AUGUSTA- A measure that outlines a fair system to evaluate Maine schools received a public hearing this week by the state’s education committee. The evaluation measure is intended to replace the flawed school “grading system” implemented by the LePage administration earlier this month.

“As a parent, a former member of my local school board, and the Senate chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs committee, I want the best learning environment for our students,” said Senator Rebecca Millett (D-Cape Elizabeth) who is also the sponsor of the bill. “A thought-out and well-crafted evaluation system should not only tell a school to improve, it should also show them how, and support them as they try. A carefully crafted school evaluation system will recognize the areas in which a school is striving, accepting that no school is perfect, and that even the ‘A’ schools must continue to improve their delivery of education to meet the needs of all students.”

The proposal would involve education stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, parents, experts, and students, in developing a fair school evaluation system. The measure directs the system to base its evaluation on student progress and local improvement measures. Furthermore, the system would not be based on a bell-curve or standardized test scores.

“Two years ago, the Commissioner himself stood before this committee during his confirmation hearing and expressed significant doubts about the effectiveness of using standardized testing to measure performance,” said Senate President Justin Alfond (D-Portland), who testified in support of the measure. “Commissioner Bowen spoke of his own experience as a teacher, and how the pressure to improve standardized test scores forced a focus on math and language arts to the detriment of science and social studies.”

John Kosinski of the Maine Education Association also testified in support of the measure, which he viewed as an attempt to remedy the grading system imposed by the governor’s administration. He urged the committee to put politics aside and focus on building a great product.

“It is clear that the governor’s school grading system is not working,” said Senator Millett, who referenced an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald by Prashant Mittal, a statistician and faculty member at the University of Southern Maine, regarding the flaws in the current school evaluation system. Mittal argued for peer group comparisons of schools, which will be included in the evaluation system.

The bill, LD 1540, “An Act To Fix and Improve the System Used To Evaluate or Rate Public Schools in Maine,” will have a work session before the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs in room 202 of the Cross Building on Wednesday, May 22 at 1 p.m.

AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate enacted a first-of-its-kind measure addressing the skills gap and workforce training.

“There is no better example of what can happen when we work together for the betterment of this state,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland who is also the bill’s sponsor. “By endorsing this measure, it is clear that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle agree on the shared priority to get people back to work.”

LD 90, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future,” is an omnibus piece of legislation renewing the partnership between government, education, workers, and businesses, and addresses the specific factors contributing to the “skills gap”.

“It’s a top priority to put Mainers back to work and help businesses find the talent they need to grow. The legislature worked together to come up with a solution that will help create jobs, help Mainers keep jobs and Maine businesses in today’s economy,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall (D-Richmond), who also serves as the Senate chair of the Workforce committee.

The measure has garnered broad support and praise from Maine Community College President John Fitzsimmons, University of Maine Chancellor James Page, President of the Maine Development Foundation Ed Cervone, Tim Walton from Cianbro and other business and community leaders from across Maine.

Goodall added, “This is a win-win for Maine people, Maine businesses, and Maine’s economy.”

The measure will go to the Special Appropriations table for further consideration by the budget-writing committee and then to the Governor for his signature.

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AUGUSTA—Today in party line votes of 20 -15, the Senate rejected delay tactics and amendments to yesterday’s historic measure preserving the acceptance of federal funds to expand healthcare coverage for nearly 70,000 Mainers, and the repayment to Maine’s hospitals.

“The time to accept this deal from the federal government is now. The time to pay back the hospitals is today,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall, D-Richmond. “We have an opportunity for the feds to pick up 100 percent of the costs. This is a deal we should not pass up. It’s a deal we can’t afford to pass up.”

Goodall added, “The people of Maine will lose out if we don’t take it.”

Nearly 70,000 Maine people can receive healthcare coverage if Maine accepts the federal government’s offer: the federal government has agreed  to pay 100% of the cost for covering all newly eligible people for the first three years and then gradually lowering  its payment to no less than 90 percent of the cost by 2020.

Additionally, this measure makes the final payment to Maine hospitals totalling $485 million in state and federal dollars. Maine hospitals will also receive an additional $163 million a year in federal dollars for treating newly insured Maine residents, and will save money on their charity care costs.

According to the Maine Hospital Association, both bad debt and charity care cost $450 million last year, an increase of $32 million from the previous year.

“People’s lives are on the line. The Republicans should stop their delay and deny tactics and pass a bill that will address the costs of health care for Maine people and Maine’s hospitals,” said Assistant Majority Leader Senator Troy Jackson of Allagash.

The bill, LD 1546, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Hospitals, Increase Access to Health Care and Provide for a New Spirits Contract,” will now head to the House for further action.

