News from Senator Miramant

- Private group -
Mon, 10/17/2016 - 7:15pm
Legislative Update from Senator Dave Miramant
Dear friend,





Preliminary figures from Maine Revenue Services show this year's season poised to smash previous records, with roughly $1.56 billion in restaurant and lodging sales from May through August, the highest figures in Maine's history.



Our quality of life, scenic beauty, fresh foods and high-quality products and services make our state a great place to visit, and an even greater place to live.



Tourism is a big business here, with many of our citizens earning a living in industries that rely on visitors to our state. So it's encouraging to see that Maine continues to be a premier destination for people looking to get away.


The recent tourism figures show that our national and international appeal is a strength we can build on, year after year.


As always, you can contact me anytime with any questions or concerns.
 
Sincerely,
The Young Eagles program
 
As a pilot, there are very few things in the world that give me more joy than the sight of a young person taking to the skies for the first time. That's why I was so grateful this past month to visit an event by the Young Eagles program, which gives young people their first ride in an airplane, free of charge. I have flown many Young Eagles in the past, although at these recent events I was there for support - to visit with the pilots and cheer on the kids.
 
Over the years, my time with the Young Eagles has given me an opportunity to remember why I started flying to begin with.  Being in the air gives you a new perspective on the world, and on life. For those of us that fly all the time, it can be easy to forget the awe and wonder that comes with your first flight.
 
As a young man I became an airline pilot to see what was out there over the horizon, experience other cultures and learn about the world around me. By now, I have been in every corner of the world.
 
I love Maine. I moved here when I was very young and knew immediately that I wanted to put down roots here. I went to college here, raised my family here and am proud to serve my community in Augusta, which has been the honor of my life.
 
My experiences around the world made me who I am, and they help make me appreciate my home in Maine in ways I never could without them. The more kids I can introduce to flying, and a potential career traveling the world, the better. I encourage anyone reading this who knows a curious, adventurous youngster to respond to this email and ask me about enrolling in Young Eagles and getting airborne!   

  
FAFSA changes announced, help sessions available locally
 
Due to recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, families can file their application now (instead of waiting until January 1 of next year) and can use an earlier year's tax information. These changes should help students and families know earlier in the college application process what financial aid is available to them and help them choose what school to attend with a more accurate picture of their financial situation.

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is offering help sessions around the state to provide assistance to students and families as they file the FAFSA. Locally, the sessions will be at Region 8, Mid-Coast School of Technology, on October 25th at 5:30PM. For the complete list of FAFSA help sessions, click here.
Island Institute receives USDA grant for island communities
 
Congratulations to the Rockland-based Island Institute for receiving a USDA Rural Development Rural Community Development Initiative Grant in the amount of $143,350. The money will go toward hiring fellows to help communities with economic and educational development. 
 
One project will involve working with the Vinalhaven School and Partners in Island Education, a local non-profit, to support lifelong learning and alternative education programs. Other recipients of grant funds are Frenchboro and Eastport.
Halloween safety tips
 
It won't be long before our streets are full of ghosts, witches, superheroes and minions. Halloween is just around the corner. 

For a lot of kids, Halloween is one of the best parts of fall. Trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving and dressing up can be a blast, as long as everyone stays safe.



By now, we should all know not to eat any unwrapped or suspicious treats received on Halloween, but that's not the only safety tip worth following. Make sure your kids costumes are reflective, and that any masks or other costume parts don't obscure their vision. If they'll be out at night, make sure they have flashlights and stay aware of vehicles and other dangers.


Lastly, make sure your Halloween plans are age-appropriate. More and more grown-ups are getting in on the frightful fun, with events like haunted houses and other activities, and it's not always easy to tell which events are appropriate for kids. No one knows your children's limits better than you do, so stay informed about their plans to make sure they have a great time.