FARMINGTON – The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and its impact on Western Maine will be discussed during a Western Maine Legislative Caucus planned for April 17.

Maine Finance Commissioner Ryan Low and area legislators will discuss the economic stimulus package. The event begins with a free breakfast at 7 p.m. in the North Dining Hall at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Maine’s recovery from the 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 jump-start the economy, the Recovery Act 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 also provides funds to support renewable energy, transportation infrastructure and education, among other areas. The April event will provide information on how federal stimulus money will be spent in Maine.

Caucuses are taped by Mount Blue TV and may be ordered through the station by calling 778-8146.

For more information, contact the Western Mountains Alliance at 778-3885 or visit www.westernmountainsalliance.org.