Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow on the occasion of her retirement as President of the University of Maine at Farmington. Since Dr. Kalikow's arrival at the University of Maine at Farmington in 1994, the university has gained national recognition as one of America's top public liberal arts colleges and is a superior model of educational excellence and academic opportunity. As President, Dr. Kalikow has overseen the addition of many new degree programs and has presided over the construction of new campus facilities, including a community arts center, an education center, and a residence hall. She has also focused on expanding student opportunities for internships and undergraduate research. Another of Dr. Kalikow's notable accomplishments at UMF has been her tireless pursuit of high environmental sustainability standards. Under her leadership, the University of Maine at Farmington is now recognized as one of America's ``Top Green Colleges'' by the Princeton Review. Dr. Kalikow's environmental efforts earned her the Green Building Leadership Award from the Maine Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council in 2007. Dr. Kalikow has received recognition within the state of Maine for her contributions to the community of Farmington and to the state at large. In 2001, she was inducted into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame. She has also been the recipient of the University of Maine's Maryann Hartman Award and the University of New England's Deborah Morton Award. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow for her many years of dedication and service to the state of Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Fort Kent, and the surrounding communities, who responded so admirably to the massive fire in downtown Fort Kent. In the early morning of March 25, 2012, a massive fire erupted in Fort Kent, Maine destroying several downtown buildings and damaging local businesses. Although these buildings contained numerous apartments, there was mercifully no loss of life. That is because of the heroic efforts of eight local fire departments, the Fort Kent Police, and a town employee who first spotted the flames. Tenants living on the second floor of the Nadeau's House of Furniture building were evacuated with only minutes to spare as the fire quickly spread. The heat was strong enough to damage businesses located across the street and melt nearby street signs. Moreover, it took thousands of gallons of water, pumped from the St. John River, to finally quell the flames. The heroism of the Fort Kent Volunteer Fire Department and fire crews from St. Agatha, Frenchville, Madawaska, North Lakes, Eagle Lake, St. Francois, New Brunswick and Clair, New Brunswick cannot be overstated. Neither can the bravery of Matt Bard who first alerted authorities, Tony Enerva and Richard Martin of the Fort Kent Police Department who were among the first on the scene, the Fort Kent Ambulance Service, or the scores of others who helped avert an even greater tragedy. I am grateful to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army for providing such immediate relief to the displaced families. I am also extremely heartened by the outpouring of support that has come from the Fort Kent community. Local business leaders have already launched a fundraising campaign to further assist those who lost their belongings in the fire. I know that their combined strength will bring the town through this difficult time. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all the heroes who responded to the Fort Kent fire.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2012 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. The Mid- Maine Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Waterville area, working with the business community to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state. Each year, the Mid-Maine Chamber recognizes some of the outstanding businesses and individuals that make Maine ``the way life should be'' for all Mainers and Maine businesses. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine. This year's award recipients include Gil Pelletier, recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award; Central Maine Disposal, Business of the Year; Pamela Kick of Pinnacle IT, Business Person of the Year; Dr. Barbara Covey of the MaineGeneral SAFE Program, Outstanding Professional of the Year; the Waterville Public Library, Community Service Project of the Year; Bruce Harrington of the Bank of Maine, ``Rising Star'' Award; and Darla Frost of Kennebec Federal Savings, the Customer Service Stardom Award. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4105. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their efforts in bringing this bill before this body. Passing this bill will ensure that the Commerce Department has the authority to apply tariffs on illegally subsidized goods from China and other nonmarket economies. For the State of Maine, passing this bill will protect the countervailing and anti-dumping duties in place on coated paper imports from China. From 2002 to 2009, China provided more than $33 billion in subsidies, many of them illegal, to the paper sector. As a result, China overtook the United States as the world's largest producer of paper and paper products. This growth in Beijing's paper sector hits Maine's mills hard. Since 2008, Maine workers from both Sappi Fine and NewPage companies have become eligible for trade adjustment assistance after they were laid off as a result of increased foreign imports. But after countervailing and anti-dumping duties were applied to paper imports from China, one mill hired 100 employees. This is just one example of how much of a difference countervailing duties can make for an American company having to compete against illegally subsidized Chinese goods. H.R. 4105 will ensure that countervailing duties can continue to be applied to illegally subsidized goods from all countries, including China. This bill is critical to ensuring that our American businesses compete on a level playing field, and I urge all my colleagues to vote for it. And I want to once again thank the chairman and the ranking member for their efforts in bringing this bill forward. It's always good to be on the same side as the chair and the ranking member.