A patient teacher as well as a fierce competitor, Joe has passed his will-to-win along to his sons who have been making good on a family commitment to excellence.

"I wish Josh and Jake continued success, and congratulate a proud mother and father that will be cheering them along all the way," said Peterson.

Some Reflections on Legislative Service

2010-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Commuting from Rumford to Augusta for my Legislative duties gives me a chance to reflect on the nature of this public service -- especially because there are a number of spots where there is no cell coverage, so I can’t talk on the phone. First, I am overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude to my fellow River Valley residents for having the opportunity to serve you in Augusta for the last two years. The work has been challenging, filled with both disappointments and rewards, but the best part of this service has been the opportunity to deepen my relationship with so many of my neighbors.

My favorite part of the process is about to start, as the session winds down and I get the chance to get out in the community, talk with voters and discuss issues. Two years ago, I travelled throughout District 92 in order to introduce myself, listen to concerns and begin shaping the approach I have used in serving in the House of Representatives on your behalf. I have already started that process again and I hope to catch you home so we can talk as I travel throughout the District over the next few months.

The biggest lesson that I have learned in these last two years of service is that staying in touch and listening is the most important things I can do. There are plenty of jokes about politicians -- and spending as much time as I do in Augusta, I sometimes can understand why. By and large, I spend my time with many men and women who are truly committed to serving their communities -- and they are the best members of the Legislature. Regardless of party affiliation or ideology, the appetite to serve and the willingness to listen and work on behalf of constituents is what separates the best legislators from the people putting in their time or pushing an ideological agenda.

My job over the last two years has been challenging, but it has been made easier by your support, encouragement and -- most importantly -- your ideas and opinions. Hearing from you, keeping in touch allows me to stay grounded in the real concerns of people in the River Valley. That is the key to my being able to represent this area to the best of my abilities. The next session promises to be even more challenging and if I am fortunate enough to continue to represent the River Valley, I will need even more dialogue with my constituents. Over the next few months, I hope we can step up the dialogue. I am only able to be effective if I can hear your voice.

Transparency and access are keys to this process. Maine provides good access to the work of the legislature -- audio of every committee hearing and work session is streamed live on the internet and available. The discussions and activities in the House and Senate Chambers provide both live streamed audio and video when we are in session. A number of folks in the River Valley have commented positively to me about these features.

Finally, your voice is the heart of our democracy, and I want to do all I can to get your ideas and opinions. Over the last two years, I have used every means I can to reach out -- but I intend to keep getting better. So let me hear from you. You can find me on Facebook, contact me on Twitter, e-mail me at petersonhouse08@gmail.com, or call me at (207) 776-8051.

Our conversation and your input is vital as I continue to represent the interests of the River Valley in Augusta. I’ll look forward to continuing the dialogue.

Floor Remarks: LD 1360

2010-04-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

On April 7th, 2010, LD 1360 "An Act To Allow Law Enforcement and Family Members To Petition the District Court To Initiate Assisted Outpatient Treatment", came to the floor of the House of Representatives. Reprinted below are the comments I made on the record from the floor:

Madame Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House...

I speak today in opposition to the pending motion, with great respect for my colleagues on the Health and Human Services Committee that are on the current report in front of us.

LD 1360 is a bill which was extensively discussed in the Health and Human Services Committee and resulted in a divided report with two very different amendments which reflect two different approaches to a complex issue -- the best way to treat Maine citizens with a psychiatric disability in a community setting.

The subject at hand is the use of the Progressive Treatment Program or PTP which has been court-ordered outpatient treatment, typically under very close supervision, as a means of providing treatment and support for a person with a significant psychiatric disorder. This Progressive Treatment Program approach was originally enacted as a pilot several years ago with a sunset provision for July of this year.

Should we fail to act on this matter, the Progressive Treatment Program will be curtailed and a tool that has proved valuable to some individuals will no longer be available. Acting to maintain this out-patient treatment tool seems to be reasonable -- for it provides additional alternatives for individuals who are dealing with the impacts of a psychiatric disability.

Where the committee disagreed, and we split on a 9 to 5 vote, was regarding what approach to take. Committee Amendment B, which was the minority report that I supported, essentially leaves the existing program intact, extends the sunset provision until July 1, 2014, and calls for additional review and analysis of the effectiveness of the Progressive Treatment Program -- with a report due to the Committee in January of 2012.

Committee Amendment A describes a number of new elements in the Progressive Treatment Program, and expands both the mandatory nature of this out-patient treatment regime, the people who can order participation in the program, as well as the nature of that participation. In our debate today you have heard people speak about what they perceive as the advantages of these expansions of both mandatory participation and the people who can direct such participation. I will not comment extensively on the details of the approach because I did not support it. Frankly, I was not convinced in Committee or by the debate on the floor that the additional mandated elements would improve outcomes for the individuals or the community. While I think that a Progressive Treatment Program is another valuable tool in helping Maine citizens manage a psychiatric disability, I was concerned that the new elements have expanded the program in ways that could have unintended negative consequences. If you read the language and see the number of caveats, protections and limitations -- it becomes clear very quickly that we are on a slippery slope. I prefer to go slow on any mandated interventions that can deprive people of their freedom to choose.

All of us have encountered the impacts of psychiatric disability in our communities, perhaps in our own families. I am glad it no longer carries the stigma it once had, and that folks with a psychiatric disability are now able to be integrated into our communities and live productive and fulfilling lives. In my career as someone who encourages independent living for people with all types of disabilities -- physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychiatric -- I have worked closely with people who have made great strides in living as independently as possible. Providing the tools for that independence is the key to me. Community based service alternatives are essential -- but so is the freedom to choose the appropriate alternative. I am concerned that the majority report tips the delicate balance in the wrong direction on this matter of personal autonomy. Providing resources is essential, mandating the use of those resources … I am just not sure.

This discussion is a variation on a theme we often discuss in this Chamber and have for many, many years. How do we strike the balance between protecting the community and the individual, and giving individuals control, and the right to decide and even “the right to make the wrong decision?” There are some debates that come around over and over -- making helmets mandatory for all motorcycle riders -- there are always passionate voices and good arguments on both sides. Some of my colleagues would, no doubt, be happy to regulate a number of the behaviors that we know are “bad for us” like tobacco use. We always balance that in allowing for personal decision-making and autonomy. We must think long and hard when we tip that balance and take away people’s autonomy.

This body always struggles to find the balance -- and so we must here. This is another instance where we must find the “sweet spot” -- the point at which we encourage behaviors that are healthy and appropriate, without eliminating an individual’s autonomy. The sweet spot is hard to find on this issue -- because it is complex. How wide are our community norms? Where does behavior cross the line into being inappropriate? Who will be the keepers of those norms? Who decides? What is the basis for the decision? Should an ACT Team (Assertive Community Treatment Team) made up of a psychiatrist, a mental health nurse, licensed Master’s level clinicians, and counselors/case managers be the decision makers? Maybe the head of a psychiatric hospital? Or the Commissioner of Health and Human Services? Should it be a law enforcement officer who has information from a concerned family member? This proposal, even in its latest amended form introduces many more players and many more complexities into the mandating of treatments -- even in a community setting. It is not a responsibility I would personally welcome -- I know that. Do we really want to create this unwieldy system that can ultimately deprive an individual of his or her autonomy and decision-making?

I have not been convinced that a case has been made to expand the ways that a Progressive Treatment Program can be mandated -- without significant consequences for an individual living independently in the community. We need to maintain this tool, but we need to proceed with greater caution before we do anything that may take away the liberty or the autonomy of a person with a disability -- including a psychiatric disability -- no matter how good our motives may be. In this case, I am convinced that the motives behind the bill are well-intentioned. It is what is not intended, and the impact those unintended consequences may have on the lives of our fellow citizens -- that concerns me.

This vote will be a matter of conscience and one where we each weigh our values and our beliefs. I will continue to be voting against the majority report, Committee Amendment A as amended by the other body, and urge the more restrained approach taken by the minority of the HHS Committee in Committee Amendment B. I hope you will join me in rejecting the current motion, so we can have the opportunity to consider and pass Committee Amendment B and maintain this important tool for community based out-patient mental health services without unduly expanding its scope in a way that could undermine the autonomy of some of Maine’s vulnerable citizens.

Thank you, Madame Speaker.

124th Maine State Legislature Winds Down

2010-04-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

No legislative activity is more demanding than the discussions surrounding the passing of the state’s budget. It is a particularly thankless task in a year such as this one, when adjustments must be made and programs must be reduced or eliminated to produce a balanced budget against the backdrop of declining revenues as a result of the national economic downturn.

The good news is -- this year the Legislature produced such an austerity budget by making the difficult choices of program reductions rather than resulting to tax increases or budget gimmicks. Legislators from both parties worked together, using the blueprint provided by Governor Baldacci to produce a final state budget that will be approximately $2.69 billion. To put that in context, the budget ten years earlier was $2.65 billion. The rate of inflation over those ten years exceeded 20% -- and many elements of the state budget -- such as energy costs or health insurance increased at an even faster rate.

