Public Hearing

A public hearing for my bill LD 475, "An Act To Increase Food Sovereignty in Local Communities" has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 1:00PM, Cross Building, Room 214. I look forward to a great turnout in support of the right of local communities to govern their own food systems as they see fit.

It is a short bill that reads as follows:

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to enact measures designed to:

1. Preserve the ability of local communities to produce, process, sell, purchase and consume local foods;

2. Ensure the preservation of family farms; and

3. Enhance the economic, environmental and social wealth of local communities by supporting family farms and sustainable agricultural practices and promoting the unimpeded ability of individuals, families and other entities to process or prepare foods for home consumption.

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That's all there is to it right now.

I have been asked why it's so short and why it doesn't propose to enact measures that will increase food sovereignty as outlined.

A concept draft, like any bill, is fleshed out by committee in work session, taking into consideration all written and oral testimony. The people will make suggestions about the language used to enact such measures. That is why I presented this as a concept draft: to allow people the most input. During work session, the committee could draft language that simply affirms the local ordinances that have already been passed or that will be passed in the future. Or, the committee could take any number of other actions on the bill in work session. One of those actions could be to turn the concept draft into a resolution for a constitutional amendment, which would require a 2/3 vote of both chambers. If it gets over that threshold, it goes to the people for direct vote. A majority vote at the ballot box would enshrine the values of food sovereignty into the Maine Constitution. I'm not saying any of this will happen, of course, but it's possible.

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Immediately following the public hearing on LD 475 will be a hearing on my bill LD 476, "Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry To Develop a Policy To Reduce Food Waste in All State-funded Institutions." It reads as follows:

Sec. 1 Development of plan. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall jointly develop a comprehensive policy to reduce food waste in all state-funded buildings and institutions. In developing the policy, the commissioners shall consider initiatives undertaken in other jurisdictions, including but not limited to policies that support, within state-funded buildings and institutions:

1. The collection of leftover food from cafeterias and food service entities and the identification and donation of appropriate food items to nonprofit organizations, food pantries and shelters;

2. The collection of food waste and the distribution of appropriate food waste to farmers and others to be used as food for livestock;

3. The composting of food waste and the distribution of such compost to farmers and growers for use in production of new food products; and

4. The use of compost created pursuant to subsection 3 on state grounds, including but not limited to Capitol Park, state parks and the grounds and landscaping of state-funded buildings; and be it further

Sec. 2 Report. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall jointly submit a report detailing the policy developed pursuant to section 1, together with any recommendations, to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry no later than December 4, 2013. The committee may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature to implement recommendations contained in the report.

SUMMARY
This resolve requires the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive policy to reduce food waste in all state-funded buildings and institutions and to submit a report detailing the policy, together with any recommendations, to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by December 4, 2013. The committee may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature to implement recommendations contained in the report.

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State News Update

Maine Lobster Fishery Awarded Prestigious International Certification

Governor Paul R. LePage announced Sunday that the iconic Maine lobster fishery has received the prestigious international Marine Stewardship Council’s Sustainable Seafood Certification.
MSC certification recognizes ecologically sound practices, from the harvest through delivery to consumer. Certification provides a competitive advantage in marketing to the growing number of retailers and consumers around the world who place a premium on seafood harvested in an environmentally responsible, sustainable manner.

To achieve MSC certification, fisheries are assessed based on a rigorous set of standards that include the health of the fish stock, marine ecosystem protection, and the effectiveness of fishery management. Within these core areas are 31 performance indicators used by accredited independent, third-party certification bodies to evaluate a fishery applying for certification.

“This global certification program will open new markets worldwide and just as important it will provide the means to trace our certified lobsters, no matter where in the world they end up, back to waters of Maine,” said Governor LePage.


2013 Big E Applications Due March 22

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is inviting Maine businesses and organizations to apply for exhibit space in the State of Maine Building at the 2013 “Big E”. The Big E will be held from September 13 thru September 29.

The Eastern States Exposition (Big E) takes place every September in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Last year’s attendance set a new record, with 1,365,896 fairgoers passing through the Big E gates over seventeen days. The State of Maine building showcases Maine foods and products, as well as features information on Maine’s many recreational and vacation opportunities.