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bertrand David Mathieu of Lewiston, Maine for his decades of work in Maine's shoe industry. Bert was born in 1922 in Lewiston, Maine. By the time he was sixteen years old, he had already started working with heavy industrial equipment in a shoe factory. Bert earned his place in the ``Greatest Generation'' when he answered the call to service during World War II. Originally joining the Maine National Guard in 1939, he would go on to serve in the European theater and fight in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Bert returned to the shoe manufacturing career that would be a part of his life for more than seven decades. With little formal training, he mastered his craft by listening, asking questions and vigilantly researching the technical aspects of the job. A committed family man, Bert also repaired televisions on the side for nearly fifty years in order to help pay for the schooling of his daughters. I've always known that Mainers are of sturdy stock, and I strongly suspect that our healthy Maine air and peaceful surroundings have something to do with it. Today at the age of 90, Bert still displays the hard work, creativity and ingenuity which have sustained him throughout his life. You can still find him working at Pamco Shoe Machinery in Lewiston, sorting and organizing machine parts. His energy and his positive attitude remain an inspiration to all who know him. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Bertrand David Mathieu for his many years of good work.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lorraine Brown of Leeds, Maine for her years of work in the shoe industry. Born in 1933, Lorraine grew up with her three siblings between Auburn and Lewiston. Her father had passed away when she was still very young, and as a result Lorraine was primarily raised by her mother, her grandmother and her aunts. At the age of 15, she and her girlfriends started working in the shoe industry to pay for a set of roller skates. Lorraine met her future husband on those roller skates at the Beacon Roller Rink on Park Street. Lorraine has spent over 50 years in the shoe industry, stitching for Koss, Hammon, Eastland, LL Bean, Knapp, and most recently, Falcon shoes. In a 2010 interview for the Shoe Industry Oral History Project, Lorraine tells the story of what it was like to work for these companies with a particular focus on the people in her life. Whether it was a childhood friend who never missed a birthday card, a boss who lent her his car because they used to skate together, or the new friendships she forged with her coworkers, it is clear that Lorraine has been a special person to a great many individuals. Before he passed away, Lorraine's husband told her to keep working so she wouldn't go ``downhill''. Today, she is still stitching fire boots for Falcon Shoes, a company she has been with since the birth of her great granddaughter. Through good times and bad, Lorraine's kindness and energy have been an inspiration to the whole community. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Lorraine Brown for her years of work in the shoe industry.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial of the town Phillips, Maine. Two hundred years ago, local families petitioned the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the right to become a township and determine their future. Phillips was incorporated on February 25, 1812. At the time of its incorporation, Phillips was home to more than 50 families. With all the advantages the Sandy River and its valley offered, the town quickly grew and the people of Phillips established a community which flourished. Among other things, Phillips is especially known as being the birthplace of Cornelia ``Fly Rod'' Crosby, Maine's first registered guide, as well as being the headquarters and hub of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. Today, the more than 1,000 proud residents of Phillips celebrate the bicentennial of their town filled with the same spirit and sense of common purpose that filled the founding families as they petitioned to have their community recognized. These individuals embody the hardworking people of Maine who throughout our history have embraced the challenges and opportunities of living in our state. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Phillips, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to help this community celebrate its 200th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing all the citizens of Phillips well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the STOCK Act. I regret having to miss a vote on this significant legislation, but I had to return to Maine to attend a family funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted for the House Amendment to S. 2038. These commonsense rules will help ensure that no member of Congress profits from the nonpublic information they receive in their official capacity. The voters in our districts sent us here to work hard on their behalf. It is simply wrong that anyone would consider using insider information he or she gains while working for his or her constituents to make investment decisions. Faith in Washington is at an all time low. Unfortunately, the STOCK Act is only a small step towards restoring the public's trust in their elected officials. However, it is an important step that will help hold every one of us more accountable. I was proud to join two hundred eighty-four of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle as a cosponsor of the original House version of the STOCK Act. I am hopeful that this strong show of bipartisanship can continue on the other important issues that face our country.