This year’s budget contains some hard choices -- but they mirror the difficult choices and priorities that almost every Maine family has been making for the last few years. Having served on the Health and Human Services Committee, one of the areas that took the largest cuts to the budget, I understood in detail what the choices meant for some of Maine’s most vulnerable citizens. At that same time, the ongoing conversations with neighbors in the River Valley kept me focused on the need to manage this budget shortfall without raising taxes or fees.

In the end, the budget was an opportunity for the Legislature to come together. It was supported by strong bi-partisan majorities -- 110 to 35 in the House of Representatives and 31 to 2 in the State Senate. There were a few people who felt the proposals went too far, or not far enough, but overall the package was balanced and supported by the leadership of both chambers and both political parties.

Moments such as the passage of the budget are hopeful ones -- because they suggest we are not bound to partisan bickering and political game-playing. If there is one thing I hear over and over from the people of District 92 it is this message -- get the job done and don’t play politics. It is easy to stand on the sidelines and complain or second-guess. It is easy to criticize “Augusta” without offering realistic alternatives. However, at the end of the day, the Maine Legislature is full of serious people -- committed men and women who want to serve their communities and do so with the best intentions and information that is available. This budget process was an example of the best of our system -- working.

No one decided to obstruct the process or say “No” just for the sake of saying “No.” Members worked thousands of hours, together, to find the best possible alternatives and approaches that would balance the needs of our state and its citizens against the realities of our economic conditions. I was honored to join with so many of my colleagues to support this budget. It was not perfect, it did not do everything that I wanted to see, but it is a practical and workable solution to our current situation.

One major challenge resolved -- and only a few more until we adjourn in a matter of days. However, the work for next year is already beginning because we will be facing a similar budget shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars, and we must maintain the balance of fiscal discipline and targeted services for Maine citizens.

Over the next few months, I will once again be calling on my neighbors in the River Valley, listening to your concerns and trying to learn how I can best serve you should I be fortunate enough to continue to earn your vote and your confidence. You can be sure that I will continue to work on initiatives that will keep our state’s finances strong, our taxes low, and our money producing real value in the areas of education, health and safety.

Rep. Peterson remembers J. Eugene Boivin

2010-03-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA – Reps. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, and Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, honored the memory of Joseph Eugene Boivin, a lifelong resident of Rumford, with a legislative sentiment adopted by the House Thursday. Mr. Boivin passed away in January, 2010.

Mr. Boivin was born and raised in Rumford, graduated from Stephens High School, married his sweetheart, Geraldine “Gerry” DuPaul, and had one son and daughter. He was a professional firefighter for over 30 years with the Rumford Fire Department, retiring in 1989 as Fire Chief.

“Mr. Bovin was always up to something good, something designed to serve his neighbors and the town that he loved,” said Peterson. “With his bare hands, his huge heart, and a vision for what our community could be, Eugene, both literally and figuratively, helped to build Rumford into the unique part of the world that we are today.”

During his career, he served six years in the Army National Guard, was elected to the MSAD 43 school board and served as Rumford town selectman. Due to Mr. Boivin’s dedication to his community, including recently volunteering countless hours to help families build their own homes with Community Concepts, he was named Rumford’s Citizen of the Year and received the Volunteer of the Year award by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"When Gene set his mind to something, he did it and he did it with passion and love!” said Briggs. “He has touched so many lives and as I thought about what he as done over the years, he had a hand in just about everything and his presence will be remembered and felt for many years to come."

Boivin is survived by his wife, brother, sisters, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Full remarks from Rep. Peterson can be found below.

House Sentiment for Joseph Eugene Boivin -- Remarks by Representative Matt Peterson

One of the real treats of Legislative service is having the opportunity to hear at every one of our sessions sentiments expressed for outstanding achievements and lives well lived. Nothing is more inspiring than when the House presents a sentiment acknowledging someone from our own community and our own history. It's a privilege today to add a word or two to this tribute to Mr. Boivin.

When you grow up in a small town you become aware of what’s happening all around you -- both good and bad -- even if you cannot understand the details. Activities and people reoccur constantly, and you catch sight of them almost wherever you go, always noticing them out of the corner of your eye. School events, community events, town events -- some folks are always there and always making things happen. As a young person, you become aware when people are up to something -- and Mr. Boivin was always up to something. What he was always up to was something good, something designed to serve his neighbors and the town that he loved. Fire Chief, Selectman, School Board Member, Tireless Volunteer. With his bare hands, his huge heart, and a vision for what our community could be--Eugene, both literally and figuratively, helped to build Rumford into the unique part of the world that we are today.

Maine towns are blessed to have these citizens like this and Rumford was particularly fortunate to have Mr. Boivin who was on just about every corner where there was something that needed to be done, or someone who needed to be helped, or a problem that needed a common sense solution. A life of service, like that of Mr. Boivin, inspires the next generation to pick up the work and continue the service. My world had been and was continuing to be forged by the care and service of Mr. Boivin’s life, and I understand a little better now what his positive energy meant for my town as I was growing up. It is the spirit that is the best of Rumford -- and I want to add my deepest appreciation to his wife Gerry and brother Arthur, who are here with us today, for the great example he was to his friends and neighbors -- and all the people of the River Valley who had a chance to see him in action. He is fondly remembered and will be missed. He touched many lives in many ways -- and I am proud to acknowledge the many ways in which he touched my life, too.

Rep. Matt Peterson remembers Jacqueline Dumas

2010-03-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

AUGUSTA – Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, honored the memory of Jacqueline Marie Maranda Dumas, a longtime resident of Rumford, with a legislative sentiment adopted by the House Tuesday.

“Mrs. Dumas was a real leader in the Rumford area and a part of a family that stretches for generations,” said Peterson. “Mrs. Dumas represented the best in service to her community, as evidenced by her extensive military service, and later her work as postmistress. What is more, she passed on that commitment to service to her family.”

Dumas was born in Rumford, graduated from Stephens High School and went on to proudly serve her country in World War II as a United States Navy WAVE. She also served as a member of the United States Army Reserve during the Korean conflict.

After World War II she married Paul R. Dumas, Sr., and had two sons. Dumas worked at Oxford Paper Company, was a translator and transcriptionist for the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C., taught English to French-speaking students in Quebec, and was a United States Postmistress in Coburn Gore.

“I am pleased to join in this sentiment today, and wish the best for the Dumas family in this time of remembrance,” said Peterson. Dumas is survived by three grandchildren, her son and daughter-in-law.

Rep. Matt Peterson urges use of free tax preparation services

2010-03-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, is encouraging residents to use free tax preparation services provided by the Western Maine CA$H Coalition and AARP Tax-Aide programs.

CA$H Maine, a collaboration of eight statewide coalitions, is comprised of 50 nonprofit and for-profit partners, and AARP Tax-Aide, a program of the AARP Foundation, is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service.

“Many Mainers qualify for refunds that they are not aware of,” said Peterson. “I urge people to take advantage of this wonderful service.”

Last year, CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide helped Maine residents get back more than $13.9 million in federal and state refunds, including $3.62 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.

Free tax preparation is provided by CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide tax sites throughout the state. It is available to taxpayers with low- and moderate-incomes and gives special attention to people age 60 and older. Consultations with IRS-certified professionals are available by appointment.

To find a site in the local area and make an appointment with the Western Maine CA$H Coalition, call 778-7954. You can also find information at http://www.211maine.org/#CASH2009.

Running For Re-election

2010-03-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

In January, I filed my Declaration of Intent with the Maine Ethics Commission, the first step in my run for re-election for District 92 of the Maine House or Representatives, under the Maine Clean Election Act. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and with your support, I hope to return to Augusta for the 125th Session of the Legislature and continue to serve you in this capacity.

State and local economies are severely challenged as the entire nation climbs back from the brink of a second Great Depression. Early signs of recovery are encouraging -- but economists are warning that jobs are always the last things to recover when we have a major economic upheaval like what we have experienced over the last eighteen months. The state’s budget has suffered and until our economy and particularly jobs start to recover, we will continue to face many difficult choices in Augusta. Next year promises to be as difficult in terms of the budget as this year, and I have certainly learned a great deal about the issues over the last two years of service.

Against this challenging backdrop, I have been honored to serve the people of District 92 and have done so to the very best of my ability. During the year of campaigning before the last election and in the sixteen months since I was elected, I have spent thousands of hours in meetings, sessions and one-on-one conversations -- listening to my neighbors in District 92 and trying my best to represent your interests and your values in Augusta. As soon as the session in Augusta is over, I will be back going door to door to meet and talk with as many citizens in the River Valley as possible in order to better represent you in the next session.

I am pleased with some of my accomplishments in the last session -- including being the prime sponsor of a bill that will that will lead to comprehensive changes in our long term care system to serve seniors and people with a disability -- giving them more options to remain in their own homes. I also sponsored and was able to get enacted the bill that makes mixed martial arts legal and regulated in our state. That second bill will bring new business and new jobs to our state. In this next session, I want to focus on things that will help us turn around the sluggish economy in the River Valley and bring down our unemployment rate. That is the only way we can really turn the corner on our state’s budget. I have been spending many hours meeting with business and community leaders to find economic development solutions that are right for our towns. With the support of my friends and neighbors in the River Valley, I will continue this important work.

