Statement of Governor LePage on Verso Paper

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement about today's announcement from Verso Paper:

"I learned about closure of the Bucksport mill late this afternoon. I have spoken to Verso Paper CEO David Patterson and I continue to receive information. I have called an emergency meeting with my economic development team who is committed to working with Verso and other interested parties in order to keep the mill open. We will assess any and all options as we move forward. I have rearranged my schedule to attend to this developing situation and will be in the Bangor region Thursday.

"My thoughts are with the workers and families who are affected by this closure. As an Administration, we stand ready to provide resources to them, including the training and support needed to transition into new job opportunities. The Department of Labor has mobilized a team to assist these workers and will do everything it can to help them during this difficult time. "

Statement of Governor LePage on 70th Anniversary of D-Day

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage today issued the following statement to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day:

“Although we are losing members of The Greatest Generation every day, we must never forget the sacrifice, courage and bravery of those who landed on D-Day during the largest invasion by sea in the history of the United States,” said Governor LePage. “The landings on the beaches at Normandy claimed thousands of lives, but they were just the start of some of the most vicious fighting of the war. Those who fought so heroically and made it off the beaches cleared the way for the liberation of Europe and the Allied effort to make the world safe for democracy.”

Statement of Governor LePage on Rise in Number of Drug-Related Deaths

AUGUSTA, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage today released the following statement about the newly released 2013 drug-induced death statistics: "Our Administration is focusing on the fact that Maine is subject to ever-increasing numbers of out-of-state drug trafficking organizations establishing drug markets in the state. This disturbing trend tears at the very fabric of our communities and puts our children at risk."

"As I have said in the past, we must be proactive in combating drug dealers and target our limited resources to better protect our communities. It's extremely discouraging that Democrats shot down my bill just a few months ago and ignore the value of increasing the number of drug investigators, prosecutors and judges to fight drug crime. We even secured the funding that would have strengthened efforts to identify, investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who distribute drugs within Maine, but Democrats refused to take action."

"Attorney General Janet Mills has admitted that these ‘criminals are targeting our state to sell drugs, bringing a shocking level of violence with them' and has said her office ‘is committed to prosecuting these cases'. She should know that if we do not have a way to catch the drug dealers and develop a case, her staff cannot prosecute them."

"I think we all agree we also need to find more effective and efficient ways to treat addicts and provide them options that lead to successful long-term outcomes. In fact, the State has increased substance abuse funding in recent years from $7 million to more than $9 million. However, until we are able to curb the amount of drugs coming into our state, we will likely see the number of drug-induced deaths continue to rise."

Statement of Governor LePage on Connecticut School Shooting

Augusta, Maine - After learning of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut earlier today, Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and community affected by this horrific event this morning in Connecticut. It is difficult to comprehend the loss of so many innocent lives.

Ann and I will continue to pray for the families of the children and staff members who lost their lives in what should be the safest of places, their school.”

Statement of Governor LePage on Successful Maine Candidates

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement today congratulating Maine legislative candidates noting there is much work to do in Maine as it moves ahead:

“I would like to congratulate all candidates who won. Now that the campaign is over, it is time to get to work for all Maine people.

Here in Maine, we must come together to find solutions to our fiscal challenges that will lead to the recovery of our economy and improve prosperity for hardworking families and businesses. I stand ready to work with those who will put Mainers first and won’t allow the political rhetoric to continue.”