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 2012 Annual Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards. For years, the Chamber has been at the forefront of business networking and development across 12 towns in the Newport, Pittsfield and Dexter areas. Each year, the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy economic environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine. This year's award recipients include George and Linda Lougee for the Joyce Packard Community Spirit Award and C.M. Almy and Sons Inc. for the Business of the Year for 2012. Since they first came to Newport in 1999, the Lougees have devoted themselves to helping the area flourish. Their efforts to arrange Sparkle, the Chamber's and the Region's largest fund raiser, have generated $78,000 for local organizations over the last six years. Additionally, C.M. Almy and Sons Inc. has manufactured church vestments, furnishing, and accessories since 1892. This third-generation family owned business is being recognized for community support in the region. These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and to Sebasticook Valley, Maine is a better place to live and to do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. MICHAUD. I am in its current form.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I am hoping today we will see a rare bipartisan moment here in the House when both sides can come together in support of our veterans. The final amendment I'm offering here today will exempt certain VA facilities from the decommissioning process outlined in the legislation today. It will not kill this bill or even delay its passage. If it's adopted, my amendment will incorporate into the bill and the bill will be immediately voted upon. I agree with my friends across the aisle that we need to address government waste, especially in this fiscal environment. I can understand why it makes sense to target the poor management and underutilization of government properties to reduce government waste, but I don't think our desire to address these issues should come at the expense of our veterans. The underlying bill already includes plenty of exemptions to the CPRA process, namely for bases, camps, or stations under jurisdiction of DOD. It seems to me that if the bill already excludes buildings from the consolidation process because our troops rely on them, we should also exclude the buildings for our veterans because they rely on those buildings also. As ranking member of the VA Health Subcommittee, I've heard testimony after testimony from veterans about the difficulties they face in accessing all the VA health services they need. The VA already provides health care to approximately 7.8 million veterans. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down, more and more of the 2.3 million soldiers from those wars will start to seek care from the Veterans Administration. DOD says that nearly 45,000 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have been wounded in action. Even this high number grossly underestimates the number of wounded soldiers who rely on the VA system for health care because of unseen wounds like PTSD, TBI, etc. We can't consider shutting down VA facilities when the need to help our heroes is increasing. In addition to health care needs, these soldiers will need help finding jobs. The veterans unemployment rate was more than 15 percent in January of 2011. It's great news that it fell 6 percent over the last year, but at 9 percent, it's still above the national average. That is why we have to ensure that the VA's ability to provide career services to returning soldiers isn't undermined. We don't know exactly when, where, or how these veterans will try to access the system, or whether they will be able to access PTSD treatment or to find a job, but we should not jeopardize their ability to do so by subjecting the VA to the same consolidation process as other Federal agencies. If this bill exempts DOD facilities, it should also exempt VA facilities. Even GAO, whose analysis was used to justify this underlying legislation, cites the unique needs of the VA given the increasing demands that our returning troops will put on the system. As a result of an aging veteran population and a growing number of younger veterans returning from the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, GAO found that, ``budgeting for the VA's vital health care mission is inherently complex. It is based on current assumptions and imperfect information, not only about program needs, but also on future economic and policy actions that may affect demand and the cost of providing these services.'' This means that a one-size-fits-all approach for consolidation of government property does not work for the VA. There are a couple of other reasons why the VA should be exempt from this bill. First, the VA has already recognized that it needs to upgrade, modernize, and realign its property portfolio to provide accessible and cost-effective services. In fact, they've been working on that since 1999. In 2008, GAO said the Department has reduced its underutilized space over 4 years by nearly two-thirds. Second, GAO has found that 66 percent of VA's underutilized and vacant buildings are historic properties or eligible for historic designation and require more effort for disposal. I applaud the other side for looking for ways to cut government spending; and there are, clearly, improvements to be made in the area of Federal properties. But we can't pursue the goal of reducing government spending at the expense of our veterans. In Congress, we frequently mention how grateful we are for our troops, and we often talk about the need to make sure that no veteran is left behind. Well, I'm offering the final amendment on this bill to make sure that we leave no veteran behind. On behalf of our heroes, they deserve our commitment. I urge my colleagues to support the final amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Laurent ``Larry'' Veilleux, a man who devoted