Once again, I will be running as a “clean” candidate meaning I will abide by strict campaign financing limits and leverage the resources of the state’s Clean Election Fund against the dollars that I raise locally. I need at least sixty of my River Valley neighbors who live in District 92 to contribute $5 to my campaign in order to qualify for state matching funds for the campaign. Beyond the early seed money that I have already collected, I cannot accept more than $5 from anyone. In addition, they must be registered to vote in District 92, and the funds must be drawn on a personal bank account since I cannot accept funds from any business.

Once I have gathered the sixty contributions, they must be certified by the Secretary of State. It is a somewhat complicated process for the candidate and for my Treasurer, Wayne Gallant, who has agreed to serve in that capacity again this year, but it is fairly straight forward for you. You can easily make a $5 contribution online by visiting the following link:

Click here to contribute

I must have at least sixty qualified contributions from registered voters in the District by April 21st.

It is a very humbling experience to serve in Augusta. Having lived in Rumford all my life, I am deeply tied to the fabric of this community -- with those roots extending back for generations. Our community and our whole state is constantly changing, and I want to make sure that these changes are for the better. I look forward to continuing to earn the support of all the citizens of the River Valley as the Representative from District 92.

HCBS Presentation to AFA

2010-03-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

One of the struggles in this legislative session is to find the balance between making the cuts necessary to balance the budget without undermining the safety and health of Maine's citizens and particularly our most vulnerable citizens. The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, which I sit on, has been grappling with these issues almost daily since Governor Baldacci unveiled his budget proposal on December 18th. I have been working consistently on approaches in the area of long term care -- and particularly home care for Maine seniors and people with a disability -- to find targeted cuts that will book savings without adversely impacting our neighbors.

Last Thursday I made a presentation to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee on an alternative approach to booking savings that will produce precisely those targeted cuts. Below is a copy of my remarks to the Committee:

I am pleased to transmit a letter to my colleagues on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, signed by a majority of my colleagues on the Health and Human Services Committee, which outlines some possible approaches to targeted budget cuts in the home and community based services system. I apologize if I left an impression of some mystery about this initiative the last time that we met, but at that point there will still significant discussions taking place with my fellow Committee members as well as the esteemed Chairs, and I wanted to continue that dialogue rather than end it arbitrarily.

Let me begin by reaffirming what has been the consistent position of this Committee and one with which I concur completely -- long term care services are vital and should receive the highest priority of consideration if additional resources are available for the coming fiscal year. The early signals from the Administration are that institutional settings are a priority in terms of budget restoration. If that is the decision of this Committee -- you must also restore the funds for home and community based services as an integral part of the long term care system. Failure to do so would make the system fall even father out of balance and deny people the services they really want -- because by an overwhelming majority, Maine people want to stay independent and in their own homes. We have an unacceptably large number of people, already on waiting lists for home based services, we cannot afford to cut these services unless those cuts are proportionate with reductions to institutional services (both nursing facilities and residential care). If cuts must be made, however, they should be targeted to have the least impact on the direct services that keep people independent and in their own homes.

My goal has been simple. Find the budget savings, but do so through targeted cuts rather than across the board reductions that we are sure will produce unintended consequences. We should make these targeted cuts in order to preserve the present level of service hours for consumers, as well as create a wage floor to insure that the system is not balanced on the back of already underpaid direct support workers. If we create systems savings through such a redesign and consolidation -- those resources should be reinvested in the system in order to move the 1200 people on waiting lists into services. After all, waiting lists are a euphemism for denial of service.

To achieve these targeted cuts, I am proposing two things. First, that we reduce the external administrative contract costs of the present home based care system from over 10% (the number seems to be somewhere between 11% and 13% depending upon what you count) to something on the order of 7%. This can be accomplished by consolidating a variety of eligibility determination elements, case management, skills training and service brokerage now carried out by multiple separate agencies into a more consolidated and transparent navigation system. More than 40 other states have such consolidated intake systems -- in various different configurations. Only Maine and New Mexico have intake systems with as many discrete contractors. I am not suggesting that I have all the answers about how to implement such a consolidation, although I do have a number of ideas based on my examination of best practices nationally. Rather, I propose that if we must make cuts, we reduce the external contract budget, suggest elimination of the existing contracts and charge the Department with the task of redesigning a consolidated intake system and bid out the contracts as necessary to manage that system.

The second element is to follow the consensus recommendation of the stakeholder group that met as part of the legislatively directed and Department managed LEAN process. That group recommended that the existing 7 home care programs (4 state funded and 3 MaineCare funded) be consolidated into just 3 new programs -- 1 state funded, 1 MaineCare state plan program, and 1 MaineCare waiver. Consolidating these programs will also necessitate transforming the provider delivery network, since current providers are largely configured to deliver a particular type of program or serve a particular population. This consolidation of programs and the provider network can also create opportunities for administrative economies, especially if the budget reflects a standard provider rate of $14 per service unit with a $9 wage floor for the direct care workers.

One esteemed colleague on the HHS Committee said to me “I want systems change, just not this much systems change.” I understand that the timeframes are tight, and the Department has resisted this approach. However, there are many good models, all of which have been approved by CMS, which could be easily adapted to our situation. Asking the Department to undertake this administrative task on a short time frame is surely demanding, but no more demanding than the burden that will be placed on providers who will be forced to do more with less, or consumers who will need to maintain their health and independence with significantly reduced support resources. No matter what, Maine people will have to dig deep. I think it is reasonable to ask the Department to go the extra mile here in order to preserve the health and independence of Maine seniors and people with a disability, as well as the economic viability of thousands of struggling families who depend upon direct care worker paychecks.

These or even more radical changes are inevitable given the budget projections we are already hearing about for the next biennium. Not only is it good policy to get underway sooner rather than later, but I think these proposals may actually improve the performance of the system from the perspective of those who receive these services. Given the inevitable change in administration after the November elections, I think that the Legislature should become more directly involved in overseeing this redesign process, through a subcommittee or other mechanism that we should discuss and explore together. Whether we use this system redesign process to book budget savings in the upcoming fiscal year, or to move people who are being denied services off of waiting lists, the Legislature must increase its involvement and oversight of this systems redesign process as we face a transition of Administrations. We must prepare for the future which will include more budget pressures.

My position on this matter grows from direct experience as a consumer in this system, as well as my work for the last several years looking at best practices in home and community based services. This initiative will take an enormous effort and a will on the part of many to embrace change. Frankly, it’s intimidating. Every existing provider or element of the system will face redefinition of roles under this proposal. Yet, I believe that this approach is in the best interest of our seniors and people with a disability who receive these services, as well as the dedicated direct care workers who provide the essential hands on support that keeps those citizens as healthy and independent as possible. It is also another way that we demonstrate our commitment to Maine taxpayers to insure the most efficient use of their hard-earned money, even as we serve some of our most vulnerable citizens.

The attached spreadsheet is for illustrative purposes only -- to give you a feel for how this initiative would work. The budget numbers provided by the Department during our deliberations frequently diverged as different elements were included or excluded, so I determined the best way forward was to lay out the concept and approach and work with your more experienced staff in getting the numbers exact. I look forward to working with you and your Committee staff to perfect this approach, should it be needed. Thanks for your patience as we developed this approach.

LD 1685 Testimony

2010-02-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

On February 23rd, 2010, I testified in favor of LD 1685 An Act To Clarify the Enforcement Role of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine to the Joint Committee on Business, Research, and Economic Development. Below is my the testimony I presented:

Senator Schneider, Representative Smith and members on the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research, and Economic Development, I am Matthew Peterson and I serve District 92 which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to present LD 1685, An Act To Clarify the Enforcement Role of the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine.

Last session this Committee considered and passed LD 1089 An Act To Regulate Mixed Martial Arts Competitions, Exhibitions and Events, sending it to the floor of both Chambers where it was eventually passed into law and duly signed by the Governor. I am pleased to report that the Governor has appointed members to the Mixed Martial Arts Authority of Maine and that body has held its first meeting and is proceeding with the development of rules that will carry out the intent of that legislation. I anticipate that the first Mixed Martial Arts events will be held at some point later in this year -- although it is difficult to determine the exact schedule given the timeframes in the rulemaking process.

After the end of the session, I was in contact with the Maine Attorney General’s office regarding the formation of the Authority and the rulemaking process, and after a closer examination of the statute that we passed creating this Authority, the AG’s office expressed some concerns about language and provisions of the bill that they felt lacked enough specificity to insure the smooth enforcement of the duties delegated to the Authority.

The bill before you today makes a number of minor but important technical corrections that clarify the duties of board of this new Authority, specifically:

· Giving the board specific ability to enter into contracts for support of its operations;

· Establishes a certification process as the foundation for credentialing and enforcement;

· Requires the attendance of a physician at all sanctioned events;

· Provides the board with the authority to undertake inspections and investigations in relation to any events;

· Further clarifies the board’s general authority to take all necessary actions to insure that all events are conducted in accordance with the original act.

