U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $2,500,000 to the City of Presque Isle for the improvement of taxiways at the Northern Maine Regional Airport.
The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senators Snowe and Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law in February.
“Maine’s aviation infrastructure keeps its residents connected with the rest of the country and the world,” Senators Snowe and Collins said. “These FAA funds will help northern Maine’s chief airport make the necessary upgrades and developments to improve its air travel services and safety.”
The Department of Transportation (DOT) aims to improve safety, increase mobility in support of the nation’s economy, protect human and natural environment, achieve organizational excellence, and support the national security strategy.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Unity College's presentation of Honorary Doctorate to Senator Collins
from VillageSoup, the text of Unity College's presentation of an Honorary Doctorate for Senator Susan Collins:
If you want to get a great civics lesson and learn about the essence of bipartisanship, take a look at the Web site of Sen. Susan Collins.
Here are some recent headlines:
“Sen. Collins Announces More than $30 Million in Clean Water Funding”
“More than $8 Million in Stimulus Funds for Acadia National Park”
“Sen. Collins Introduces Energy Assistance Act”
“Save the Children Gives Senator Susan Collins its Champion for Children Award”
“Sen. Collins Questions Secretary of State Clinton about Women’s Rights on Afghanistan”
And finally….The Hill, a Washington based political newsletter asked all 99 senators which member of the opposition they most enjoyed partnering with on legislation. Sen. Collins was ranked the Republican senator who is easiest to work with.
Over the past several months, Sen. Collins has taken courageous stands on issues of vital importance, demonstrating the very essence of political ingenuity in a time of polarization and exaggeration. Her leadership in supporting and crafting the stimulus package is well known. She is widely recognized for providing resilient support and leadership on behalf of environmental conservation. Sen. Collins recognizes environmental conservation has a long bipartisan tradition in American politics. By upholding that tradition, she has strengthened the meaning of democracy and is a role model for civic engagement. She understands environmental conservation transcends party lines.
Unity College is delighted to present Sen. Collins with an Honorary Doctorate of Environmental Citizenship in recognition of her fine efforts.
We present this honor not just because of her environmental leadership, or because her office serves her constituents so well. We do so because in times of controversy, Sen. Collins demonstrates that people can work together, that political action matters, that democracy is alive and well. Through her perseverance, her integrity, her ability to see multiple perspectives, and her ability to compromise, she has been a magnificent patriot and citizen, and a model for young people.
We look forward to her continued leadership on behalf of environmental conservation, higher education, and sustainability. We have confidence that she understands the magnitude of climate change and the loss of biodiversity and will do all she can to bring the very best political thinking to these extraordinary challenges.
If you want to get a great civics lesson and learn about the essence of bipartisanship, take a look at the Web site of Sen. Susan Collins.
Here are some recent headlines:
“Sen. Collins Announces More than $30 Million in Clean Water Funding”
“More than $8 Million in Stimulus Funds for Acadia National Park”
“Sen. Collins Introduces Energy Assistance Act”
“Save the Children Gives Senator Susan Collins its Champion for Children Award”
“Sen. Collins Questions Secretary of State Clinton about Women’s Rights on Afghanistan”
And finally….The Hill, a Washington based political newsletter asked all 99 senators which member of the opposition they most enjoyed partnering with on legislation. Sen. Collins was ranked the Republican senator who is easiest to work with.
Over the past several months, Sen. Collins has taken courageous stands on issues of vital importance, demonstrating the very essence of political ingenuity in a time of polarization and exaggeration. Her leadership in supporting and crafting the stimulus package is well known. She is widely recognized for providing resilient support and leadership on behalf of environmental conservation. Sen. Collins recognizes environmental conservation has a long bipartisan tradition in American politics. By upholding that tradition, she has strengthened the meaning of democracy and is a role model for civic engagement. She understands environmental conservation transcends party lines.
Unity College is delighted to present Sen. Collins with an Honorary Doctorate of Environmental Citizenship in recognition of her fine efforts.
We present this honor not just because of her environmental leadership, or because her office serves her constituents so well. We do so because in times of controversy, Sen. Collins demonstrates that people can work together, that political action matters, that democracy is alive and well. Through her perseverance, her integrity, her ability to see multiple perspectives, and her ability to compromise, she has been a magnificent patriot and citizen, and a model for young people.
We look forward to her continued leadership on behalf of environmental conservation, higher education, and sustainability. We have confidence that she understands the magnitude of climate change and the loss of biodiversity and will do all she can to bring the very best political thinking to these extraordinary challenges.
ARRA: $3 million for rural community facilities projects in Maine
U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities program will award more than $3 million in funding for rural community facilities projects in Maine.
The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senators Snowe and Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law in February.
“USDA Rural Development grants provide opportunities for rural communities across Maine to improve their communities and boost economic growth,” Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.
The following will receive funding:
• Maine Rural Water Association - $500,000
• Community Concepts, Inc. - $2,655,000
• Friends of Marsh River Theater - $21,000
Through its Community Facilities program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.
The funding is being distributed to Maine through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Senators Snowe and Collins worked with a bipartisan group of senators to craft the legislation that became law in February.