his life to his family and to his community. A veteran of World War II, Larry's lifelong commitment to public service was only beginning when he returned home from the war. After completing his assignment in the U.S. Navy, Larry worked to obtain an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and to enroll himself in the FBI Academy. The Lewiston Police department was fortunate enough to draw on Larry's courage and dedication to his community. By the time he retired as a Deputy Police Chief, he was a local fixture and beloved within the community. Larry never stopped giving back to his friends, colleagues and neighbors. He found time to be an active member of the Retired Police Chief Association, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Lion's Club, and the Augusta Calumet Club. He was a former member of St. Joseph's Church and was most recently a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn. Larry valued his roots in the community and was particularly proud of his induction into the Lewiston-Auburn Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1942 Lewiston High School State Champion Hockey team. It is truly remarkable that one man could have such a positive impact on the lives of so many people. Larry is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Larry was born November 21, 1923 and passed on January 30, 2012. He was 88 years old. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Larry for his public service and allow me to extend my deepest condolences to Larry's family.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to instruct conferees at the desk.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 4 minutes to the gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The reason why I offered this motion is to protect unemployment insurance for the millions of jobless Americans that qualify for it. At the end of the last session, the House considered H.R. 3630, a bill that would extend the payroll tax cuts as well as the unemployment insurance. Unfortunately, the bill also included provisions that would undermine the unemployment insurance program as we know it today. While I disagree with many of these provisions, my motion to instruct focuses on one particular provision: the provision would roll back a requirement that States must spend all unemployment funds solely on unemployment benefits. Now, I know that there might be some who disagree with the size of the unemployment program and how many weeks individuals should be able to get their unemployment benefits. But I think we can all agree that money intended to help the unemployed make ends meet while they're looking for work should not be used for something else. There are several reasons why maintaining the integrity of the unemployment program makes sense. First, there are still more than 13 million Americans out of work as a result of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. These Americans rely on unemployment benefits to feed their families and pay the rent until they can find another job. To allow States to use these funds intended to support these families for programs could result in those who have lost their jobs to receive a benefit that does not help them make ends meet and would be useless. Some might argue that this provision will give States more flexibility to implement the unemployment program. I strongly support giving States the flexibility to implement national policies in a way that makes sense to some of the States, but there's already a great flexibility in the unemployment insurance program. States already choose and adjust employers' tax rates, benefit levels, and duration and eligibility criteria. This provision goes too far and jeopardizes unemployment benefits themselves, and it won't help the millions of unemployed Americans get back to work. Second, unemployment benefits help individuals find other jobs. According to CBO, extension of unemployment insurance benefits in the past few years increased both employment and participation in the labor force over what they would have been otherwise. Recent research from the Brookings Institute concluded that unemployment insurance does not increase the time that people remain unemployed. They found that unemployment benefits may actually keep more people in the labor force through its requirement that beneficiaries seek work. The fact is unemployment benefits remain a crucial resource for American workers who lost their jobs as a result of the Great Recession and not because of their job performance. Using unemployment insurance funding for any purpose other than unemployment benefits for struggling families simply makes no sense. Third, unemployment benefits stimulate the economy. CBO identified increasing aid to the unemployed as one of the policies that would have the largest effect on output in employment and therefore trigger economic growth. That's because individuals who receive unemployment benefits don't put it in their savings account. They spend that money on things like putting food on the table for their families. If we divert money from the unemployment program, this economic stimulus effort will be lost, and our economic recovery will be even slower than it is now. I think it is important to remind ourselves that the unemployment benefits are given to eligible individuals who have previously had a job but have lost it for reasons out of their control. During the Great Recession, millions of Americans were given pink slips. Even now, our economy has started to show small signs of recovery, but there are certain areas in Maine's labor market where the unemployment rate is more than 20 percent. These families aren't going on vacations or buying luxury cars. They're spending all of their money in their savings accounts, emptying their 401(k)s and simply doing without. They need unemployment benefits to help them stay afloat and to help them find a job. My motion simply instructs conferees to take out this harmful provision so that we can ensure that the unemployment funding is spent on unemployment benefits. In this environment of reining in government spending and making sure taxpayers' dollars are used effectively, I think it makes sense to make sure that the unemployment benefits cannot be spent on some other program that won't help families or the economy like the unemployment insurance. So I urge my colleagues to support this motion to ensure that the unemployment benefits continue to go to Americans who lost their jobs and are trying to get back on their feet. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I agree with part of the comments that the gentleman made. People do not want to sit home and collect a paycheck. They want to go to work. Some people definitely have to be trained for jobs. There is nothing in my motion that prevents States from offering training programs. Nothing in my motion will prevent States from encouraging people to get their GED. States have the flexibility to establish these programs on their own. My motion to instruct simply says that the benefits that were collected by the employers for unemployment benefits will have to be used for unemployment benefits. They cannot be used for training programs. They cannot be used to help subsidize businesses to pay for these employees. They have to be used for unemployment benefits. This motion to instruct is important because if you look at my home State of Maine, there are more than 48,000 Mainers out of work. And I want to read a letter from one of my constituents whose story illustrates why its critical that unemployment benefits go to those who need them, not for some alternative program. The other alternative programs that I heard about earlier this evening, States can do that on their own. The only difference is they cannot use unemployment benefits. I would like to read this letter from my constituent: ``I just became a ninety-niner, as those of us who have exhausted our unemployment benefits are called. Though some in Congress and the media think we comprise the bottom-feeders that the business creators needed to shed, this is not always the case. ``I have worked hard ever since I was a kid in East Millinocket doing odd jobs for my father, peddling newspapers. I went into the Army and benefited from the Vietnam-era GI Bill, and since have been glad to give back in the form of higher taxes for many years. ``In 2009, my former company moved to California and laid me and hundreds of others off, despite my having earned superior performance reviews for most of my years with them. To their credit, we were given outplacement service and a decent severance package. ``Nonetheless, I have since tried to find employment in my field, but find myself being screened out by junior human resource people who find me overqualified, too senior and/or too highly compensated for the job at hand. I am certain that some of this is ageism, which, though illegal, is still quietly sanctioned in this society. And now we face companies brazenly telling us that we need not apply if we have been out of work for more than 6 months. ``Please show some compassion for those of us who become unemployed through no fault of our own and who still hope to join the tax-paying ranks once again.'' This constituent of mine relies on unemployment benefits not because he wants to or because he's lazy, but because he can't find a job. As I mentioned, some labor markets in the State of Maine have over 20 percent unemployment. He is the reason I'm offering this motion to instruct today to ensure that the unemployment insurance program is preserved for Americans like him. It requires that unemployment benefits will be used for those unemployed. The States have the flexibility to determine eligibility, the length, and the amount. They have that flexibility. So I urge my colleagues to vote for this motion to instruct and protect unemployment benefits for what they were intended for--for those who are unemployed--and not to help subsidize other programs that States might decide to create. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association MOFGA on their 40 year anniversary. Committed to the Maine tradition of local, family owned agricultural businesses which produce some of the healthiest agricultural goods available, Abby McMillen began organizing membership for what would become MOFGA in 1971. The organization initially served as a forum where organic growers could learn from each other and perfect their trade. By 1972, MOFGA was certifying organic farms using standards laid out by Rodale Organic Garden. Today, the association has grown to include 6,000 members and nearly 350 certified farms. MOFGA is also one of the most active groups in the state. The association runs numerous educational, apprenticeship, and charitable programs that connect Maine's organic growers with each other and communities around the world. Their quarterly published news paper, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, is one of the nation's leading information sources on organic agriculture and sustainable living practices. What's more, the annual Common Ground County Fair hosted by MOFGA has become one of the state's most anticipated events each year. Thousands of people are drawn to the town of Unity from all over the country to enjoy live entertainment and meet with local farmers, vendors and artisans. MOFGA has demonstrated itself to be an invaluable resource for Maine growers and consumers who are interested in learning about healthy food and environmentally friendly farming methods. These agricultural practices are beneficial to public health, the environment and Maine's economy. Additionally, the association annually reviews farms and food processors to ensure that food labeled as organic truly lives up to that standard. I wish MOFGA continued success in working with farmers, gardeners and families all across Maine to promote healthier and more nutritious eating options. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association on the 40th anniversary of its founding.