· Significantly enhances the language pertaining to the enforcement authority of the Board.

This last area is the most extensive language revision and it is intended to give specific authority to the Board, in statute, that can be the foundation for any enforcement actions taken against those who are certified participants in MMA events. I am not a lawyer, but as I understand it from my discussions with the Attorney General’s office, without this specific statutory authority, any enforcement actions taken by the board would have less demonstrable grounds should those actions be challenged in the courts.

These proposed changes in no way alter the original intent of the legislation we passed in the last session, but stand as a means to clarify and strengthen the statute we have already put in place.

I appreciate your consideration of these technical changes that will strengthen our law regulating mixed martial arts in Maine, and urge your support of this legislation. I am happy to answer any questions you may have now and will make myself available for the work session on this bill. Thank you for your consideration.

Update From Augusta -- February 23, 2010

2010-02-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

With Legislative leadership committed to an early adjournment in order to save money, the pace of business in Augusta has quickened. The budget debate is the most important discussion currently underway, and given my place on the Health and Human Services Committee — which has to evaluate over $90 million in cuts proposed by the Administration — I’ve become very familiar with the road between Rumford and Augusta.

The budget discussion has been very difficult because of the impacts the proposed reductions could have on the lives of thousands of Maine citizens — including our most vulnerable neighbors. The debate has become even more complicated because of the numbers — projections and proposals are anything but static and change on an almost daily basis. Many ideas are coming forward, and I have been working with many different agencies to understand the impacts of the proposed cuts and explore alternative approaches.

For example, I have proposed and will continue to advocate for approaches in home based care for our seniors and people with a disability that will book the budget savings without cutting hours for the people receiving the services or reducing wages for direct care workers delivering the service. (To give you some perspective of the number of people these proposed cuts would impact, there are an estimated 22,000 direct care workers employed in Maine). Rather, I have been suggesting targeted cuts on external administrative contracts for the system, as well as consolidations of programs that will produce the same savings.

Specifically, I’m calling for a redesign of the home and community based services system that will reduce the external administrative costs from the current rate of over 10% to 7% of the total budget for home and community based services. This will be accomplished, in part, by combining some of the intake functions — financial eligibility, functional eligibility, and care management together with direct service provision. I have done the research and almost every state has consolidated some or all of these functions, but they are separate in Maine, each delivered through a separate entity or contract — that may duplicate administrative costs. In addition to this savings, I am proposing consolidating programs from 7 distinct ones down to just 3, with an accompanying consolidation of the provider network to create economies of operational scale. Taking this approach, we can book over $7 million of budget savings without reducing any of the hours of service that citizens receive or cutting worker wages.

As always, there is push back from some of the people who have the contracts now and are comfortable with how things are done — but I believe this is the right approach. Change is difficult and resistance to change is understandable. However, this resistance must be overcome if the Legislature is to discharge its responsibilities to Maine citizens. Budget reductions are, unfortunately, necessary. These cuts will be disruptive. Targeted cuts — aimed at administrative costs and promoting program consolidations — are preferable to across the board cuts that will likely have unintended consequences. Will this approach require that state officials and providers make adjustments and dig a little deeper or work a little harder? No doubt. But that is far preferable to creating a burden through these cuts that could disrupt the health and independence of Maine seniors and people with a disability.

We must balance the budget but we cannot do that on the backs of taxpayers or municipalities. The work will continue feverishly for the next few weeks into late March. For up-to-the-minute developments in Augusta as they unfold, please visit me online at Twitter at www.twitter.com/PetersonForMe. As the picture changes daily, I will be posting constant updates in a continued effort to keep people constantly informed of all the happenings in Augusta.

These are challenging times for our state, for our communities, and for our families – but I believe we can come through stronger by working together. I appreciate all the input I am hearing from citizens about this process. Please keep the ideas coming. I need your insights and suggestions for how collaboratively we can build a better Maine.

Please email me at petersonhouse08@gmail.com or give me a call at (207) 776-8051.

Poll Question: Tobacco Tax?

2010-02-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

As the budget discussions have proceeded, one idea has been persistently proposed from a number of quarters. The suggestion has been made to raise the cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack, primarily as a matter of public health -- but also as a means of raising additional revenues for health related costs. Health advocates have pointed out that youth smoking, long a declining statistic in Maine, has started to reverse direction. Teenage smoking is once again on the rise in Maine, and public health advocates claim that a steep tax increase -- like $1.00 -- is one of the surest ways to discourage teen tobacco use.

Supporters also claim that the tax would raise over $25 million in the first year. That tax revenue may decrease over time, if it does have the desired effect of reducing smoking. While $25 million is only a small portion of what is needed to balance the budget -- supporters are calling it a good step.

What do you think? I've heard from people within our district with strong opinions from each perspective -- and both sides have good arguments. Right now, I am leaning in the direction that the Governor has pointed -- no new tax initiatives in this budget -- but I am more interested in what you think. Is raising the tobacco tax -- $1 a pack for cigarettes, for example -- a good way to decrease youth smoking and raise revenue? Please vote and let me know what you think.

Click here to vote in this week's poll.

Rep. Peterson backs resolution asking Congress to oppose low-level flights in western Maine

2010-02-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

AUGUSTA – Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, backed a resolution passed on Feb. 11 by the Maine State Legislature, calling on Maine’s Congressional delegation to ask the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to delay any action relating to proposed changes in low-level training flights in western Maine.

Peterson represents the area that is in the heart of the section of Maine that will be most severely impacted by the changes proposed by the Massachusetts Air National Guard. He spoke at a hearing about this issue last fall at the University of Maine at Farmington.

“The need to provide adequate training for military pilots must be balanced with the rights of citizens and businesses in western Maine to enjoy the quality of life they expect without the disruption, intrusion, noise and other potential impacts of these low-level, high-speed flights,” said Peterson. “I hope that these two interests will be thoroughly analyzed and that all of the facts will be gathered as a part of a publicly accessible process to weigh the proposed benefits against the costs.”

The Massachusetts Air National Guard has proposed lowering its training altitude from 7,000 to 500 feet in the Condor Military Operations Area in western Maine and a small area in northern New Hampshire.

The proposal has met with opposition not only by the residents near the flight path, but by concerned citizens throughout Maine, due to the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s incomplete draft environmental impact statement and unresponsiveness in communicating with Maine residents throughout the notification and hearing process for low-level flights.

The environmental study has failed to meet minimum standards for adequate research, due to a lack of noise data for F-18, F-22 and F-35 aircraft, and information about environmental damage and the impact on wildlife, agriculture, and quality of life. This study is required by the FAA before they issue their final ruling.

The resolution passed the House and the Senate and will now be sent to Maine’s Congressional delegation.

Picking the Winners and Losers…

2010-02-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

It hasn’t been much fun at the Legislature in Augusta since the session began at the beginning of January. The budget hearings have been filled with our fellow citizens, telling their stories and the stories of their families and loved ones who will feel the impact of these proposed budget cuts.

The thing that makes it particularly hard is that nobody wants to take the responsibility for picking winners and losers. Television audiences may delight in such choices on American Idol -- but most of the elected officials in Augusta are shying away from that process. These budget realities force such choices. Governor Baldacci has proposed what is essentially a flat budget -- almost identical in total dollars when compared to the budget that passed in the first year of his administration. During the intervening eight years the rate of inflation has been cumulatively 20%, with particular spikes in the cost of health insurance which is a relatively big item for state government.

Almost half of that virtual 20% budget cut is falling in just one year -- the new budget year that will start on July 1st. As a member of the Health and Human Services Committee we are struggling with budget cuts that are essentially 10% across the board for the biggest programs such as Medicaid or MaineCare. If these cuts go through as written they would impact our hospital and several providers of vital services for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Because of the match with federal dollars, we get two or three additional dollars for every dollar of state money. Likewise, we lose that two or three dollars every time we reduce state spending on MaineCare.

The 10% across the board cuts are a symptom of that lack of appetite to pick winners and losers. Difficult as it is, it’s an easy way out on some level. In Augusta it’s called spreading the pain, but it can sometimes be dodging the hard choices. Some programs cannot sustain those cuts and still operate, so you have to decide to let it continue along, or eliminate it completely.

Given these circumstances, some of us are stepping up to propose major program revisions, restructuring and the elimination of entire programs. That’s picking winners -- but because the money is tight -- it will inevitably mean picking some losers, too.

For example, I have been working on proposals to make our long term care system -- especially our home and community based services -- work more effectively against the backdrop of this budget realignment. The basic principle is simple -- protect direct services and the wages of the home care workers that are the heart of the programs. Everything else, even if it is a nice feature, is expendable if it is not a core service people depend upon. In a stripped down system like that, there are winners and losers compared to what we have today -- but the winners have to be the citizens who depend upon the services, the workers who care for our neighbors, and the rest of us -- the taxpayers -- who will pay the bill.

When I talk to people in the River Valley -- I hear one message loud and clear -- “We want value for our money.” We hate to part with our hard-earned money, but we sure don’t want to do it if we think it’s being wasted. We are making hard choices in this session because we want to make sure every dollar goes as far as it can.