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AUGUSTA—This morning, the Maine Senate voted 24-11, largely along party lines, to allow the people of Maine to vote on expanding early voting.

“We should all be in support of any action that allows people greater access to vote,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall, D-Richmond. “But, even if you aren’t, let the people of Maine decide. Put it to the voters. They should be the ones to decide something as fundamental as voting–who are we to make that judgment for them?”

The bill, which proposes to change the Maine Constitution to allow for early voting in the days prior to an election, requires approval directly from voters.

“I don’t think there’s anything we can do in this body to make it easy enough for people to vote,” added Senator Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick. “The more we can do to encourage Maine voters to vote, the better off as a state we will always be.”

In some Maine towns, absentee ballots account for 60 percent of votes cast. Under early voting, clerks would not have to process so many absentee ballots on Election Day.

“Early voting helps working people and rural Mainers,” said Assistant Majority Leader Troy Jackson, D-Allagash. “Where I come from, folks in the logging industry who are working in the woods all week used to be able to go in on Saturdays until the Legislature took that right away. Strengthening early voting makes it easier for them to make their voices heard.”

Maine was the first state to institute election day voter registration. After the Republican-controlled legislature repealed this right in 2011, more than 60% of Maine voters restored same-day voter registration in a 2011 referendum vote.

Senator Gerzofsky added, “Allowing the people to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. And last year’s change to the voting law attempted to dry up the vote. Maine needs to continue leading the nation and allow the people of Maine to decide.”

The Secretary of State’s bipartisan Elections Commission, the Maine Municipal Association, and the clerks who oversee elections in municipalities all support the bill.

The measure will now go to the House for further consideration.

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A battle of wills and legislative powers took the spotlight Sunday, stirring up a political fire at a time when legislators and Gov. Paul LePage’s administration should instead be focused on fixing the state budget crisis and preventing future cost overruns at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

In a special legislative meeting on Sunday, Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Sen. Dawn Hill, D-York, held firm and declined to let LePage address the committee when he sat in front of the mic. The panel had finished its work; LePage had not been scheduled to speak; and Hill said she would be happy to hear his concerns outside of the committee. LePage escalated the tension when he continued to push Hill to let him talk and said the people of Maine were “being played for patsies.”

The pushback politicized and personalized a process that benefits far more from rationality. What is needed is a budget to ensure DHHS gets through the rest of the fiscal year, which ends June 30, and an analysis of how revenue forecasts and budget structures for the department can be improved. If lawmakers are going to approve an emergency budget package for DHHS, they should fully understand the factors that contributed to the current funding gap and what is being done to prevent them from happening again.

LePage has not helped by creating an air of a crisis. The administration rolled out a package of budget proposal changes on May 8 that included $35 million more for DHHS. And the Office of Fiscal and Program Review provided information about Medicaid spending and the likely shortfall in April. But the LePage administration didn’t send notice to legislative leaders until Friday that DHHS needs the funding by May 28. The slowness in announcing a deadline increases pressure on lawmakers and makes it more difficult for them to potentially address matters that led to the department’s funding gap.

That doesn’t mean they can’t still do so. According to information provided by the department, unrealized revenues for DHHS account for $17 million of the $35 million request, and $16 million of the gap can be attributed to changes in MaineCare use. Nearly 70 percent of all people receiving MaineCare used services in fiscal year 2013, compared with 65 percent in fiscal year 2012. Legislators should dig into more details of what contributed to the need for greater funding. They should learn when the problems became clear to DHHS officials and whether they could have been discussed and acted on earlier to allow more time to find the best solutions.

In fairness, some of DHHS’ cost variables are unpredictable, as the agency becomes responsible for paying for health care services as people use them. But when the department needs one supplemental budget after another to pay its bills, the public deserves an accounting of where estimates went wrong and whether different decisions should have been made. Lawmakers can use these latest money troubles to understand how the department can improve, to reduce the likelihood of another funding gap soon in the future.

AUGUSTA, Maine — In a unanimous vote, the Maine Senate passed a bill Monday sponsored by Sen. Dawn Hill, D-York, to increase the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) to prevent drunken driving.

“Ignition interlock devices are very effective at preventing drunk driving, and they allow people to get back to work and school,” said Hill. “They should be available to more people.”

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are installed in a vehicle and require a person to breathe into the device before the vehicle is started. At random times after the vehicle has started, the IID will require another breath sample to prevent someone other than the driver from giving the breath sample. If the blood alcohol content exceeds the set limit, or if a breath sample isn’t provided, the device will warn the driver and begin an alarm, such as flashing lights or a honking horn, until the vehicle is turned off or a breath sample is provided.

