E-Newsletter from Representative Mark Blier

Maine House Republican Office sent this bulletin at 02/07/2022 02:18 PM EST
Rep. Blier
MDOT BLIER

Finance Authority of Maine Announces Student Loan COVID Forbearances on Federal Student Loan Payments EXTENED an Additional 90 days, Through May 1, 2022; and Offers Guidance on Managing Loan Repayments

Federal student loan payments, suspended as part of COVID relief from Congress, have been EXTENDED an additional 90 days from January 31, 2022 to May 1, 2022.   All student loan payments will go back into repayment on May 1, 2022.   Accrual of interest will also resume on May 2, 2022 and collections on defaulted student loans will begin again.  The following link provides helpful tips to assist you in successfully navigating re-entry of your student loan repayment – something we’re calling “repay-restart.” - FINANACE AUTHORITY OF MAINE - EDUCATION

Managing your student loan repayment is a critical part of establishing good credit and achieving your future financial goals. The following link will help you successfully manage your student loan repayment - FINANCE AUTHORITY OF MAINE - MANAGING STUDENT LOANS

Legislative Schedule of Public Hearings and Work Sessions

The Maine Legislature continues to perform joint standing committee public hearings and work sessions virtually via zoom.

 To view the schedule for upcoming public hearings and work sessions, check out the Legislature’s website >>here<<.

To submit testimony and to sign up to testify live at a public hearing, visit >>here<<.

Free Fishing Weekend

Free Fishing Weekend is February 19-20. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Consider inviting a neighbor, friend, colleague, family member, or youth to join in on the fun!

Here are a few tips for introducing someone to ice fishing:

  • Target warm water species such as perch, chain pickerel, and bass for an action-filled day to help first timers get hooked.
  • Bring a warm drink or meal such as hot cocoa, hot dogs, or chili! The experience of being on the ice is what makes ice fishing memorable for many.
  • Make sure they dress warm and pack extra mittens, hats, and socks. Cold hands or feet can be a deal breaker, make sure they are dressed for the conditions and bring extra gear should something get wet. It's better to have too many layers than not enough.
  • Cards, a football, cornhole, and ice skates makes time between flags just as fun! Or, build a snowman (no extra gear necessary).
  • Keep kids engaged with a task. If the kiddo with you isn't quite ready to set a trap fully on their own, keep them engaged with their own responsibilities. It can be as simple as holding the skimmer, scooping the bait fish, or picking where the next whole will be!
  • Focus on the fun. For newbies, it isn't about a trophy fish... Avoid super long walks, and aim for a half day... anything beyond that is a bonus! Once they are hooked, you may just find them beating you to the ice in the morning. 

Wondering where to go? Check out the February Fishing Report. 

Maine’s Attorney General Announces Agreement for Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds

Maine’s Attorney General announced today he has reached an agreement with litigating cities, counties, and school districts governing Maine’s use of proceeds from the National Opioid Settlements with distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and Amerisource Bergen and opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson.  This agreement completes Maine’s acceptance of a settlement that was initially agreed to in August 2021.  This settlement is estimated to bring as much as $130 million to Maine over an 18-year period to support state and local efforts to address the opioid epidemic.