The budget cuts are being shared, too. Municipal revenue sharing, state aid to education, reimbursement for a portion of the homestead exemption, and general assistance funds are all being reduced, and that will mean either an increase in local property taxes, or a reduction in services. That will make this year’s town meetings a little more important, so I hope everyone will come out and be heard.

This is not the last tough budget year we’ll have -- probably far from it. Our economic recovery is slow, jobs are not growing -- so it will take a while for us to see any significant economic revival. Meanwhile the state will continue to struggle to keep a balanced budget, exactly like hundreds of families in the River Valley.

I urge you to get involved. Contact me if you have ideas or concerns. I’ve heard from many area residents and I always enjoy the opportunity to talk, even when we are looking to get our hands around the fiscal mess. Unfortunately, it is time in Augusta to step up and show leadership. Well intentioned but ineffective programs must be eliminated and at the end of the process we’ll have a leaner and stronger state. Please feel free to contact me. I need your ideas and your counsel. Please get involved.

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 9

2010-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Below please find the ninth episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In episode 9 Representative Wayne Mitchell joins me to discuss the process employed by the Massachusetts Air National Guard in its proposal to schedule more very low level flights through the CONDOR 1 and 2 Military Operations Areas which include portions of Oxford, Franklin, Somerset and Piscataquis Counties.

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Testimony in Support of Committee Amendment to LD 20

2010-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Below is testimony I submitted in support of LD 20.

Testimony in Support of Committee Amendment to LD 20 – An Act to Require Insurance Companies to Cover the Cost of Prosthetics

Senator Bowman and Representative Treat and members of the Joint Committee on Insurance and Financial Services, I am Matthew Peterson and I serve District 92 which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, and Rumford, as well as the Franklin County communities of Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here today to support the committee amendment proposed to LD 20.

As a person with a disability, and someone who has spent the better part of my professional career working with people with a disability, I want to commend this Committee for continuing to work on this important initiative. Technology has continued to improve the lives of people living with a disability, and no place have these advances been more significant than in the development of sophisticated prosthetic devices that expand the capacity and independence of people who have lost a limb.

This commonsense amendment is designed to do one simple thing -- make sure that insurers in our state will make available the most appropriate alternative available to those they cover. This is what we all expect when we purchase insurance, and we have the responsibility to insure that these expectations are enshrined in our statutes and regulations. This is another important step in making sure the insurance climate in Maine strikes the proper balance. I urge your adoption of this measure.

Thank you,

Matt Peterson – State Representative District 92

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 8

2010-01-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Below please find the eighth episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In episode 8 Dr. Charles Colgan joins me to discuss Maine's economic picture.

Pushing Forward on vacation

2009-12-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

We're taking a week off from the Pushing Forward podcast. We'll be back with all new episodes in 2010. Happy New Year!

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 7

2009-12-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

Below please find the seventh episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 7 Marc Ratner, Zuffa's VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs, joins me to discuss mixed martial arts in Maine.

CONDOR Comments

2009-12-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

The Massachusetts Air National Guard (ANG) wants to lower its training altitude from 7,000 to 500 feet over an area stretching from Coos County, New Hampshire, across Oxford, Franklin and into Somerset County here in Maine.

On Saturday, November 14th, 2009, a hearing was held at the University of Maine at Farmington to allow the public to state their views on the proposed change to Condor flight space. I testified at the hearing and what follows is a copy of the written remarks I followed-up with to be part of the official administrative record.

As the member of the Maine House of Representative for District 92, I represent the area that is at the heart of the section of Western Maine that will be most strongly impacted by the changes proposed by the Massachusetts Air National Guard (ANG) with respect to lower level flights as an element in CONDOR Military Operations Area (MOA).

I attended the public hearing in Farmington and offered oral testimony at that time, and have subsequently reviewed more information, spoken with many constituents, as well as a variety of people with significant experience in environmental impact assessments, military preparedness policy, and mediating broader public policy discussions. Since this is an important issue for my constituents, I have tried to take a considered approach in my review of the situation and my recommendations for a way forward.

Let me summarize my assessment of the situation and a potential remedy. The present plan proposed by the ANG is incomplete and as a result may be ill-conceived. The outcome appears to have been pre-determined and the Environmental Impact Study that was conducted was developed as an “after the fact” solution to placate citizen concerns that had not been anticipated by military planners when making the initial proposal. The only acceptable remedy to this situation is to back up and start the process over in a way that will be transparent and coherent, representing the valid concerns of all parties impacted by the decision including members of the military as well as civilians living in the impacted areas.

It seems to me that there are two primary interests that must be balanced in this decision making process -- first, the legitimate needs to provide adequate training for military pilots that may be called upon to use skills in a time of conflict, with such skill that can only be gained through thorough training. Second, the rights of citizens and businesses in Western Maine to enjoy the quality of life they expect without the disruption, intrusion, noise, and other potential impacts of these low level, high speed flights.

Frankly, I do not believe we have yet obtained the objective evaluation of these two interests that would allow us to make a balanced and considered policy judgment. Therefore, I respectfully request and will do all in my power to see that this decision is put on hold until these two elements can be thoroughly analyzed by professional and independent individuals or organizations, and those conclusions can be brought together as a part of a publically accessible process to weigh benefits against costs. If we undertake such a process, we will arrive at a conclusion that can be widely supported. Otherwise, the current division and opposition to these low level flights will only intensify with an increasing likelihood of further contentious and time consuming debates in the future.

In short, this should be a classic cost benefit analysis that examines the value of the flights as a training tool, measures that value against a realistic assessment of the environmental impacts, and looks at a range of alternatives for mediating the impacts including -- limits of scheduled exercises; expansion of training areas to include other similar regions, such as the Western Massachusetts mountains, in order to more equitably distribute the potential negative impacts to a wider area by reducing the frequency of the disruption for everyone while still accomplishing the military intent and mission, or; other measures that will meet the military objectives without an outsize impact on the general population.

One discussion with a constituent has stuck in my mind, and I want to close my request for revisiting this process by sharing it. This conversation was with a professional who retired after many years in the environmental remediation business, and he told me about a project he had worked on for the Massachusetts Air National Guard in the remediation and clean-up of jet-fuel contaminated soils at a Massachusetts airbase.

Apparently, for an extended period the standard operating procedure at a Massachusetts Air National Guard facility was to run a fire hose into the jet fuel storage tanks and let loose with the water forcing the unused jet fuel and water out of the tanks and directly onto the ground. As a result, within a few years when environmental testing was performed, there was a growing potential of a hydrocarbon contamination plume that would have reached a larger aquifer and contaminated wells for a significant area. The only solution was a costly clean-up by digging up and disposing of hundreds of thousands of tons of contaminated soils that had to be placed in landfills or otherwise recycled off site. The cost of the clean-up was hundreds of thousands of dollars and perhaps more -- all because of poor planning and a failure to measure the unintended consequences of actions taken within a military command structure not accustomed to transparency and outside scrutiny.

I hope we will not repeat that type of short-sightedness here, but it seems we are on this path unless the decision is reconsidered in a wider and more objective framework. If this project is worth doing, it is worth doing right, because we are talking about the expenditure of significant taxpayer dollars. I urge you to redesign your decision-making process, gather the needed facts and have those facts analyzed by independent and objective sources, and then move that analysis into the public arena where it can be absorbed and discussed by the citizens it will impact. This will produce a better outcome than our current trajectory.

At the end of the process, what we all want is a good decision -- carefully made and based on facts. The vast majority of my constituents want a decision based on reality -- they are not ready to trust whatever the Massachusetts Air National Guard leadership says about the value of the training exercises unconditionally, nor are they ready to adopt unquestioningly the statements made by environmental, community, and business leaders concerned about potential impacts.

I urge you to step back, take the time, and develop a fact-based approach that can lead to an appropriate decision which can be widely supported. I am ready to assist in that process in whatever way possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 6

2009-12-14T10:23:00.001-08:00

Below please find the sixth episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 6 the Rumford Fire Chief, Bob Chase, joins me to discuss how the budget and tax revenues impacts local services like fire protection.

A Matter of Balance

2009-12-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

It’s recently become popular among pundits and others to quote the 19th Century German leader, Otto Von Bismarck by repeating that “Politics is the art of the possible.” My experience serving the River Valley over the last year has been a little different -- I have been learning the art of balance. Bringing new ideas to help balance the state’s budget has become the biggest part of my job. Trying to see an issue from all sides and respecting the variety of competing ideas has become much more natural for me in working through the difficulties facing our state.

Last week, Governor Baldacci unveiled his proposed curtailment package to reduce budget expenditures in the current fiscal year in light of lowered revenue projections. At the time, he indicated that this is the first phase of an estimated $400 million in budget reductions in the current two-year budget. As expected, these initial curtailments fell most heavily on human services programs and state aid to education. Every indication is that the rest of this $400 million shortfall will also hit education and human services programs hardest. That means our children and the most vulnerable in our population -- seniors, low income families, and people with chronic health problems -- will bear the heaviest burdens.

