October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

*Maine Department of Labor helps businesses hire and retain people with disabilities* 

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Labor will be raising awareness of the benefits of employing people with disabilities throughout the month of October. The theme of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month is "Expect. Employ. Empower."

"My administration is helping people focus on what they can do, not what they can't," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "More than 15 percent of our citizens have one or more disabilities and more than 50 percent of them are working-age adults. These Mainers contribute to our economy as customers and offer a great deal to employers in productivity, loyalty and perspective. I encourage Maine employers to work with the Department of Labor to diversify their workforce."

"Our Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) and Ticket-to-Work Program provide services to

Governor LePage Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage September 30th joined state and local officials, representatives from law enforcement, business and community leaders and victims’ advocacy groups at the Blaine House to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In a special ceremony, Governor LePage expressed gratitude to business leader and philanthropist Ernie Boch Jr. for his gift of $25,000 to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Mr. Boch, President and CEO of Subaru of New England, presented Governor LePage and Julie Colpitts, Executive Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic with the check. The funds will be used to raise awareness and provide much-needed funding to assist victims of domestic violence, especially children.

“I am very grateful for Ernie’s donation, which will help assist some of the most vulnerable victims,” said Governor LePage. “Domestic violence, in my opinion, is the worst kind of abuse. This crime has a devastating and lasting effect on our families and communities. Perhaps, those hurt the most are our children and it is heartbreaking. I know the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence will put this money to good use and the people who need it most will be helped.”

There have been 10 homicides in Maine this year – seven have been domestic violence-related. Every