Under the Dome: Inside the Maine State House provides a high-level overview of recent activity at the Maine State House.
Maine’s Health Exchange Co-op Sues Federal Government & Files for Rate Increase
Community Health Options, Maine’s health exchange co-op established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has filed suit against the federal government, seeking funds through the ACA’s “risk corridors” program. The Maine co-op has also filed for an average rate increase of around 22% for 2017 as it seeks to stabilize its financial footing. Community Health Options is one of seven operational co-ops of the original 23 created nationwide under the ACA.
Governor LePage is Fundraiser for New PAC
Governor Paul LePage has a new role. He has been listed as a fundraiser for the newly-formed Increasing Citizen Engagement (ICE) Political Action Committee. The PAC registration forms state that its purpose is to raise funds to support “pro-business candidates.” It appears that this PAC was formed to support Republican candidates to the Maine House of Representatives. To date, six contributors have donated $130,000 to the fund.
Civil Discourse Awards to Rep. Pouliot & Treasurer Hayes
Maine Representative Matt Pouliot and Maine State Treasurer and former Representative Terry Hayes were recognized by the National Institute for Civil Discourse at its National Conference of State Legislatures 2016 Annual Legislative Summit in Chicago on Tuesday, August 9th. The award recognized their efforts to instill and reinforce civility in policy discussions. Pouliot and Hayes have participated in training and subsequent workshops on civil discourse in politics in conjunction with the Eastern Region of the Council of State Governments. Maine Senators Roger Katz, Andre Cushing, Garret Mason and Brian Langley are also trained as facilitators of these workshops. The most recent civil discourse workshop for legislators was held in January 2016 and was co-sponsored by the Maine Development Foundation, the Maine Health Access Foundation, the University of Maine and the Maine Community Foundation. This workshop is now being considered for the training curriculum for all newly elected Maine legislators.
District 32 Candidate Needed
On or before August 18, York County Republicans can select a new candidate for Senate District 32 in the Biddeford area to replace Stephen Martin, who announced his withdrawal from the race for health reasons. Martin was running against Senator Susan Deschambeault, who was seated last March after defeating Martin in a special election. York County Republicans will need to hold a caucus to determine Martin’s replacement.