Colleagues with many years of service in the legislature have indicated that it is much more rewarding to serve in times when the economy is strong and the budget is more easily balanced. I am sure that is true -- but we are now in a very different time, and I am committed to working as creatively as possible to find ways to minimize the impacts of these cuts on essential services to our most vulnerable neighbors. I have already reached out to many of the service providers in our area to encourage them to work with me to find the best alternatives in this bad situation. That is part of what we must balance -- the need for these life-sustaining services even at a time when so many of our neighbors are struggling with this economic downturn.

Other issues must also be faced with a sense of balance. Last week, I joined the House Majority Leader, John Piotti and the House Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, Robert Duchesne in hosting a group of people, including some well-known citizens and property owners in our area, who are concerned about the health impacts from wind turbines. We had a positive discussion and have encouraged these folks to focus on practical suggestions that really address their core concerns of identifying and minimizing any health impacts from wind energy facilities.

One thing seems pretty certain -- wind facilities will play a role in our green energy future. A recent scientifically conducted survey by the Portland based research firm, Critical Insights, found that nine out of ten Maine residents support the development of wind power in our state, while two-thirds of those surveyed “strongly support” the concept. One thing seems certain -- wind energy is here and more will be developed in Maine. At the same time, we must find the balance to insure that this development takes into account the potential of health impacts and finds practical ways to mitigate them. We find that balance by working together.

Sticking with wind power for a bit longer -- earlier in the month I had the opportunity to travel to the University of Maine at Orono to visit with Dr. Habib Dagher who is the Director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Laboratory. I set up the meeting with Dr. Dagher to get a detailed update on the work at the University while looking for a connection between this cutting edge work and the natural resources and expertise here in the River Valley. One of their many projects is work on composite manufacturing of the blades for commercial wind turbines. In addition, the lab has just received a multi-million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to take the lead in developing a model off-shore wind energy project in Maine.

While Dr. Dagher did not have a project he could drop into the Tech Center in Rumford, he did offer encouragement for a more diversified industrial future for Maine, drawing on our traditional wood resources, as well as our strong tradition of manufacturing in this area. New ideas are constantly being developed, tested and commercialized, and the River Valley must maintain its aggressive posture of looking for new opportunities to bring quality jobs to our area. We need to find a new sense of balance for our economy by growing quality jobs that will use the skills our workforce has -- or can obtain.

The next few months will be a challenge, and I look forward to the ongoing dialogue with the citizens in the River Valley to help me represent you in these difficult choices. I count on all of you to help me maintain a strong sense of balance as we struggle with these issues of restructuring programs and reducing expenditures while maintaining vital services and growing our economy. Thank you for entrusting me with this important task.

Matt Peterson
State Representative – District 92

Bracing for the Budget Crisis

2009-12-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Last week, Governor Baldacci unveiled his proposed curtailment package to reduce budget expenditures in the current fiscal year in light of lowered revenue projections. At the time, he indicated that this is the first phase of an estimated $400 million in budget reductions in the current fiscal year. As expected, these initial curtailments fell most heavily on human services programs and state aid to education.

This morning, DHHS Commissioner Brenda Harvey, while addressing a work group on long term care, provided the first insights into the likely shape of these future cuts. While present curtailments have targeted state funding and excluded Medicaid funded programs that are matched by the federal government, the next round of cuts for the Department will apparently include deep cuts in current Medicaid funded programs. Commissioner Harvey indicated that cuts to state funded programs will be much deeper, but that she expects that the cuts to Medicaid programs will be $100 million meaning a reduction of these services by approximately $400 million when the federal match of approximately $3 federal to every $1 of state money is considered.

Obviously, removing $400 million dollars from current Medicaid services will have a devastating impact on many citizens and families -- including those who receive the services as well as those employed to deliver these services. I am committed to working with the agencies and providers of the River Valley to fully understand the impact that such cuts may have on the quality of services, the quality of life, and essential employment in our communities. As specific proposals are unveiled in the Governor’s supplemental budget, probably at some time soon after the first of the year, I want to hear from you about the impacts of any proposed cuts and work with you to identify alternatives that may blunt the worst impacts of any proposed cuts.

Colleagues with many years of service in the legislature have indicated that it is much more rewarding to serve in times when the economy is strong and the budget is more easily balanced. I am sure that is true -- but we are now in a very different time, and I am committed to working with you as creatively as possible to find ways to minimize the impacts of these cuts on essential services to our most vulnerable neighbors. Let’s keep in close touch as this situation unfolds. Good information and communication will help me do the best I possibly can on behalf of you and our fellow citizens in the River Valley.

Matt

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 5

2009-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Below please find the fifth episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 5 I am joined by Jay Hardy, a consultant with over 30 years experience in state government, to discuss Maine's long-term care system.

To learn more about current efforts underway to improve Maine's long-term supportive services system, visit:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/reports/ltc-services-adults.shtml

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 4

2009-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Below please find the fourth episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 4 we sit down with Representative Ed Mazurek, House Chair of the Transportation Committee, to discuss the recent transportation bond passed by voters on November 3rd, 2009.

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 3

2009-11-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Below please find the third episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 3 we sit down with House Majority Leader, Representative John Piotti, to discuss tax reform.

Juice Conference Remarks

2009-11-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Midcoast Magnet is a networking organization that seeks to attract, connect and retain talented people in Maine and the midcoast. In November, Midcoast Magnet presented the Juice 2.0 conference, "Building Maine's Innovation Networks." The conference was organized through collaborative efforts and funding from organizations as diverse as the Maine Arts Commission, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Realize! Maine program of the Maine Development Foundation. To learn more about Midcoast Magnet visit:

www.midcoastmagnet.com

On November 14th, 2009, I was invited to the Juice 2.0 conference to speak as part of the "Get Involved, Get Elected" panel with Speaker of the Maine House, Hannah Pingree, and State Senator Seth Goodall. Below are my remarks from the event:

JUICE CONFERENCE TALK

I’m honored to be on this platform with such an exciting group of people, including one of the folks that really inspired me to run for office -- Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree.

It’s easy for folks to be cynical about politics, politicians and the political process. That cynicism is nothing new and it is not relegated to one political party or one end of the political spectrum -- right or left. If you look at the political blogs - national and state, left and right -- what they all seem to have in common is cynicism. Just to prove that the cynicism is nothing new -- here’s one of my favorite quotes from Harry Truman -- delivered in an interview on his front porch in Independence Missouri after he retired from the White House: "My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference. I, for one, believe the piano player job to be much more honorable than current politicians.”

I never learned to play the piano, so my career choices were even more limited than President Truman. I did however, have the chance to work as an advocate in the Maine State Legislature for several years on behalf of people with a disability as well as for direct care workers who provide home and community based services to seniors and people with a disability. I was passionate about that -- because it was all about my life and my experience. When I first went to Augusta, I expected to find out that Harry Truman was right -- but I had just the opposite experience.

What I found in Augusta was not what people like to characterize as the “no good politicians,” nor did I find the legislative process like the proverbial “sausage making.” Instead, what I found were people who were committed to serving their fellow citizens and brought their experience, their interest and their passions to that discussion. I found people hungry for the best ideas, the best ways to serve others, the best ways to invest our limited and hard-earned tax dollars to produce the most possible benefit.

I was ready to be skeptical, and I came away a true believer -- filled with admiration and respect for people like Hannah -- who were giving up big chunks of their life and times, putting other career and personal choices on the back burner to serve their fellow Maine citizens. I saw people like Hannah working hard -- and I knew she was smart enough and talented enough to write her own ticket and do just about anything she wanted to do -- but she wanted to serve in a citizen legislature -- far from a full time job, but enough work to keep you from pursuing any other career very successfully.

I got inspired by those citizen legislators, and especially the younger members who were trying to make a difference. The Maine Legislature is diverse -- people of all ages and backgrounds -- and that is what makes it work.

I was there to advocate on some specific issues, but I couldn’t get enough. I sat in Committee meetings and the Appropriations Committee for hour after hour -- and I couldn’t get enough. I expected I would glaze over, but my experience was just the opposite. I was fascinated to talk with lobbyists and people who had been around the state house for years. I was interested in the personalities and the institution and the interactions of the two that resulted in compromises -- and good legislation. I was hooked. I was interested in just about everything that went on under the golden dome.

I got to be good friends with the Legislator who was serving my hometown of Rumford, and when he was term-limited and could not run for re-election, he asked if I would be interested in running for the seat. It was a tough decision -- took me about one day to make up my mind. I knew it would be hard. To get elected in Maine -- the politics is all retail and that means knocking on every door of the district -- meeting as many voters as possible, listening, and getting out the message. Knocking on doors in Rumford Maine is pretty tough when you are in a wheelchair -- it added to the challenge. But it gave me a great opportunity to organize friends and supporters to help me in that task. I built a network -- and that network got me elected -- I couldn’t have done it any other way. I like Bean Suppers -- but how many can you attend?

Since I’ve come to the Legislature, I’ve continued to work on building that network. Not because I want to use those relationships to move ahead -- but because those relationships are how I learn -- about issues, about what Maine people need and want, and about how to use government effectively to solve problems. It’s all about relationships.

