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Town of New Gloucester
385 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260
(207) 926-4126 (phone) / (207) 926-4136 (fax)
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Town of Poland
1231 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274
(207) 998-4601 (phone) / (207) 998-2002 (fax)
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Legislative Update - $850 Relief Checks
The Legislature has almost concluded its work for 2022, with the exception of constituent services and some committee work.
Last week, the Legislature passed a bipartisan supplemental budget that returns most of the $1.2 billion in projected, over-collected tax revenues back to taxpayers.
Beginning in June, eligible citizens will receive $850 relief checks provided that they filed a 2021 tax return. That is 57,000 more people than the Governor’s original proposal -- for a total of roughly 920,000 Mainers. Income eligibility caps are increased to $100,000 per individual, $200,000 per couple, and $150,000 for a head of household filer. This part of the supplemental budget returns $729 million back to taxpayers, instead of being spent on new or expanded government programs.
If you are not required to file a 2021 tax return, you are encouraged to do so before October in order to receive a tax relief check, and to see what other tax benefits you may qualify for.
Republicans were able to add structural tax reform for pensioners and retirees to the budget. In 2022, the existing State pension deduction amount increases from $10,000 to $25,000. It then increases to $30,000 in 2023, and to $35,000 in 2024 and beyond. It will provide substantial ongoing tax relief to approximately 80,000 retirees.
There are many other important priorities that received support in this budget. These include funding for transportation; direct and long-term care facilities; nursing homes and their employees; for PFAS; for elder care (in-home and community services); and child protection services.
The supplemental budget is the product of a unanimous, bipartisan report from the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs. It received overwhelming support from legislators, recognizing that rising prices are making things difficult for you and your family.
Those eligible for a relief check must not be claimed as a dependent and must have a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than:
- $100,000 if filing single or if married and filing separately;
- $150,000 if filing as head of household; or
- $200,000 for couples filing jointly.
For more information >>click here<<.
Maine State Library Launches "Libraries Health Connect Program"
Starting this spring, residents in 10 communities across Maine will have a new, convenient way to connect with a healthcare provider. The Maine State Library's "Libraries Health Connect Program" provides the technology and training needed for telehealth services through the public library. The State Library dedicated funds it received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to create the statewide telehealth initiative.
Participating libraries include Alice L. Pendleton Library (Islesboro), Caribou Public Library, Cary Library (Houlton), Fryeburg Public Library, Henry D. Moore Library (Steuben), Paris Public Library (Paris), Peabody Memorial Library (Jonesport), Pittsfield Public Library, Skowhegan Free Public Library, and Thompson Free Library (Dover-Foxcroft). Libraries were selected based on endemic community health issues and a lack of ready access to healthcare. Low-income and rural individuals, as well as people of color, disproportionally bear the costs of inadequate healthcare, which also impacts the economic prospects of these individuals and their communities.
Telehealth uses technology to provide access to real-time appointments with healthcare providers from a distance. Individuals who opt to receive telehealth care from their healthcare provider can now book the Telehealth Room at one of the participating libraries for their appointment. The library provides a private room equipped with a laptop, camera, computer, mouse, lights, headphones, and other technology relevant to telehealth needs. Services are provided at no cost to the community.
Types of care that can be provided through the Maine Libraries Health Connect Program include wellness visits, requesting or renewing prescriptions for medications, follow-up appointments, consultations with specialists, nutritional counseling, mental health counseling, and other non-urgent conditions.
Telehealth Rooms at participating libraries will be available for appointments by May of this year. For more information, contact, Marijke Visser, marijke.a.visser@maine.gov at the Maine State Library.
Maine Animal Health Officials Issue Advisory Regarding Poultry Swaps and Exhibitions in Response to Bird Flu Cases
Due to multiple detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Maine and New England, Maine animal health officials announced an advisory recommending cancellation or postponement of competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or comingling of domestic fowl or poultry.
Advisory: The risk for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains high, and bird owners are advised to keep birds indoors to prevent the spread of this disease. The trends observed with past North American HPAI outbreaks are we often see a reprieve in the summer months. This is because summer is when the virus present on the landscape (outdoors) is degraded by sunlight and heat. Animal health officials from the six New England states recommend that all competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events encouraging the gathering or comingling of domestic fowl or poultry be postponed until July 1, 2022 or later.
For a complete snapshot of HPAI in Maine, the State's response, a list of frequently asked questions, and additional HPAI resources, visit maine.gov/dacf/hpai.
To report sick poultry or unusual domestic bird deaths, call the USDA's toll-free sick bird hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
To report a strange-acting or dead wild bird, call the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-8000.
Maine Moose Permit Lottery
Applications for the moose permit lottery will be accepted online only.
To apply online, go to mefishwildlife.com and fill out the online moose permit application. There, you will be able to indicate several preferences, including which wildlife management districts (WMD) you are willing to accept a permit in, and if you would accept a permit in another WMD if your name is drawn and all of your top choices are filled. You will also be able to select your preferred hunting season, whether or not you would accept an antlerless permit, and your choice of a sub-permittee. You will also be asked if you want to apply for the Adaptive Unit Hunt (WMD 4A).
Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on May 12, 2022.
The 2022 moose lottery permit drawing will take place June 11, 2022 in Jackman, Maine. Learn more about the drawing and one-day festival.
For more information about moose hunting in Maine and the moose permit lottery, please visit mefishwildlife.com.
If you have a question, check out the frequently asked questions and answers.
>>Apply today!<<
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