Representing portions of Gray, No.Yarmouth &
Pownal, serving on the Business Research and Economic
Development Committee I gain and gather "good
news" just for YOU!
MARCH 15, 2005 marked Maine's 185 year of statehood.
Our Business Research and Economic Development Committee
expects to have heard and worked approx. 130 Bills
by May 6th (report out date). This week we are in
session three days and committee four. Our schedule
will start to speed up and I expect we may be voting
on the new Biennium Budget by week's end.
Applications for Homestead Exemptions are due April
1st. They are available at your town office or can
be downloaded from many town websites. The program
is available to full-time residents of Maine who
have occupied their own home for at least twelve
months. The Homestead Exemption has allowed homeowners
to exempt the first $7,000 of evaluation on their
home from taxation in past years. The recently passed
property tax reform bill, L.D. 1, raises the exemption
limit to the first $13,000 of home value this tax
year. There are no income requirements to qualify.
Recently I shared a list of the Maine Community
Colleges who enjoy a seamless transfer of credits
to U. Maine. March 16th an agreement, called the
U Advantage between the Maine Community Colleges
and the University of Maine System established "guaranteed"
admission for students upon completion of a Liberal
Studies associate degree. These students will be
admitted with junior standing, provided they meet
basic Grade Point Average requirements.
On April 30th the first EVER Maine Vacation &
Travel Show opens at the Portland Expo. This is
a must for those who rely on the tourism sector
of our economy. Maine has been branded as the state
where Life is the way it ought to be! Thanks to
the marketing effort of individuals in the Hospitality
and Tourism profession, Maine automatically presents
a visual to the world of open spaces, clean air,
pristine coast line and an endless interior of ponds,
lakes and streams. Through our Business Committee,
people have come to me and shared what an indelible
picture in the mind's eye that unspoken message
delivers as they market their products outside Maine
and New England. Do we utilize the power of that
tool that encourages many to purchase "Get
Real/ Get Maine" products and to visit Maine
enough?
I join with my family to wish you all a Joyous Easter!
