Representative Bruce Bickford’s

ETNewsletter

February 26, 2010

State Issues:

 

Consumers Warned About Insurance Scams

 

Officials with the Bureau of Insurance warned consumers about an entity operating in Maine as “American Trade Association” or “Serve America Assurance, Ltd.” This group is not licensed in Maine and is not selling coverage through a licensed insurance company. Unlicensed insurance sales often involve insolvent, dishonest or non-existent insurers; and consumers who have paid premiums to these entities are left without coverage.

 

Mainers should, in general, avoid purchasing health insurance from companies that advertise by fax, on the internet or through other unsolicited offers. If an advertisement offers surprisingly low prices, limited-time offers and little information about the company itself, it is most likely fraudulent. Consumers who wish to verify that an insurance company is real, or with questions or concerns about the insurance, can contact the Bureau of Insurance by calling 1-800-300-5000 or by visiting their website at http://www.maine.gov/insurance.

 

Ice Conditions Worsen

 

With the recent warm weather, the ice conditions across Maine have worsened, according to officials from the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W). In southern Maine, ice is thinning too quickly to be considered safe; and wardens are encouraging people to stay off the ice entirely. In northern and central Maine, the ice may be considered safe; but officials urge extreme caution.  Wardens advised that you check the ice conditions before going out, that you not use heavy vehicles on the ice and that you not venture out on unfamiliar waterways.

 

State Budget News

 

The Revenue Forecasting Committee revised its revenue forecast upwards for Fiscal Year 2010-11 at its last meeting.  The committee now projects that General Fund revenue for Fiscal Year 2010 will be approximately $29.8 million higher than originally anticipated and about $21.2 million higher for Fiscal Year 2011. Highway Fund revenues were re-projected upwards as well, by $4 million in FY10 and $5.4 million in FY11.

 

This information was recently presented to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs, which is still considering Governor Baldacci’s proposed supplemental budget for FY 2010. The Appropriations Committee also recently learned that Maine is due to receive an additional $27.8 million in federal stimulus funds, further reducing the state budget deficit.

 

 

 

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