Proud to be serving the good people of District 76!

Town of Belgrade 990 Augusta Road, Belgrade, ME 04917 (207) 495-2258

Town of Fayette 2589 Main Street, Fayette, ME 04349 (207) 685-4373

Town of Mount Vernon 1997 North Road, Mount Vernon, ME 04352 (207) 293-2379

Town of Rome 8 Mercer Road, Rome, ME 04963 (207) 397-4011

Town of Vienna 346 Town House Road, P.O. Box 38, Vienna, ME 04360-0038 (207) 293-2915

Town of Wayne 48 Pond Road, P.O. Box 400, Wayne, ME 04284-0400 (207) 685-4983

VA Continues Record Setting Claims Processing Pace for 2019

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) disability claims backlog reached its lowest point ever, November 23, from its previous record low achieved May 2018.  Additionally, the percentage of the total inventory in backlog is less than 18%, surpassing the previous record from October 2016.

These milestones follow the VA’s highest ever claims process output of 1.44 million claims completed at the end of fiscal year 2019, 4% more than its prior best-ever in 2015.

The VA’s strategic target is to process disability claims within 125 days.  Since October 1, approximately 75% of those claims have been completed in that time frame.

Veterans who apply for disability benefits currently receive a response in an average of 107 days.  This includes first-time claims from recently-discharged veterans and older veterans who file claims for additional benefits.  Some claims take longer due to complex evidence requirements and medical examination scheduling necessary to decide the claim.

Maine Department of Labor Warns about Unemployment Web Sites

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is warning the public about a variety of Web sites advertising help with filing unemployment insurance (UI) claims.  These sites are not affiliated with the Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Unemployment Compensation.

Claims should only be filed by the claimant themselves through the Maine Department of Labor’s Web site or by calling the claims center at 1-800-593-7660 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The MDOL does not know how these companies use the information provided to them, such as Social Security numbers, personal identifying information, and credit card numbers.

Unemployment insurance is the partial wage replacement bridging between a job loss and the next job opportunity; the program provides temporary financial assistance to help with basic needs during a job search.  The MDOL’s Bureau of Unemployment Compensation is responsible for executing the states UI system.

Everyone has the right to file a claim.  In general, to receive benefits, a person must have worked in a job that is covered by unemployment insurance, have lost their job through no fault of their own, be able and available to accept work, and be actively seeking work each week during which a claim is filed.  Those who think they may be eligible should file a claim.

For those who do not have a computer and want to file a claim online, CareerCenters located throughout the State offer free access to computers.  Libraries also provide access to computers free of charge.

During the winter months, unemployment claims and questions increase.  As a result, call center phones are very busy.  The MDOL recommends using the online claims filing application for both initial and weekly claims, and to file their work search efforts.  It is also recommended that one use the online Customer Messaging Portal (CMP) for claim questions and issues.  Online inquiries are responded to in the order received, generally within 24 hours.  More information, applications, and the messaging portal can be found on the Department of Labor’s Web site.

If a phone call is needed, phone lines are open from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Call volumes are typically heavier at the start of the week.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Unveils Untold Secret

The film documents the over 600K acres of Maine Public Lands

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced the launch of Untold Secret, a short film showcasing Maine public lands.  The Untold Secret includes a full-length, 21-minute version, and nine, one to three-minute segments created to introduce viewers to over 600K acres of Maine public lands.  The film features commentary from BPL leaders and state-of-the-art cinematography, including breathtaking drone footage.  The result is an incredibly detailed and birds-eye view of some of the most spectacular Maine public lands.

Experiencing and preserving the outdoors is an integral part of our heritage.  It is who we are as a people, and it is a cornerstone of our State's economy.  Untold Secret builds on that legacy and encourages more people, visitors and Mainers alike, to explore our state’s public lands and to witness firsthand the unrivaled beauty of Maine.

Aspects of the Maine public lands shared through Untold Secret range from wildlife habitat and timber management to outdoor recreation, ecological sensitivity, and unfettered public access.  Untold Secret was paid for by a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant and produced by 360 Media Ventures, a Portland, Maine, based content marketing company specializing in action and adventure videos.  Recently retired BPL forester Vern Labbe spearheaded the project, with assistance from BPL staffers Doug Reed and Rex Turner.

Watch Untold Secret now on www.parksandlands.com.  The full-length film and segments are available for free use by conservationists, producers, school systems, economic development offices, libraries, and anyone else wishing to share and educate others about this natural and cultural resource.