Being in the Legislature, I’ve had a chance to work on many key issues -- long term care and home based services for seniors and people with a disability has been a passion -- but that’s something I really know about -- you can say “I’m experienced” and I want to share those experiences with my peers so we can make improvements for all Maine citizens. I am also a big fan of Mixed Martial Arts, so I’ve been able to work with others to create a framework that will regulate that sport and bring it to Maine. This session, I’ll be working on issues of internet availability and pricing, as well as joining colleagues in the search for ways to make our budget more sustainable while ensuring that we don’t damage the vital safety net. I’ve found myself increasingly in the middle of the discussion of wind energy -- since there is one project approved for my district and another on the drawing board. I guarantee you -- people have opinions about those projects -- and it’s not just one opinion.

I could keep on going -- but I’ll stop there. Let me just say -- If you have passion for working with others, if you have a passion for serving other people, if you like long hours and low pay -- and if you think you’d enjoy getting nasty voice messages and e-mails for your hard work -- running for the Legislature is for you. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life -- almost as exciting and interesting as breaking your neck, but way more fun. If a guy like me, who is trying to start a career, wanting to get married, buy a house, start a family, and do all those “normal” things can run for office and be elected in Rumford Maine -- nothing should be holding any of you back. With great role models like Madame Speaker -- what are you waiting for?

Remarks from Maine Youth Anti-Tobacco Summit

2009-11-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

The Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) is a statewide Network of support for youth and adults who are striving to effect positive change on a wide variety of issues. MYAN is a partnership of youth and adult staff working with youth groups, adults who support those groups and organizations interested in involving youth to assist them all in making a difference through youth and adult partnership. To learn more about MYAN visit:

www.myan.org.

On November 11th, 2009, I was invited by MYAN to be a panelist at their 6th Annual Maine Youth Anti-Tobacco Summit. Below are my remarks from the event.

MYAN CONFERENCE TALK

I’m honored to be invited to speak to such an exciting group of people, interested in advocating and promoting change. I’m a Legislator now -- and I interact with lots of advocates. I used to be an advocate before I got elected -- and I started pretty young, although not as young as you, and learned as I went. I want to share a few ideas and lessons I’ve learned with you. I hope it helps.

First, it’s easy for folks to be cynical about politics, politicians and the political process. That cynicism is nothing new and it is not relegated to one political party or one end of the political spectrum -- right or left. If you look at the political blogs - national and state, left and right -- what they all seem to have in common is cynicism. Just to prove that the cynicism is nothing new -- here’s one of my favorite quotes from Harry Truman -- delivered in an interview on his front porch in Independence Missouri after he retired from the White House: "My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference. I, for one, believe the piano player job to be much more honorable than current politicians.”

I never learned to play the piano, so my career choices were even more limited than President Truman. I did however, have the chance to work as an advocate in the Maine State Legislature for several years on behalf of people with a disability as well as for direct care workers who provide home and community based services to seniors and people with a disability. I was passionate about that -- because it was all about my life and my experience. When I first went to Augusta, I expected to find out that Harry Truman was right -- but I had just the opposite experience.

What I found in Augusta was not what people like to characterize as the “no good politicians,” nor did I find the legislative process like the proverbial “sausage making.” Instead, what I found were people who were committed to serving their fellow citizens and brought their experience, their interest and their passions to that discussion. I found people hungry for the best ideas, the best ways to serve others, the best ways to invest our limited and hard-earned tax dollars to produce the most possible benefit.

I was ready to be skeptical, and I came away a true believer -- filled with admiration and respect for people who were giving up big chunks of their life and times, putting other career and personal choices on the back burner to serve their fellow Maine citizens. I saw people smart enough and talented enough to write their own ticket and do just about anything -- but they wanted to serve in a citizen legislature -- far from a full time job, but enough work to keep you from pursuing any other career very successfully.

I got inspired by those citizen legislators, and especially the younger members who were trying to make a difference. So that is Lesson Number One if you want to be a good advocate -- GET INSPIRED, BELIEVE, HAVE PASSION, FORGET CYNICISM.

Lesson Number Two -- KNOW YOUR FACTS, DEVELOP YOUR MESSAGE. As a Legislator I don’t have lots of time. I want to listen, but I want you to inform me. Don’t waste your time, or anyone else’s. If you believe in what you are doing -- speak your truth with conviction. I won’t bite and neither will anyone else in the Legislature. You are all voters -- or you will be -- and you certainly know and influence people who are voters -- parents, grandparents, teachers, etc. We want to learn from you -- but you have to be ready to teach us. Do your homework.

Speaking of doing your homework, Lesson Number Three -- LEARN ABOUT THE PROCESS AND THE INSTITUTION. Even though I was there to advocate on some specific issues, I couldn’t get enough. I sat in Committee meetings and the Appropriations Committee for hour after hour -- and I couldn’t get enough. I expected I would glaze over, but my experience was just the opposite. I was fascinated to talk with lobbyists and people who had been around the state house for years. I was interested in the personalities and the institution and the interactions of the two that resulted in compromises -- and good legislation. I was hooked. I was interested in just about everything that went on under the golden dome.

As a result, I got to be good friends with the Legislator who was serving my hometown of Rumford, and when he was term-limited and could not run for re-election, he asked if I would be interested in running for the seat. It was a tough decision -- took me about one day to make up my mind. I knew it would be hard. To get elected in Maine -- the politics is all retail and that means knocking on every door of the district -- meeting as many voters as possible, listening, and getting out the message. Knocking on doors in Rumford Maine is pretty tough when you are in a wheelchair -- it added to the challenge. But it gave me a great opportunity to organize friends and supporters to help me in that task. I built a network -- and that network got me elected -- I couldn’t have done it any other way.

Since I’ve come to the Legislature, I’ve continued to work on building that network. Not because I want to use those relationships to move ahead -- but because those relationships are how I learn -- about issues, about what Maine people need and want, and about how to use government effectively to solve problems. It’s all about relationships. So that’s the Final Lesson -- THE ADVOCACY NEVER STOPS.

I could keep on going -- but I’ll stop there. Let me just say -- If you have passion for working with others, if you have a passion for serving other people, advocacy is for you. What are you waiting for?

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 2

2009-11-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Below please find the second episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 2 we examine Maine's budget writing process. Joining us to discuss this complex process is the House Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, Representative Emily Cain.

Pushing Forward Podcast Episode 1

2009-10-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Below please find the first episode of the "Pushing Forward" podcast.

In Episode 1 we examine Question 4 on the November 3rd, 2009 ballot. Question 4 is more commonly referred to as TABOR II. The question, a Citizen Initiative, asks: “Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes?”

In order to explore the issue, I speak with Nancy Kelleher, head of AARP in Maine.

Update From Augusta 10.18.09

2009-10-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Even after the Legislative session ends, the work continues -- and this year, activity has been particularly intense. Maine’s legislative calendar was initially structured to respect the time commitments of citizen legislators with the first session of a two year Legislative term to be the longer and more intense period -- with the introduction of regular bills, the passage of a two year budget, and the conduct of the state’s business. The second session was designed to be shorter -- to deal with any held over bills, manage emergencies, and make any adjustments in the budget as necessary.

Given the continuing turmoil in the national and state economy, our second session will be as demanding as the first one, as we confront a looming budget deficit. When we completed the budget last session, we intentionally left a $30 million dollar “hole” that would have to be addressed -- either by improvements in the economy that would increase revenue collections, other enhancements to the state’s revenues, or by making further cuts. Unfortunately, the revenue collections have continued to lag far behind projections, so in January we will face the difficult decisions about filling what is now estimated to be a $200 million budget shortfall that will have to be made up in a little over 1 fiscal year.

The Commissioner of Health and Human Services, meeting with our Legislative Committee this week, indicated she is looking for $80 million of new cuts -- something that is likely the leave big gaps in the safety net for Maine’s most vulnerable citizens. Another $60 to $70 million has been proposed to be cut from education funding which will mean less state aid to education. As a result, either educational services will have to be cut or local school support will have to be raised -- or both. Given the sharp increase in property taxes in Rumford and other communities in the district this year, another jump in the local share for education will be difficult for many families to manage.

I will continue to work on these issues with my colleagues to find creative solutions that will minimize the impacts of program cuts while looking out for taxpayer concerns. In this situation, there are not any good choices -- we will have to be picking between bad choices and trying to do the least amount of harm until we start to feel the effects of economic recovery. We all have to pull together to work through this difficult period in our state’s economic history, and I encourage you to contact me with ideas or approaches that might be able to help in determining the best possible course.

In addition to the ongoing budget discussions, I have been involved in significant follow-up to legislation I introduced in the last session and which was subsequently passed. LD 1078, a bill to make changes in our long term care system in order to better serve the needs of Maine seniors and people with a disability, has generated a great deal of work on a system redesign. I have been part of a twenty person group that began meeting at the end of the summer and has been meeting frequently in order to promote this systems change. Consumers, workers, advocates, state officials and providers have all come together to analyze the existing system. We are now nearing the end of this intensive process as we develop new approaches that we will recommend to DHHS Commissioner, Brenda Harvey. This process will be completed when the Commissioner reports back to the Legislature in January and we look at what actions we must take to institute recommended changes that improve cost-effective services for Mainers.