According to Robert O’Connell, director of Legal Affairs, Adjudications, and Hearings at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the general recidivism rate for OUI offenses in 2012 was 26% compared with 1.5% for those who have had IIDs installed since 2009.

The issue was brought to Hill’s attention by a constituent, William Pratt of York, who would like to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle so that he can regain his license and get back to work, but does not currently meet the requirements.

During public testimony before the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Pratt said, “This bill would make me eligible for an interlocking device to be installed on my truck, and my lifestyle would be immensely improved instantly. Having been without a license for going on seven years, I truly appreciate that a driver’s license is a privilege and would treat it that way.”

This measure would increase the minimum mandatory suspension for a driver with three operating under the influence (OUI) convictions within a 10 year period from six years to eight years, and authorize the secretary of state to reinstate the license of the suspended driver after a four-year suspension if the driver uses an ignition interlock device for four years.

The bill, LD 85, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in the Laws Regarding Operating Under the Influence, faces more votes in the Senate and House.

Read more here

AUGUSTA — The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center recently honored nine “Heroes in Healing” — community members who have made a difference to survivors of sexual violence — at the agency’s 14th annual Celebrity Dinner fundraiser.

Those honored were:

Denis Culley, of Mercer, senior staff attorney with Legal Services for the Elderly, who has worked with elderly survivors of sexual assault.

Chip Rumsey, of Waterville, deputy chief of police at the Waterville Police Department, has been associated with the work of sexual violence advocacy centers for many years. In addition to his work as a law enforcement officer, he has served on the board of directors, provided training to advocates, supported fundraisers and other events, and most recently been an integral part of the development of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kennebec and Somerset Counties.

Chuck Hays, of Manchester, president and chief executive officer of MaineGeneral Health, has provided the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kennebec and Somerset Counties, a program of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center, with rent-free space from MaineGeneral Medical Center.

Pamela Boivin, of Manchester, legal specialist at the Family Violence Project, works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through the court system in obtaining protection from abuse orders and other needs. She has also served as a volunteer advocate for the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center, is currently a professor at the University of Maine and recently obtained a Ph.D. in criminal psychology.

Sen. Colleen Lachowicz of Augusta began her work with the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center as a social worker by referring clients and collaborating with the center to help provide services. Most recently she was part of the development committee for the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Michelle Galego, of Augusta, child protective supervisor at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, serves as an advocate for abused children in her role as supervisor of child protective caseworkers. Most recently she has co-chaired the advisory committee for the Children’s Advocacy Center and was part of the development of this program.

Sherri Thornton of Burnham and Barbara Covey, of Oakland, sexual assault forensic examiners at MaineGeneral Medical Center, have been specially trained to provide these exams. They both help coordinate the regional Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program at MaineGeneral Medical Centers in Augusta and Waterville as well as Redington-Fairview General Hospital and Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield.

Steve Meister of Winthrop, is medical director at Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center, which is a partner of the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Multi-Disciplinary Team. He is a past board member of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center and works with the Pediatric Rapid Response Program for children going into foster care.

For more information visit www.silentnomore.org.

AUGUSTA—Today in a 20-15 vote, the Senate passed an historic measure to repay Maine’s hospital debt and accept federal funds to expand healthcare coverage for nearly 70,000 Mainers.

“The time for delaying and denying healthcare to thousands of Maine people has passed. The time for action is now,” said Senator Margaret Craven of Lewiston. “Too many Mainers are one illness or accident away from financial ruin. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

Nearly 70,000 Maine people can receive healthcare coverage if Maine accepts the federal government’s offer: The federal government has agreed to pay 100% of the cost for covering all newly eligible people for the first three years and then gradually lowering its payment to no less than 90 percent of the cost by 2020.

“Passing this bill is fiscally responsible, medically responsible, and morally responsible,” said Senator John Cleveland of Auburn. “The legislature can make that decision. We have it in our power to pay our debt to the hospitals and provide healthcare to the poorest in our communities.”

Maine is projected to save $690 million in the next 10 years if it accepts the federal dollars, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Foundation and the conservative Heritage Foundation. Maine is also one of 10 states that will see Medicaid expenditures go down over the next 10 years.

Assistant Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash spoke about two neighbors in his hometown who had health problems similar to his own. “Of the three of us, I was the only one with health insurance, I could afford to get the care I need, and I’m the only one who is alive. I can’t help thinking that’s the reason: I had health insurance. We should be throwing people like them a line, not pulling up the ladder behind us.”

Nearly 70 percent of Maine people support accepting federal health care dollars to increase access to health care, according to the nonpartisan Maine People’s Resource Center.

