Legislative Update
The Legislature is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the month of February, primarily to reference this session’s 2,042 bills to committees for consideration. A complete list of bills, listed by bill sponsor, is available here . As bills are referenced, committees will begin to schedule hearings for the public to provide input. Committees will also be considering the governor’s nominations to lead state departments in the coming weeks. If you would like to follow the work of a specific committee, go to the legislative website .
2019 Individual Tax Season Has Begun
The Maine Revenue Services (MRS) has announced the start of the 2019 individual income tax filing season. MRS expects to begin processing Maine income tax returns on January 28. MRS offers a free filing service for Maine Taxpayers here . It will be available early next month. Refunds will begin mid-February, and the filing deadline is Wednesday, April 17. This tax season, be vigilant of fraudsters utilizing email, phone and the Internet to target Maine taxpayers. If you believe your personal information has been compromised, contact MRS directly at (207) 626-8475 or fraudalert.mrs@maine.gov .
DACF to Host Forum to Explore Modern Wood Heating
The Maine Forest Service will host the 2 nd Maine Modern Wood Heating Symposium on Tuesday, February 5 at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta. The purpose of the symposium is to explore the potential of modern wood heating to help Maine become more independent of imported fossil fuels.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, “Maine leads the nation in its per capita dependence on imported fossil heating fuels such as oil, propane and natural gas, exporting over $1 billion of wealth annually to pay for these fuels. Yet Maine is also the most forested state in the country, with sustainable supplies of engineered wood fuels such as pellets and chips. Modern wood pellet and wood chip technology can heat homes, institutions, and businesses with clean, cost saving, efficient and fully automated renewable energy systems.”
The public is welcome to attend, but registration is required. Program details and registration are available here .
Veterans Crisis Hotline
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would like to make you aware of a crisis hotline available to support veterans and their families. To utilize the confidential chat service, dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255 or go to VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat online with qualified and compassionate VA responders to provide guidance. It is important to call if you suspect that a veteran in your life may be contemplating suicide. The service is available 24/7/365. To learn more about what you can do to support veterans who may be struggling and their families, click here .
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