In Wake of Recent Hurricanes, Senator Collins Chairs Hearing on Disaster Planning for Older Americans

Senators Collins and Casey Introduced Legislation to Establish National Panel on Seniors and Disasters

Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, held a hearing last month titled, “Disaster Preparedness and Response: The Special Needs of Older Americans,” to review policies and procedures for sheltering in place, evacuating, and relocating some of our most vulnerable citizens before disaster strikes.

The hearing, which featured testimony from two health care experts and two emergency strategists, focused on lessons learned from responses to past disasters and examined what more can be done to ensure the health, safety, and resilience of older Americans during and after a catastrophe, such as a hurricane.

“As the recent disasters caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria made clear, older Americans are particularly vulnerable before, during, and even after a storm,” said Senator Collins. “While we have made strides since Hurricane Katrina 12 years ago, we must ask ourselves: Can we better protect the most vulnerable members of our communities? What gaps exist that could jeopardize lives in the next catastrophe, whether it’s a storm, earthquake, or some other unanticipated event? We should not have to wait for the next catastrophe to strike.”

Senators Collins, Bill Nelson (D-FL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Bob Casey (D-PA) have introduced the Protecting Seniors During Disasters Act, which would create a national advisory committee dedicated to improving preparations and care for seniors during an emergency.

Senators Collins and King and Congresswoman Pingree Announce Contracts Awarded to BIW to Build Two New Destroyers

Maine Delegation Welcomes Secretary of the Navy to Bath Iron Works

Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that the U.S. Navy awarded contracts to Bath Iron Works (BIW) to build two new DDG-51 destroyers. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured the funding for the construction of these ships.

“These contracts to construct two new DDG-51 class destroyers in Bath demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to BIW and its confidence in the highly skilled, hard-working employees at the shipyard. There is no workforce in the world better positioned to build these ships,” said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree in a joint statement. “As the workhorses of the Navy, destroyers’ ability to deliver capability and presence has been demonstrated many times over. These ships will strengthen our naval fleet and allow the Navy to promote stability and security in the face of proliferating threats around the globe.”

Following the announcement of the contract awards, the Maine congressional delegation welcomed Navy Secretary Richard Spencer to BIW, where he met with BIW officials and employees and toured the facility. Senators Collins and King invited Secretary Spencer to Maine so that he could see firsthand the excellent work performed by the highly skilled employees at BIW to build and maintain the Navy fleet.

Legislation Introduced by Senator Collins to Support Family Caregivers Unanimously Passes Senate

Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) recently announced the unanimous passage of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act by the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation would establish a coordinated strategy to support family caregivers.  It now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Family caregivers play an essential role in our communities by dedicating time and attention and making countless personal and financial sacrifices to care for their loved ones,” said Senator Collins. “I am delighted that the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan legislation, which will develop a coordinated strategic plan to leverage our resources, promote best practices, and expand services and training available to caregivers.”

Americans 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the aging population. This population is most at risk for multiple and interacting health problems that can lead to disability and the need for round-the-clock care.

Click HERE to read more about Senators Collins and Baldwin’s legislation.

Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine Honors Senator Collins with “Ruby Slipper” Award

“Senator Susan Collins was honored by the Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine.

“The non-profit trade organization, which supports the more than 7,000 home care and hospice employees in the state, gave Collins the Ruby Slipper Award.

“It's been presented on four other occasions since being introduced in 2011, and was awarded to Collins for her continuous service in the cause for caring for others.

“Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee.

“She says she's recently introduced a bill called the Home Health Planning Act.

“‘This bill which I've introduced is bipartisan (and) would improve access for Medicare beneficiaries by allowing not only physicians, but physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives to authorize home health services,’ said Collins, (R).

“Alliance members say Collins' work to investigate and examine issues important to Maine seniors made her a perfect candidate for the award.”

Click HERE to read the full story on WABI's website.

Following Senator Collins’ Advocacy, UMPI Receives $600,000 Grant to Help Low-Income, First-Generation Students Pursue Higher Education

Earlier this year, the Department of Education prohibited the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Upward Bound grant application from being considered due to a minor line spacing issue. The absurd bureaucratic decision jeopardized nearly 1,000 Mainers’ access to the Upward Bound program, which helps low-income, first-generation, and other students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue higher education.

Following Senator Susan Collins’ strong advocacy, which included securing two provisions in the fiscal year 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Department of Education reversed its original decision and allowed UMPI’s application to move forward. In August, Senator Collins announced that UMPI’s application was approved and the University was awarded $639,257 for its Upward Bound Program.

“I am absolutely delighted that UMPI was awarded more than $639,000 for its Upward Bound Program,” said Senator Collins. “The Department of Education’s initial refusal to review this application due to a minor line spacing issue was absurd. It is no surprise that when the Department reversed this decision—after a months-long push from the Maine delegation—and agreed to review the application on the merits, UMPI’s application was selected. This funding will help nearly 1,000 students over the next five years who depend on Upward Bound to pursue their higher education goals.”

