FARMINGTON – On Friday, April 17, 7 a.m. the Western Maine Legislative Caucus will host Maine Finance Commissioner Ryan Low and area legislators to discuss the Federal Recovery Act and its impacts in western Maine at the University of Maine at Farmington’s North Dining Hall.
Maine’s recovery from the current recession is expected to be slow, according to the Maine Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission which recently released its spring forecast projecting continued employment losses in the state through the beginning of 2010. Designed to stem the loss of jobs and jumpstart the economy, the Recovery Act (economic stimulus package) provides funds for a wide range of programs and will increase or extend certain benefits payable under the Medicaid, unemployment compensation, and nutrition assistance programs. The package provides funds to support renewable energy, transportation infrastructure and education, among other areas. The April event will provide information on how federal stimulus monies will be spent in Maine.
Western Maine Legislative Caucus forums include a free breakfast and are sponsored by the Western Mountains Alliance, University of Maine Farmington, Franklin Community Health Network, Greater Franklin Development Corporation, Mission at the Eastward, Western Maine Community Action Program, and MSAD9. All caucuses are taped courtesy of Mount Blue TV and can be ordered through the station by calling 778-8146.
For more information on the April program or program cancellation news, contact the Western Mountains Alliance at 778-3885 or visit www.westernmountainsalliance.org.
