Republicans
in the Maine Legislature do Gov. LePage's bidding - they cut healthcare
for over 21,000 Mainers, ended prescription drug coverage for
1,500 Mainers, cut funding for Head Start by $2 million, and reduced
family planning services for Mainers - all the while putting $34
million in new tax breaks on the state's credit card
Mourning
the deaths of MSEA-SEIU member Samantha Davis-Gay and her husband,
Skip
Maine
beats New Hampshire in head-to-head battle for taxpayers and their
income. So why is Gov. LePage still claiming that Maine's income
taxes are forcing Mainers out of state?
When
push comes to shove
Thank you, George Burgoyne, for
your service on the MSEA-SEIU Board of Directors! Our MSEA-SEIU
Board of Directors has accepted, with regret, the resignation
of MSEA-SEIU Retiree Director George Burgoyne. George took this
action so he can continue his good work as a member of the Board
of Trustees of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. We
thank George for all of his advocacy on behalf of Maine workers
and retired workers.
Legislative
funding allows Maine Military Authority to refurbish 30 school
buses
Thank
you, workers at the Maine Community College System, for turning
out the largest graduating class in the system's history
Joining together for the
Sixth
Annual Workers' Memorial Day and May Day Dinner presented
by the Western Maine Labor Council, over 100 Mainers gathered
this evening at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston
on April 27 to remember the 32 Maine workers who died on the job
in 2011. Those who gathered also celebrated the working class
with several award presentations. Auburn City workers won the
council's Workers Solidarity Award for gaining a voice a work
by forming a union with MSEA-SEIU Local 1989. State
Rep. Paul Gilbert, a staunch advocate for Maine workers and a
retiree member of MSEA-SEIU Local 1989, was
recognized with the Bruce D. Roy Solidarity
Award. And labor educator Bill Murphy was recognized with the
Frances Perkins Award. Congressman Mike Michaud congratulated
the award recipients for standing up for the rights of Maine workers.
The Congressman also called for vigilance in ensuring safe and
healthy working conditions for all workers. Allan Shepard of IBEW
Local 567 served as emcee for the program. Rachel Desgrosseillers,
executive director of Museum L-A, shared efforts to preserve the
stories of workers over the generations. Father Mike Seavey of
the Portland Diocese gave the invocation.
Standing with the mechanics, fitters, welders,
electricians and others workers at Bath Iron Works as contract
negotiations begin
Public
Service Recognition Week: The U.S. Senate has unanimously
passed a
resolution honoring federal, state and local government employees
during Public Service Recognition Week
continuing through May 12. The resolution was sponsored by Senator
Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. Cosponsors included Senator Susan Collins.
Senator Collins said: "I am pleased to be a cosponsor of
the Public Service Recognition Week, to recognize the millions
of dedicated public servants who serve our nation at all levels
of government. This includes our local law enforcement, firefighters
and other first responders who perform a vital function in protecting
the safety of the public every day. It is important that we recognize,
honor, and support these dedicated individuals who serve the people
of Maine and, indeed, all Americans."
Risky
business: LD 849 puts Maine's credit rating on the line
Maine
Rep. Seth Berry: Reckless TABOR tax bill should be stopped
Introducing a new, MSEA-SEIU members-only
discount! MSEA-SEIU Union Oil Program Available in five counties:
York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc and Kennebec. Not all
people in service area may qualify for delivery - it's at the
discretion of the oil dealer. PRE-BUY $3.59/gallon now through
May 25, 2012, while supplies last (minimum 500 gallon purchase
with auto fill) for Oct. 2012 - May 2013 delivery. Pricing may
change at dealer's discretion without notice. Monthly Budget Plans
and Downside Protection Insurance are also available at slightly
higher costs. Contact Luanne at MSEA-SEIU headquarters for a form.
Plan is through Fielding's Oil and Propane, a Maine, multi-generational,
family business. Service plans also available.
Victory
in Connecticut: 11,000 Home Care and Child Care Workers Win Bargaining
Rights
Our friends at the Kennebec Valley Organization
and Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program invite you to the Spring
Action Meeting (Thursday, June 7, from 5:30-7:30 Notre Dame Church.
112 Silver St. Waterville) to hear stories and take action to
win commitments for improved transportation to health care to
reduce the isolation and improve the lives of Valley seniors.
Since last January, KVO and MLTCO leaders have been gathering
testimonials from seniors living in Central Maine. Their stories
speak of the challenges they face: inadequate access to health
care and nutritious food, loneliness, substance abuse/depression,
and a crippling isolation due to the rural nature of Central Maine.
Come hear them out as they voice their concerns, and be part of
the brainstorming to shore up the social services so that fewer
seniors are falling through the cracks. Questions? Contact Alex
Wheelwright at 200-8735 or Brenda Gallant at 626-5353.
Preferred
Hospital List from the Maine Division of Employee Health and Benefits
effective Feb. 1, 2012