“USDA Rural Development grants provide opportunities for rural communities across Maine to improve their communities and boost economic growth,” Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.
The following will receive funding:
• Maine Rural Water Association - $500,000
• Community Concepts, Inc. - $2,655,000
• Friends of Marsh River Theater - $21,000
Through its Community Facilities program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.
Senator Collins questions top census appointee
from Nextgov.com:
Read more >>
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, criticized the bureau's program to develop handheld computers that it planned to give to census workers to take door to door to count households that had not returned paper forms. Census announced in April 2008 that it will not use the handhelds after their development fell behind schedule, ran over budget and did not perform as planned.
"It's really been appalling, after spending literally billions of dollars and much time, the Census Bureau scrapped its plans to use handheld technology for nonresponse follow-up due to significant performance problems and a loss of confidence in its contractors," Collins said.
She asked Groves how he would correct problems associated with the handhelds. He said the IT issues stemmed partly from management issues and partly from an absence of research and development. Groves said he would ask the bureau's top leaders to become involved in all future IT projects.
Read more >>
Monday, May 18, 2009
Senator Collins' Blog: US-Canadian legislators' conference in Quebec
This weekend, along with nine other members of Congress, I was a delegate to a US-Canadian legislators' conference. We met in Charlevoix, Quebec, a beautiful area of bays, mountains, and charming villages along the St. Lawrence Seaway.
The area was created by a huge meteorite striking the earth 350 million years ago, or so we are told. When Samuel de Champlain discovered the area, he called the bay "Malbei," meaning "bad bay," because his ship ran aground!
We stayed at the Manoir Richelieu, a hotel that overlooks the St. Lawrence Seaway, a mighty salt water river.
The only disadvantage of the hotel was its very long distance from the Quebec City airport - some two-and-a half hours by bus.
We met with our Canadian counterparts to discuss energy, environmental, economic, border, and national and homeland security issues. I was able to get a resolution passed that is important to Washington County proposals to develop an LNG terminal, which Canada has been blocking by refusing to cooperate in any of the regulatory reviews. The resolution calls on both countries to participate in good faith and expeditiously in regulatory reviews of proposed facilities in their ports. I faced strong opposition at first from some of the Canadians, but revised the language and prevailed after a lot of work.
It was fun figuring out how to put together a coalition of Canadians representing four political parties and ranging from the far left New Democrat Party to the Conservative Party. And I swear it was my ability to speak a bit of French that helped me to win the support of three Canadian legislators who represent the separatist party Quebecois! I had my American colleagues lined up, but since the group will only approve consensus resolutions, I had to get the Canadians too.
On homeland security issues, the Canadians, regardless of party, were upset about some comments made by Secretary Napolitano about the northern border. I will try to straighten this out upon by my return to Washington and prior to the Secretary's upcoming trip to Ottawa.
Another concern of the Western Members of Parliament was our "Country of Origin Labeling" law - known as COOL. This issue turns out to be far more complicated than I had realized for the livestook producers. Apparently, pigs are often born in Canada, then shipped to the U.S. for fattening and eventual "finishing," as the Canadians delicately put it. So the issue arises, are the eventual pork products to be labled "American" or "Canadian?". Are they prohibited when "Buy American" provisions are applied?
By the way, while the lower House in Canada is elected, the Senate is appointed. When a vacancy occurs, the Prime Minister makes the appointment, and Senators may serve until age 75.
We had non-stop meetings on Saturday and finished with a two-hour plenary session on Sunday. Sunday morning, there was an "interfaith" service at the hotel conducted by a nun from Quebec City who drove all the way out to the hotel to conduct the service.
Then after our final plenary session adopting the resolutions, we drove to Baie-Saint Paul, an artist colony about a half hour away from the hotel. Baie Saint Paul is also the birthplace of Circe du Soleil, and prior to dinner, we were entertained by three performers, including a young woman who did an extraordinary gymnastics performance. I think she must have been a contortionist. Her legs twisted into impossible positions, and her feet were as expressive as her hands.
Dinner was at a local bistro with excellent food and a trio of musicians (two fiddlers and one guitarist) who played every possible style of American and Canadian music, often with all of us singing along.
This weekend was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with our Canadian neighbors and to work together on common issues with our closest ally and biggest trade partner.
The area was created by a huge meteorite striking the earth 350 million years ago, or so we are told. When Samuel de Champlain discovered the area, he called the bay "Malbei," meaning "bad bay," because his ship ran aground!
We stayed at the Manoir Richelieu, a hotel that overlooks the St. Lawrence Seaway, a mighty salt water river.
The only disadvantage of the hotel was its very long distance from the Quebec City airport - some two-and-a half hours by bus.
We met with our Canadian counterparts to discuss energy, environmental, economic, border, and national and homeland security issues. I was able to get a resolution passed that is important to Washington County proposals to develop an LNG terminal, which Canada has been blocking by refusing to cooperate in any of the regulatory reviews. The resolution calls on both countries to participate in good faith and expeditiously in regulatory reviews of proposed facilities in their ports. I faced strong opposition at first from some of the Canadians, but revised the language and prevailed after a lot of work.
