2018-02-09 Update
2018-02-09 - Update
Washington County Lawmakers Denounce DCF
Closure
AUGUSTA | On Friday, Washington
County lawmakers denounced an overnight move by Governor LePage to close
Downeast Correctional Facility in Machiasport, Maine despite repeated
bipartisan legislative support for the facility.
Members of
Maine’s Washington County Legislative delegation issued the following
joint statement:
“In the dead of night when workers showed
up to their shifts at Downeast Correctional Facility, they were told they
no longer had jobs or a way to feed their families. Despite clear and
repeated bipartisan support for the facility from the legislature and
months of work to do the right thing, not only for Washington County, but
for our prison system as a whole, Governor LePage chose to unilaterally
ignore the wishes of Maine’s elected representatives and close the
facility four months ahead of schedule.
“While we do not
yet know how far the economic and community impacts of this action will
spread, we do know that a layoff of this magnitude is similar to a loss of
600 jobs in Cumberland County, and that it will cause harm to our
communities for years to come. This surprise move is irresponsible and is
sure to pose a threat to our public safety as a result of the chronic bed
shortage, statewide. We will do everything in our power to reverse this
decision.”
The Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public
Safety Committee approved LD 1704 "An Act To Fund the Downeast
Correctional Facility," sponsored by Rep. William Tuell (R-East Machias),
just last week. The committee voted unanimously to continue funding
Downeast Correctional Facility for at least one additional year. The
measure has not yet been voted on by the full House and Senate.
I decided to begin with this note received this morning. In part becasue the sudden and drastic measure taken by the Governor says something about leadership - without compassion, understanding, or study.
_______________
In the
Legislature
It seems as if we spend a great deal of
time wrestling with referenda. This week, we again discussed and
voted on the issue of marijuana legalization. This all just
seems to take time, and perhaps more time than really necessary.
While I am not a fan of the legislation, the mandate of the referendum is
clear.
In the Education
Committee
We are currently engaged in a debate to
postpone the mandate for Proficiency Based Diplomas as a requirement for
high school graduation.
As an educator, I have lots and lots
and lots to say about this issue.
It is important that we
educate with standards in mind. It is also important that we assisted in
success with standards in mind. And yet, it seems that we are all caught
up in the weeds about what it means to educate with standards to the level
of proficiency.
In the state of Maine, lots of time to explore what
it means to educate and assist with standards mind. It seems to me that it
is time to make this a regular practice.
House Calendars
Weekly Calendar of Legislative Events/Meetings
Bill
Text can be found using this link called Directory of
Bills
Bill
Text
Link to Bill Status
Bill Status
Events Calendars
Click this link ot see an events calendar - Events
Or, see the calendar in the side bar to the left.
As
always, feel free to contact me at rfuller@mainenet.org
