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Photos
Pika Energy is a leader in solar and wind energy systems. I visited their facility in Westbrook last week.
Delivering remarks about the state of Congress at Husson University in Bangor.
My Wednesday coffee hours are getting busier and busier these days.
I toured Maine General in Augusta.
The New Balance Chairman came by my office wearing these stylish American-made shoes. Proud to have New Balance in Maine!
With Bill Varney at a group lunch in Bangor.
Great to catch up with Troy Jackson, former State Senator and Rep. from Allagash.
At Lowe Hardware, a custom marine hardware manufacturer in Rockport.
A shot I took for my Instagram accountat Saddleback Mountain. This trail is called "America," and I thought the landscape was suggestive of a rugged spirit.
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Report from Maine
Earlier this month, I had the chance to spend a week in Maine touring businesses, celebrating innovation and economic development, and hearing the comments, concerns, and ideas of people across our state. These visits took me across 7 counties, including stops in Augusta, Greenwood, Westbrook, Bangor, Old Town, Rockland, and Rockport.
I visited the Island Institute in Rockland and I had a very productive discussion with the Institute leadership and staff about the future of Maine's island and remote coastal communities. Some of the issues that we covered included climate change and the dangerous effects of ocean acidification,broadband and economic development, and energy efficiency and sustainability (photo courtesy of Jason Mann/Island Institute).
When was the last time you were at Mt. Abram Ski Resort ? The mountain's recent renewable energy projects prove that investment in clean energy sources -- like their 803 solar-electric panels and two wood pellet-fired boilers -- can be good for both business and the environment. That's me with owners Matt Hancock and Rob Lally in front of Mt. Abram's array of solar panels, the second-largest solar project at a ski resort in North America.
It was an honor to receive the "Friend of the Farm Bureau" award from my good friend John Olson, Executive Secretary of the Maine Farm Bureau in Augusta. Following the award ceremony, we didn't waste any time getting right to work to discuss issues facing Maine farmers, including losses caused by recent winter storms. Any farmer who has experienced losses due to the weather, such as collapsed buildings, green houses, or loss of livestock, should contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office.
I stopped by Governor's Restaurant for lunch when I was in Old Town last week.
Report from Washington
Maine Community Health Options (MCHO) co-founders Kevin Lewis and Robert Hillman were in the gallery when I spoke on the Senate floor about their organization's role in helping more than 60,000 Mainers sign up for health insurance. As one of 23 cooperatives established through the Affordable Care Act, and the only one in Maine, this Lewiston-based organization has adopted an innovative approach to healthcare.
Meeting in my office with General John Campbell, the commander of the International Security Force (ISAF) and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. General Campbell was in Washington earlier this month to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Policy Update
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With my support, the Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Dr. Ashton Carter to be the new Secretary of Defense. I look forward to working with him as a member of both the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, and sharing with him the vital role that Maine plays in our nation's security.
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Together with a group of my colleagues, I pushed for a special Affordable Care Act enrollment period in a letter to the administration. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that there will be a special enrollment period.
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As I said in a short video recorded in my office, the Federal Communication Commission's vote to protect net neutrality is an historic action that will preserve the open internet.
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I have long called on Congress to fulfill its fundamental duty to debate an Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) for the fight against ISIS. This month, the President submitted his proposed AUMF to Congress.
In the News
Portland Press Herald: For Maine's Sen. Angus King, moderate stance, unpredictability paying off
WABI: Senators Collins and King Call on FEMA for Aid in Washington County
Maine Public Broadcasting: Angus King Tours Mt. Abram Renewable Energy Projects
WABI: King Talks About Washington Happenings at Husson
Bangor Daily News: Open Internet advocates King, Pingree hail FCC Decision on net neutrality
Please visit https://www.king.senate.gov for more information and let us hear from you. Our toll free number in Maine is 1-800-432-1599.
That's all for now and thanks for staying in touch!
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