It was fun figuring out how to put together a coalition of Canadians representing four political parties and ranging from the far left New Democrat Party to the Conservative Party. And I swear it was my ability to speak a bit of French that helped me to win the support of three Canadian legislators who represent the separatist party Quebecois! I had my American colleagues lined up, but since the group will only approve consensus resolutions, I had to get the Canadians too.
On homeland security issues, the Canadians, regardless of party, were upset about some comments made by Secretary Napolitano about the northern border. I will try to straighten this out upon by my return to Washington and prior to the Secretary's upcoming trip to Ottawa.
Another concern of the Western Members of Parliament was our "Country of Origin Labeling" law - known as COOL. This issue turns out to be far more complicated than I had realized for the livestook producers. Apparently, pigs are often born in Canada, then shipped to the U.S. for fattening and eventual "finishing," as the Canadians delicately put it. So the issue arises, are the eventual pork products to be labled "American" or "Canadian?". Are they prohibited when "Buy American" provisions are applied?
By the way, while the lower House in Canada is elected, the Senate is appointed. When a vacancy occurs, the Prime Minister makes the appointment, and Senators may serve until age 75.
We had non-stop meetings on Saturday and finished with a two-hour plenary session on Sunday. Sunday morning, there was an "interfaith" service at the hotel conducted by a nun from Quebec City who drove all the way out to the hotel to conduct the service.
Then after our final plenary session adopting the resolutions, we drove to Baie-Saint Paul, an artist colony about a half hour away from the hotel. Baie Saint Paul is also the birthplace of Circe du Soleil, and prior to dinner, we were entertained by three performers, including a young woman who did an extraordinary gymnastics performance. I think she must have been a contortionist. Her legs twisted into impossible positions, and her feet were as expressive as her hands.
Dinner was at a local bistro with excellent food and a trio of musicians (two fiddlers and one guitarist) who played every possible style of American and Canadian music, often with all of us singing along.
This weekend was a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with our Canadian neighbors and to work together on common issues with our closest ally and biggest trade partner.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Collins and Carper introduce Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act
CONGRESSIONAL FIRE CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS NATIONWIDE
WASHINGTON (May 12, 2009) - In their continued support of firefighters nationwide, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act today.
This bipartisan legislation would prohibit employers from firing or disciplining volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel who were forced to miss work to respond to a presidentially declared disaster. First responders will no longer be required to make a choice between losing their job and responding to a presidentially declared disaster or emergency.
"This bill is especially important for a state like Delaware that depends so much on its volunteers' services," said Sen. Carper. "These men and women are everyday heroes who should not be punished for bravely answering the call of duty."
"This bipartisan bill is a matter of simple fairness," said Sen. Collins. "The Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act recognizes that our dedicated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel are critical in times of disaster. By extending some protection to these brave men and women, we can strengthen the protection and life-saving response that they provide to many millions of Americans."
Communities across the country depend on volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to respond to major disasters. Current law offers these volunteers no protection against punishment by their employers if they miss work when called to respond to a national emergency. This means that firefighters or EMS personnel volunteering their time during major disasters such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina or even the current wildfires in California, can be disciplined or even fired - all while they put their lives at risk to save others.
WASHINGTON (May 12, 2009) - In their continued support of firefighters nationwide, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act today.
This bipartisan legislation would prohibit employers from firing or disciplining volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel who were forced to miss work to respond to a presidentially declared disaster. First responders will no longer be required to make a choice between losing their job and responding to a presidentially declared disaster or emergency.
"This bill is especially important for a state like Delaware that depends so much on its volunteers' services," said Sen. Carper. "These men and women are everyday heroes who should not be punished for bravely answering the call of duty."
"This bipartisan bill is a matter of simple fairness," said Sen. Collins. "The Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act recognizes that our dedicated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel are critical in times of disaster. By extending some protection to these brave men and women, we can strengthen the protection and life-saving response that they provide to many millions of Americans."
Communities across the country depend on volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to respond to major disasters. Current law offers these volunteers no protection against punishment by their employers if they miss work when called to respond to a national emergency. This means that firefighters or EMS personnel volunteering their time during major disasters such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina or even the current wildfires in California, can be disciplined or even fired - all while they put their lives at risk to save others.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Collins urges Unity grads to fight climate change
from the Bangor Daily News:
Read more >>
Senator Collins with Mitchell Thomashow, President, Unity College
Senator Collins with Tim Glidden, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Unity College
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins preached to an enthusiastic choir Saturday afternoon when she urged the 90 members of the Unity College graduating class to keep on working for the environment.“Unity grads already know that the key to making a difference is to get involved,” Collins said. “The impact of your actions will make a difference today and for seven generations to come.”
Collins was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony, which school officials said was their environmentally greenest ever — and among the greenest in the country.
In her speech, the senator said that for these students, “sitting on the sidelines cannot be an option.” A group of students planned to present her with a letter advocating action for climate change legislation.
“You must be advocates and activists for the causes you believe in,” she said. “Climate change is the most significant environmental challenge facing our planet.”
Read more >>
Senator Collins with Mitchell Thomashow, President, Unity College
Senator Collins with Tim Glidden, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Unity College
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