Maine’s transportation commissioner is qualified to decide whether and where speed limits on the state’s interstate highway system could be raised. Pending legislation, LD 654, sponsored by Rep. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, would make that possible.

Saco - 2013 marked the 15th Anniversary of Mary's Walk and it was undoubtedly one of the strongest years yet. 

This is the day the true spirit of our community shines brightest as we walk for a cause that touches each of our lives. 

Over 3,000 people from Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and the surrounding communities rallied together to help raise money for the Maine Cancer Foundation. 

A phenomenal $270,000 was raised to help the foundation in their efforts for cancer research. 

AUGUSTA—Democrats today unveiled a comprehensive “Hospital Repayment and Reform” plan that would make the final payment on Maine’s hospitals debt and institute reforms to help prevent outsized medical bills in the future.  The plan would provide sustainable healthcare for more Maine families.  

“Democrats have always been focused on repaying the state’s debt to the hospitals--even during the worst recession of our lifetime,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland. “Today, we commit to a swift upfront and immediate payment in full to put to rest our debt obligation.”

Under the Democratic Repayment and Reform Plan, the hospitals will be paid in full by September 30, 2013, from the financing of the state’s liquor contract. By paying the hospitals prior to October 1, 2013, the state will save $5 million. The payment would trigger a federal match of $298 million, completing final payment to Maine’s hospitals.  Key components of the reform package include: increasing transparency in medical billing, tying payments from the state to positive health outcomes; and accepting federal dollars to expand access to health care under the Affordable Care Act.