COMPENDIUM OF STATE FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

The Office of Fiscal and Program Review’s 2019 Compendium of State Fiscal Information is now available and can be accessed at http://legislature.maine.gov/ofpr/compendium/9576 

The Compendium of State Fiscal Information, updated on an annual basis, provides a summary of the most important fiscal information affecting Maine State Government.  It includes a summary of actual operating revenue and expenditures, descriptions of revenue sources, and summaries of Maine’s debt, General Fund reserve fund balances and Maine’s tax burden.  The Office of Fiscal and Program Review hopes you find this information useful.  Recent additions and changes to this report as part of efforts to improve its usefulness may result in some questions for those using this information for historical purposes.  Questions regarding conversions of data or suggestions for improvements to this report should be directed to:  Office of Fiscal and Program Review, 5 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0005, Telephone:  (207) 287-1635.

Maine Bicentennial Commission Awards $145K in Community Grants

The Maine Bicentennial Commission (Maine200) recently awarded the first round of Bicentennial Community Grants.

Out of 44 applications from organizations and municipalities across the State, the commission chose a total of 30 grant recipients: 21 large grants and nine small grants, at varying amounts. Among those are a Bicentennial Birthday Bash in Rockland, theatrical productions in Portland and Dover-Foxcroft, as well as conferences, educational curriculum, art exhibits, lecture series and more, spanning several Maine counties.

The Bicentennial Community Grants program provides funding for bicentennial-themed projects that benefit the public, such as festivals, historic preservation efforts, lectures and curriculum. The commission considers grant applications from Maine community non-profit organizations, such as historical societies and libraries, government entities, and schools. Private individuals and for-profit corporations are also welcome to apply in partnership with a non-profit entity.

The Maine Arts Commission is administering the grant program. Two additional phases of grant awards are scheduled during the bicentennial commemoration. The application deadlines are February 1, 2020 and June 1, 2020.

The Maine Legislature appropriated funding to the Maine Bicentennial Commission for the grants, which will be supplemented by matching funds from private corporations and individuals. The initial round of funding is for $375,000, of which $145,255 has been allotted in this first round. Up to 10 percent of the funds are set aside for small grants of $500 or less, and at least one grant of up to $10,000 will be available in each county.

Details of the Bicentennial Community Grants program and a link to the application form are available on the Maine Bicentennial Commission website, www.Maine200.org under the "Get Involved" section.

Hunters for the Hungry Program

The Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program was founded in 1996 and its impact has grown steadily ever since. Maine sportsmen and sportswomen can play a major role in game management while providing thousands of nutritious meals to hungry people across the state. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry distribute the donations to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters affiliated with The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program, a collaboration with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, works with Maine Wardens, biologists, Marine Patrol Officers, Maine State Troopers and caring, generous hunters towards a common goal of helping Mainer's in need.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food. Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat Processors that are interested in participating should call 207-287-7513.

The program has been successful annually by supplying lean, high protein meats to food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters throughout Maine.

Hunters for the Hungry offer a deep and sincere thank you to the hunters, corporations, and organizations for their past, present and continued support. For more information, to donate, or to get connected to a Hunters for the Hungry participating meat processor call 207-287-7513.

Attention Veterans: New State of Maine Honorable Service Coin

Apply now for this newly-redesigned coin that is dedicated to all honorably discharged veterans. Previously, coins had been presented to veterans based on their era of service, but where many other Maine veterans have served during peacetime and in conflicts other than WWII, Korea and Vietnam, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services worked with local Maine artist Georgette Kanach to design the State’s first-ever “Honorable Service Coin.”

Going forward, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services will present the new coin, along with a certificate of appreciation to Maine Veterans in acknowledgement of their service and sacrifice, as part of its dedicated Veteran recognition program.

1. Fill out this form and check the 'Honorable Service Certificate' box.
2. Email the completed form and a copy of your DD 214 to melissa.j.weston@maine.gov