The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced the first round of applicants accepted into the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program.

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The temporary tariff on coated paper from China and Indonesia —

More than 4,000 jobs have been lost in the paper sector since 2002, according to the Maine Department of Labor. But the state managed better than other areas in the U.S. during that same time, as over 56,000 jobs were lost elsewhere in the U.S. according to the Alliance for American Manufacturing. So far, in 2010, Maine pulp exports are up 200 percent and paper exports — 72 percent. Is that partially due to the temporary tariff imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in March, 2010?

“I believe so. It’s something I’ve followed and worked for — for a very long time. It already has saved jobs in Maine, by giving our paper companies a level playing field. It will not only maintain their operations but also grow jobs, and the industry.

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Florence House gives 65 women nothing less than a second chance at life. Destitute and on the streets of Portland, sleeping in bus stations, cardboard boxes, or the park, these ladies had found their way to Preble Street Resource Center. There they found sympathy and food. They were given mattresses on the floor, six inches apart, to sleep on along with men.

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Maine has won approval from the Federal government for the full use of its grant of nearly $6.6 million to expand and coordinate health information technology throughout the State.

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Bar Harbor, Maine — Researchers including Jackson Laboratory Professor Leonard Shultz have announced the first mouse model for typhoid fever. The model will allow researchers to study typhoid fever and to develop new treatments and vaccines to battle this serious threat to health in the developing world.

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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the award of $1 million to Maine to help crack down on health insurance premium increases. Maine will use this Affordable Care Act funding to help improve the oversight of proposed health insurance premium increases, take action against insurers seeking unreasonable rate hikes, and ensure Mainers receive value for their premium dollars.

“The Affordable Care Act puts in place critical market reforms to improve quality and reduce the cost of health care for employers and individuals. Increased competition, lower insurance overhead, and better risk pooling in health insurance Exchanges in 2014 are expected to reduce premiums in the individual market by anywhere from 14-20 percent according to the Congressional Budget Office,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

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The Governor’s Office of Health Policy and Finance announced today a new tool for Maine people to learn more about the federal health care reform law passed earlier this year. The Web site, www.maine.gov/healthreform , provides a central place for Mainers to review up-to-date information about the federal health reform law, The Affordable Care Act, and how it impacts Maine.

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The U.S. Senate cloture vote extends Medicaid funding and will provide additional education support for States still struggling to recover from the recession.

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On July 22, 2010 Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke on the House floor about legislation she introduced this week to help schools provide healthier meals for their students while supporting local farmers.

“On average, an apple travels 1,500 miles from farm to school. This bill gives schools the freedom to buy apples from their neighbors and keep every dollar spent in the community instead of traveling across the country and back,” said Pingree.

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According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services businesses may now apply for assistance paying for health care under the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. The funding is available on a first come first serve basis, so Maine businesses are encouraged to apply now. The program helps businesses cover the cost of providing early retirees with health insurance.

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