At YCCC Eggs & Issues Breakfast, Senator Collins Discusses Importance of Apprenticeships and Employers Partnering with Educators

Senator Collins delivered the keynote address and took questions from members of the community on a wide variety of issues at York County Community College’s (YCCC) Eggs & Issues Breakfast. The event, which was attended by nearly 150 people, was held at the college’s main campus in Wells.

Senator Collins commended YCCC on its commitment to career-focused education, which prepares students to face the challenges of the global economy. She noted that YCCC has been a leader in cultivating partnerships with local employers, which benefits businesses as well as Mainers seeking to find employment or develop their skills.

“YCCC’s wide range of programs and their success in helping students achieve their goals are the result of the partnership forged between this school and area employers,” said Senator Collins. “An outstanding example of that partnership was seen this May, when 14 Pratt & Whitney employees completed the Apprenticeship Program and graduated from YCCC. As Pratt & Whitney expands its North Berwick production, this collaboration is critical in helping to develop the skilled workforce this valued Maine employer needs to advance the aviation industry and to enhance our national security, while providing great jobs right here in our State.”

Senator Collins has worked to foster these types of constructive partnerships and enhance our nation’s ability to train and educate workers. Earlier this year, she introduced the American Apprenticeship Act with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), which would provide funding to states for tuition assistance programs for pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Senator Collins Speaks at Grand Opening of L.L. Bean Manufacturing Center in Lewiston

L.L. Bean is an iconic Maine company that was built on the foundation of the Maine Hunting Shoe more than a century ago. Leon Leonwood Bean made 100 pairs of hunting boots in his first production run in 1912, and last year the skilled workers in Lewiston and Brunswick produced more than 600,000 pairs.

Senator Collins was thrilled to take part in the grand opening of L.L. Bean’s new manufacturing center in Lewiston, which will help the company produce additional boots to meet growing demand and create good-paying jobs for Mainers. Senator Collins offered her best wishes to employees at the new facility.

WTS International Names Senator Collins “Woman of the Year” for Transportation Leadership

The Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) honored Senator Collins with its 2017 Woman of the Year Award for her significant legislative contributions and accomplishments “that have moved the transportation system forward in the United States.” The award was presented to Senator Collins in Augusta at the WTS Maine Chapter Meeting, which was co-hosted by the Maine Department of Transportation.

“I greatly appreciate being recognized for my work to improve the safety and efficiency of our nation’s transportation network and my advocacy for critical infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to seaports, shipyards, railways and airports,” said Senator Collins. “As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve focused on improving our nation’s infrastructure and ensuring that Maine’s needs are met. Throughout Maine, I’ve seen first-hand the positive effects of investments that boost our economy and create much-needed jobs. It’s a privilege to join Maine’s communities in this important work.”

Delivering Remarks at UNE Inauguration of President James Herbert 

Senator Collins delivered remarks at the inauguration of James D. Herbert, Ph.D., as the sixth president of the University of New England (UNE) in Biddeford. Approximately 300 people attended the event. President Herbert previously served as executive vice provost and dean of the Graduate College at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

“As home to Maine’s only medical and dental schools, UNE plays a vital role in our State’s future, helping to keep our best and brightest students here and to attract high-achieving students from elsewhere to come to Maine to study and to stay,” said Senator Collins. “I wish President Herbert all the best in this new opportunity he has accepted, and I look forward to the University of New England’s continued contributions to meeting the challenges facing our State and our nation.”

Senator Collins Recognized for Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Generations United honored Senator Susan Collins with its Grandfamilies Champion Award for her commitment to supporting grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Generations United is an advocacy organization focused on supporting intergenerational families.

Earlier this year, Senators Collins and Bob Casey (D-PA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, introduced the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act to create a federal task force charged with supporting grandparents raising grandchildren.

Senators Collins and Casey introduced their legislation following a March Aging Committee hearing they held on the growing phenomenon of grandparents raising grandchildren because the parents are struggling with addiction and can no longer care for their children. During the hearing, experts and grandparents testified on the need for grandparents to have easy access to information about resources available to assist them.

Congratulating Maine Seacoast Mission’s 2017 Sunbeam Honorees

Senator Collins attended the Maine Seacoast Mission's dinner in Bar Harbor at which Alan Baker and Earl Brechlin were honored for their work in publishing and editing the Mount Desert Islander, an award-winning weekly newspaper. Robin Alden was also recognized for her four-decades long career in promoting Maine's coastal fisheries. All three received the 2017 Sunbeam Award presented by the Mission's president, Scott Planting. The Mission provides medical care, spiritual support, scholarships, food assistance, and crisis services to island communities off Hancock and Washington Counties and to families in small towns in Downeast Maine.

Meeting with Mainers

From top to bottom, left to right: May Young of Brooks and Josie and Abi Cowles of Belfast; Linda Robinson of Bar Harbor; Adam Bartow and Marie Neidig of Portland; Basil Camic Jr., Michelle Barry and Donna Camic of Hampden; and Dawson and Ryan Poulin of Waterville.