Rep. Arata's News from the Legislature: 2-1-1 Maine, Refund Status Information, Business Answers, Tax Relief, & More

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Town of New Gloucester

385 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260

(207) 926-4126 (phone) / (207) 926-4136 (fax)

Town of Poland

1231 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274

(207) 998-4601 (phone) / (207) 998-2002 (fax)

Poland

2-1-1 Maine

One number, thousands of services -- 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number that serves as a health, social economic, and human services resource aid to those looking for answers or assistance.  It encompasses a statewide directory of resources, including agency services and support groups accessible through its Web site.

The 2-1-1 Call Center is easily reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Maine and is accessible from cell phones, pay phones, and phone service provided by Internet carriers.

 

Personal Income Tax (1040) Refund Status Information

If you have already filed your State individual income tax return and are scheduled to receive a refund, you can check on its status here.

 

Business Answers

Business Answers was designed to make it easier to start and conduct business in the State of Maine.

Need help now?

Contact Business Answers weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time.  (1-800-872-3838 in Maine or 1-800-541-5872 from outside of Maine)

You can also e-mail Business Answers at business.answers@maine.gov.

 

Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

An Advocacy Program for Long-Term Care Consumers

The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a non-profit agency whose mission is to advocate for quality of life and care for long-term care consumers.  Services are free and confidential.  Federal law and Maine law authorize staff to investigate complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care consumers and to assist consumers in exercising their rights that are guaranteed by law.

The program serves residents of nursing homes; assisted housing programs, including residential care and assisted living; consumers receiving home care services, including homemaker, adult day, and hospice.  It also serves patients in hospitals facing barriers in accessing long-term care services.  Staff members are knowledgeable about long-term care services and can answer questions about services, including where to find services; how services are paid for; what to do if services are denied, terminated, or reduced ; and how to proceed when problems arise.

The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides advocacy services while maintaining strict confidence.  This means that anyone reporting concerns about long-term care services can be assured that all communication with staff and volunteers will not be disclosed without consent.  In addition, when the agency is contacted with a request for assistance, action will not be taken to investigate or resolve a complaint without first obtaining consent.  In providing advocacy services, the agency works to support the wishes of the consumer.

The Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is available to help with information, guidance, and advocacy.  Services are free and confidential.  For more information or assistance, contact (800) 499-0229 or (207) 621-1079.

 

Tax Relief

Maine Revenue Services administers several programs aimed at providing eligible Maine taxpayers with tax relief. To view a complete listing of these potential money saving offerings, please click here.

 

Ice and Snow - Take it Slow!

You know what they say about New England weather…if you don't like it, just wait a minute!

Well, Maine's winter driving conditions can change from sunny to blowing snow within an hour or two.  Be prepared at all times, but especially in winter.  Know road conditions, know your vehicle, use proper driving techniques for the conditions you find, and have the right emergency gear and equipment along.  Most of all, in ice and snow – take it slow!

Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) snow fighters urge motorists to stay safe and help their employees stay safe while clearing roads during winter driving conditions.

Weather Information

National Weather Service Information

Maine Snow Fighters

The Maine DOT has a fleet of roughly 400 plow trucks that are used to control snow and ice on approximately 8,300 lane miles of Maine's State roads.  Maine DOT snow fighters are some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the business; however, even the best snow plow operators can only do so much to keep you safe when driving. 

Stay Safe around Snowplows

  • Give snowplows room to do their work. Plows are wide and can extend across the center line.
  • Don't tailgate, and don't pass unless absolutely necessary and safe to do so. If you must pass, beware of the snow cloud created by plows.
  • Remember that the snow plow operators have a limited field of vision. Though you see the plow, snow fighters might not see you.  Keep your distance and always stay alert.

Plow Driver Blind Spots