During the debate many Senators shared personal stories of people’s lives that will be impacted if the state accepts the federal government’s offer. Senator Colleen Lachowicz of Waterville said, “People’s lives are on the line.” And Senator Emily Cain of Orono reminded the body that, “Fundraisers are not health care. People are not widgets. We must accept this offer.”

Additionally, this measure as passed, makes the final payment to Maine hospitals totaling $485 million in state and federal dollars. Maine hospitals will also receive an additional $163 million a year in federal dollars for treating newly insured Maine residents if Maine accepts the federal health care dollars.

“To be absolutely clear, medical insurance is not welfare. Medical insurance keeps people healthy. The patients who come to see me with insurance do much better than those without,” said Senator Geoff Gratwick of Bangor, who is also a practicing physician. “From my perspective as a physician, voting against this bill is a vote to cripple Maine, both literally and figuratively.”

Gratwick added, “Maine hospitals and Maine people both win with this bill. Maine’s hospital debt is a symptom of our high healthcare costs. Not only do we have to pay back our hospitals, but we have to address how we got here. By ensuring that thousands of Mainers can see a doctor when they are sick, we will keep the healthy at work. We will reduce the charity care costs and the debt our hospitals are accruing. To pay the hospitals without reducing their costs moving forward would leave the job half done.”

According to the Maine Hospital Association, both bad debt and charity care cost $450 million last year, an increase of $32 million from the previous year. Insuring nearly 70,000 Mainers will reduce hospital charity care and bad debt costs. The Maine Hospital Association has stated its support for paying back the hospitals and accepting federal health care dollars.

According to the Maine Center for Economic Policy, accepting federal dollars would inject an additional $250 million of federal funding into Maine’s economy and create more than 3,100 jobs with more than 1,700 jobs in the healthcare industry alone.

“We are addressing the costs of health care for Maine people and hospitals,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall of Richmond. “What’s more, we’re doing it all in one fell swoop. That’s efficient. That’s good government. That’s what we were sent here to do.”

The bill, LD 1546, “An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Hospitals, Increase Access to Health Care and Provide for a New Spirits Contract,” faces additional votes in the House and Senate.

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AUGUSTA—Earlier today in a unanimous vote, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senator Dawn Hill (D-York) to increase the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) to prevent drunk driving.

“Ignition interlock devices are very effective at preventing drunk driving, and they allow people to get back to work and school,” said Senator Hill. “They should be available to more people.”

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are installed in a vehicle and require a person to breathe into the device before the vehicle is started. At random times after the vehicle has started, the IID will require another breath sample to prevent someone other than the driver from giving the breath sample. If the blood alcohol content exceeds the set limit, or if a breath sample isn’t provided, the device will warn the driver and begin an alarm, such as flashing lights or a honking horn, until the vehicle is turned off or a breath sample is provided.

According to Robert O’Connell, Director of Legal Affairs, Adjudications, and Hearings at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the general recidivism rate for OUI offenses in 2012 was 26% compared with 1.5% for those who have had IIDs installed since 2009.

The issue was brought to Senator Hill’s attention by a constituent, William Pratt of York, who would like to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle so that he can regain his license and get back to work, but does not currently meet the requirements.

During public testimony before the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, William Pratt of York said, “This bill would make me eligible for an interlocking device to be installed on my truck, and my lifestyle would be immensely improved instantly. Having been without a license for going on seven years, I truly appreciate that a driver’s license is a privilege and would treat it that way.”

This measure would increase the minimum mandatory suspension for a driver with three operating under the influence (OUI) convictions within a 10 year period from 6 years to 8 years, and authorize the Secretary of State to reinstate the license of the suspended driver after a 4 year suspension if the driver uses an ignition interlock device for four years.

The bill, LD 85, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in the Laws Regarding Operating Under the Influence, faces more votes in the Senate and House.

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AUGUSTA—After Governor Paul LePage interrupted an Appropriations Committee hearing to lecture lawmakers, Democrats said he was an embarrassment to the state.

“The Governor has no clue what he is doing, other than to cause conflict, which he does well and seems to thrive on,” said Assistant Majority Leader Troy Jackson (D-Allagash). “He should just go on another vacation and let the Legislature do its work. We’ll have it settled when he gets back.”

At the conclusion of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs committee meeting, Governor LePage approached the microphone to speak. In his brief remarks to the committee, he claimed his administration had not been represented–despite the preceding two hours spent with two of his highest ranking budget officials, and abruptly ended his appearance by saying, “the people of the state of Maine are being played for patsies.”

“Democrats are not going to allow the Governor to hijack a productive hearing just because he didn’t like the outcome,” said Assistant House Majority Leader Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan. “We are not going to let the Governor distract us from getting work done.”

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