One of the other pieces of legislation I sponsored was LD 1089 which will bring Mixed Martial Arts events to Maine in a regulated manner. Over the summer, I have been working closely with the Governor’s Office identifying qualified people would be qualified to serve on that oversight authority. Those appointments should be made in the next few weeks. In addition, I have worked closely with the Attorney General’s Office on other aspects of implementing this legislation and will continue the effort to bring this sport to Maine, while insuring that it is operated to the highest standards.

Again, I want to express my appreciation to all the citizens of the River Valley for giving me this opportunity to serve. Since the session, I’ve spent the time traveling from home to work, heading into Augusta for meetings, and splitting my time between Rumford and our family camp on Roxbury Pond. I have enjoyed sharing with many of you during the various events in our area, and nothing is more important than the chance to talk with you, listen to your ideas and shape my opinions based on those conversations. Thank you for your input and please keep it coming. Contact me and I will do my best to respond as quickly as possible. I believe I can represent you best when the lines of communication are open.

State Revenue Falls Most Since 1963 on Incomes, Sales

2009-10-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

By Jerry Hart and William Selway

Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. state tax collections tumbled the most in almost half a century in the second quarter as the economic recession curbed levies on incomes and sales.

The 16.6 percent plunge was the biggest since at least 1963, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government said today. For the 12 months to June 30, the fiscal year for most states, revenue declined 8.2 percent, or $63 billion, about twice what states got from the $787 billion U.S. economic stimulus package, the institute said.

State revenue has dwindled for two straight quarters and continued to decline in July and August, the Albany-based research organization said. Budgets for the year that began July 1 already face $26 billion of deficits, the Washington, D.C.- based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said Aug. 12, forcing state lawmakers to confront additional spending cuts.

“We’re looking at a multiyear problem hitting essentially every state,” Robert Ward, the institute’s deputy director, told reporters. “It has happened during recessions before, but the depth of this decline is unprecedented in modern times.”

Collections dropped in 49 states in the second quarter as sales and personal-income taxes slid for the third consecutive period, the institute said. Income tax was down 27.5 percent and sales tax fell down 9.5 percent, its study said. Both categories fell by the most in 45 years.

“Many economists believe that the national recession has ended and that a tepid recovery is now underway,” Rockefeller analysts Lucy Dadayan and Donald J. Boyd wrote. “Unfortunately for states, an emerging economic recovery does not spell instant budget relief.”

‘Considerably More’

Figures for July and August for 36 early-reporting states showed tax collections down 8 percent, the Rockefeller Institute said. At least 17 states have announced budget shortfalls since July, with “considerably more” expected, Boyd said.

New York’s tax revenue from April 1 to Sept. 15 was $634.5 million below projections and $3.6 billion less than a year ago, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said yesterday. California reported last week that revenue trailed a forecast made less than three months earlier by $1.1 billion, or 5.3 percent.

States are anticipating more cuts to current-year budgets, already pared once to bring them into balance. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour told managers on Oct. 13 to cut spending 5 percent because tax collections in the first three months of fiscal 2010 were 7.7 percent below estimates. Florida Governor Charlie Crist told department heads on Oct. 12 not to request more money for next year, when the state faces a $2.6 billion deficit.

“It’s clear that when governors propose their budgets in January, the vast preponderance will be looking for more spending cuts and tax increases,” Boyd said.

Housing Market

The main driver for the second-quarter decline was lower income-tax collections, Boyd said on a conference call, “most likely due to lower capital gains from market declines in 2008 and the bursting real estate bubble.”

Payroll-tax withholding fell 4 percent from a year earlier and estimated-tax payments made in the quarter fell 32 percent in the median state, he said.

“Real wages take 13 to 17 quarters to recover from the end of a recession,” he said. “It will take several years for states to bring spending into line with incomes.”

The study’s retail-sales index showed an 11 percent decline since the start of the recession in December 2007, he said. The second quarter’s 9.5 percent decline in sales taxes followed an 8.3 percent decline in the first quarter, he said.

Alaska’s tax income declined the most of any state, the study said, with an 86.5 percent drop because of lower oil prices. Vermont fared the best, with a 2.2 percent gain because of a one-time estate-tax settlement.

Local tax collections declined by 2.8 percent in the second quarter, the Rockefeller study said. That’s less severe than the state slowdown because municipalities rely more on property taxes, which rose “a surprising” 3.1 percent in the quarter, the report said.

Still, 88 percent of local finance officers said in a September poll by the National League of Cities that they’re less able to cover expenses than in the year before.

To contact the reporters on this story: Jerry Hart in Miami at jhart@bloomberg.net; William Selway in San Francisco at wselway@bloomberg.net.

Original Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601015&sid=aeZod9l8IVx8

Local reps appointed to national legislative committees

2009-10-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA– Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree recently appointed Reps. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, and Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, to standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Peterson, who championed long-term care services throughout his first year as a state representative, was appointed to the Standing Committee on Health and the Standing Committee on Human Services and Welfare. He was additionally appointed to the state’s Long-term Care Oversight Committee.

“Our population is aging and as a result the need for long-term supportive services is increasing exponentially,” said Peterson. “This is a huge sector of spending in our Health and Human Services budget. We need to make it a top priority to constantly be finding ways to streamline the system to work better for consumers, the workers providing the services, and taxpayers.”

Briggs, who is a member of the State Legislature’s Inland, Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, was appointed to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Energy.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with other legislators from other states on these issues,” said Briggs. “Maine has a lot to bring to the table in terms of sustainable energy ideas, and I look forward to hearing what other states have tried.”

As members of their respective committees, legislators will have the opportunity to attend meetings and conferences hosted by NCSL.

Testimony In Support of LD 596

2009-10-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

On March 10th, 2009, I testified in support of a bill I cosponsored. LD 596, "An Act to Allow Electricity Customers Who Operate Generating Faciltities To Be Paid in Cash for Excess Net Eneregy Produced," was submitted by Representative Jim Martin. The bill required transmission and distribution utility companies to compensate customers that generate electricity from renewable resources for any excess electricity generated by the customer beyond the customer's actual electricity usage. It required the compensation to be in the form of a cash payment or kilowatt-hour credits at the option of the customer. Unfortunately, the bill was reported out of the Utilities and Energy Committee "ought not to pass." Below is the testimony I offered in support of LD 596.

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Senator Hobbins, Representative Hinck and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities and Energy, I am Matt Peterson, proud to represent District 92 which includes the Oxford County towns of Andover, Byron, Roxbury, Rumford, Weld and plantations of Rangeley and Sandy River plus the unorganized territories of West Central Franklin and Madrid Township. I am here to speak in support of LD 596, "An Act to Allow Electricity Customers Who Operate Generating Facilities To Be Paid in Cash for Excess Net Energy Produced."

I am certain that I do not have to point out to any members of this committee, or this entire body, our need to encourage the production of renewable energy as a means of diminishing our dependence upon foreign energy sources as well as preserving and improving our environmental quality. I am pleased to represent an area that has the potential to emerge as a major energy provider -- given our hydro resources and potential, as well as proposed wind farms, possible bio-mass facilities, and an existing gas fired power generation facility. All of these are commercial energy producers -- but we must look for incentives for smaller operators and energy producers -- including home-owners and small businesses, to become a part of the state’s energy solutions.

This bill is a common sense and simple approach that builds upon the Maine tradition and policy of net-metering that was first enabled by this body more than twenty years ago. A next important step in encouraging the growth of small scale energy production and the use of the existing electric grid for cost effective energy storage, is to convert the value of that energy produced into cash for small generators. This bill will accomplish that goal and I urge the committee to give this legislation your positive consideration. While I am sure that there are many here with greater expertise in this matter, I would be happy to answer any questions regarding this proposal.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

LEAN Process as part of LD 1078 Commences

2009-10-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

LEAN Philosophy: To create the most value [from the customer's perspective] while using the fewest resources.

LEAN Concepts and Principles:

Know your customer--who they are and what they want
Value is defined by the customer
Keep the process simple
Do "it" right the first time

As part of the passage of LD 1078 "An Act to Strengthen Sustainable Long-term Supportive Services for Maine Citizens," the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has convened a work group of persons representing all significant parties, including consumers, interested in the issue of efficient and effective long-term care (LTC) in Maine. The purpose of the work group is to analyze the LTC service system and make recommendations that will assist DHHS in designing a system that promotes consumer choice, transparency, portability and flexibility.

By January 15, 2010, the work group must report to the Legislature's Health & Human Services Committee. The report must contain the work group's recommendations for improvements in the long-term care system in the State. These recommendations must address:

Intake & eligibility determination
Consumer Assessment
Development of plans of care
The definition of qualified providers
The means to standardize rates and wages within the system

On October 6th, 2009, the work group met for the second time. Tasks completed included a mapping of the current system, and identification and prioritization of consumer requirements of a long-term care in-home and community support service system.