November 2, 2021 Referendum Election – Ballot Preview

Question 1 – Citizen Initiative

Do you want to ban the construction of high-impact electric transmission lines in the Upper Kennebec Region and to require the Legislature to approve all other such projects anywhere in Maine, both retroactively to 2020, and to require the Legislature, retroactively to 2014, to approve by a two-thirds vote such projects using public land?

Question 2 – Bond Issue

Do you favor a $100,000,000 bond issue to build or improve roads, bridges, railroads, airports, transit facilities and ports and make other transportation investments, to be used to leverage an estimated $253,000,000 in federal and other funds?

Question 3 – Constitutional Amendment

Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to declare that all individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being?

Maine Citizen's Guide to the Referendum Election: 

https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/pdf/11-21citizensguide.pdf 

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 207-287-3491.

• Hunters for the Hungry Meat Processors List (PDF)

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 207-287-3491.

Home Energy Assistance Program

Program Summary

Applications for the HEAP program are taken at your local Community Action Agency (CAA). You can find your local CAA here. It is important to call as soon as you can because appointments fill up fast. Apply for HEAP August 23, 2021 to July 15, 2022. You can apply for emergency fuel help November 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides money to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating costs.

Eligibility

The amount of assistance you may get from HEAP is based on your household size and income, energy costs, and other factors. You may be eligible for assistance if your total household income falls within the income eligibility guidelines which is the greater of 150% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or 60% of State.  If your heat is included in your rent, you may still apply for HEAP. Additional help may be available if you have less than a 3-day supply of heating fuel or are in danger of having utility services disconnected and you have no means to pay your energy company.   If you are eligible for HEAP, you also may qualify for other programs that require HEAP eligibility:

• If you receive residential electric service from an electric utility and you are not living in government subsidized housing, you may be eligible for assistance with your electric bills from your electric utility’s Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP).
• If your home is not as energy efficient as it could be, you may qualify for home weatherization improvements through our Weatherization Program.
• If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, you may qualify for the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP).

More Info

Please refer to our agency contact list to apply for HEAP and to be automatically considered for the Low Income Assistance Plan, Weatherization and Central Heating Improvement programs. At the time of application, you should be prepared to provide:

• Names and social security numbers of all people living in your household.
• Proof of gross household income for the last 3 or 12 months. (Household income includes, but is not limited to: wages, social security, unemployment, pension, and disability payments.)
• Proof of present address (for example, a rent receipt, lease, deed, or property tax bill).
• Recent copies of your energy and utility bills.
• The type of fuel used to heat your home (natural gas, heating oil, propane, wood, wood pellets, biobricks, coal, corn or kerosene).

For more information, see our related document and related links at the top of the page, download the Home Energy Assistance Program brochure, or contact:1-877-544-3271

Maine Online Burn Permits Become Free of Charge

LD 268, "An Act To Eliminate Online Burn Permit Fees for All Areas of the State," takes effect at midnight on Sunday, October 17, when open burning permits obtained online become free of charge. The online burn permit system is made possible by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service.

LD 268, "An Act To Eliminate Online Burn Permit Fees for All Areas of the State," takes effect at midnight on Sunday, October 17, when open burning permits obtained online become free of charge. The online burn permit system is made possible by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service. Burn permits are available at maineburnpermit.com, required by law, and are valid for 24 hours. Handwritten burn permits may also be obtained through local fire departments and town offices.

Common Open Burn Permit Questions:

Why are Maine's open burn permits limited to 24 hours?

The daily fire danger rating (mainefireweather.org) could change after 24 hours, and online burn permits become invalid if the fire danger rating becomes high, very high, or extreme. Fewer days of burning will also lower the number of escaped debris burns. Escaped debris burns are the state's top cause of wildfires.

Why can I only burn after 5 pm and before 9 am unless it's raining?

Over 90% of all wildfires in Maine occur between 9 am and 5 pm when the temperatures are warmest, the wind picks up, and the relative humidity drops. Since the "wait to burn until after 5 pm" policy was enacted, there has been a significant decrease in escaped debris burns. It is unlawful to allow your brush pile to burn between 9 am and 5 pm unless there is steady rain or the ground is completely covered by snow.

Can I request an online burn permit on a Wednesday for the upcoming weekend?

No, you have 24 hours to complete your burn. This requirement is because the weather could change, and the predicted class day could increase high fire danger.

Can I still get a handwritten burn permit from my local Town Fire Warden at no cost?

The online burn permit system was designed to provide a convenient way to obtain a burn permit from your computer or cell phone. You can still get a handwritten burn permit from your local Town Fire Warden for free. If you live in an unorganized township, you can obtain a handwritten burn permit from the nearest Maine Forest Ranger station or Regional office without charge.

Can this system be used to request campfire permits for authorized permit sites?

No, this system is only for burning brush, wood debris, and grass/agricultural fields. Contact the nearest Maine Forest Service Regional office for information on obtaining campfire permits.

Do I still need to have a hard copy of the online burn permit at the burn site?

Not having a printed and authorized permit at the burn violates title 12 S 9321.

What if I am unsure of what is allowable to burn in my burn pile?

The guidance for allowable open burning in Maine is posted on the Maine Forest Service website. Please refer to the webpage or call the Maine Forest Service or your local fire department for more information. In general, you cannot burn trash, paint, metal, plastic, or pressure-treated wood (i.e., anything that creates unhealthy smoke).

Legislative Office: 207-287-1440