DACF is providing Maine businesses and organizations with the opportunity to rent commercial space in the State of Maine Building. More than 850,000 of the fairgoers visit the state buildings located on the Avenue of States, affording a tremendous opportunity to promote Maine and Maine products.

The Department’s goal at the Big E is to “exhibit, publicize, and advertise Maine’s products and resources in agriculture, industry, fisheries, wildlife and recreation.” By presenting fairgoers with a balance of educational and commercial exhibits, participants exemplify Maine and its unique way of life. Only items which are produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Maine may be sold in the Maine building.

The deadline for completed applications to be received is Friday, March 22. All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee which recommends to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry exhibitors best suited to meet the goals of the building. The exhibitors chosen to participate in this years’ event will be notified on Monday, April 1.

For more information about the Big E, please visit http://www.thebige.com/. Please call (207)287-3494 or e-mail jessica.l.nixon@maine.gov to receive a copy of the complete Application Packet.


Governor's Conference on Education

Governor Paul R. LePage announced the opening of general registration for his upcoming education conference, which will feature presentations on promising practices and innovative reforms from around the country.

The March 22 conference, the Governor’s Conference on Education: Putting Students First, will feature keynote speaker Tony Bennett, the commissioner of education in Florida, along with leaders from other education organizations across the country. Bennett will talk about the innovative work Florida has undertaken to support school improvement, including a school performance grading system. Maine is exploring similar initiatives, though it has not committed to them.

“One of my highest priorities is to improve and expand our children’s educational opportunities,” Governor LePage said. “While many good things are going on in Maine’s schools, we can always learn from the success of other states, too.”

Governor LePage and the Maine Department of Education initially invited key stakeholders, including superintendent, principal, and teacher associations and their members, as well as legislators and policy makers. They have now opened up registration for the conference to the general public. A small number of seats remain available.

The conference will be held Friday, March 22 at Cony High School in Augusta from 8 am to 3 pm. To learn more about the conference and its panelists, and to register to attend, go to the Governor’s Conference on Education website at: www.maine.gov/doe/governorsconference.    


Maine History Corner

March 15^th is the day on which Maine’s statehood is celebrated. This year marks the 193^rd birthday of our beautiful state, which was admitted to the union in 1820. Maine’s statehood followed decades of attempts to separate from Massachusetts, and the vote to separate finally succeeded in 1819, followed by the convening of a constitutional convention in Portland. On the national level, however, the Missouri Compromise is what ultimately allowed Maine to be admitted as its own state. William King, our first governor, was instrumental in the statehood movement.  You can read more about the separation from Massachusetts and view documents from the 1816 separation attempt HERE.

Testimony: Veteran-To-Farmer Training Pilot Program

Testimony of Representative Craig Hickman, LD 409: An Act To Establish a Veteran-To-Farmer Training Pilot Program Before the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs
March 13, 2013

Good afternoon Senator Millett, Representative MacDonald and other distinguished members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.  I stand before you today to present LD 409, “An Act To Establish a Veteran-to-Farmer Training Pilot Program.”

As some of you know, I am the son of a Tuskegee Airman who, because of the color of his skin, couldn’t get a job as an air traffic controller at the municipal airport in my native city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when he returned from World War II in 1946.

Hazelle Hickman taught me how to grow things. If we didn’t live in a city, I’m sure he would have worked the land as a farmer, so passionate was he about growing healthy food in a small backyard garden to feed his family. When he passed away at the age of 87 six years ago tomorrow, he left a whole in my soul as big as the lake upon which my farm in Winthrop sits. To recover from the loss of a man who taught me about discipline, respect, honor and dignity, about how to rise up after being knocked down, about how to love, how to live, I began working the land, ultimately becoming an organic farmer. Becoming an organic farmer led me to become an elected official, fulfilling a dream he always had for me.

I, too, have a dream.

Imagine if we assisted veterans, especially young veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, to help them heal from the trauma of war and thrive as farmers. As the Adjutant General of Maine told us in joint session just yesterday, Maine boasts a large contingent of courageous men and women who serve at home and abroad. Imagine if we offered some of them hands-on training in sustainable agriculture alongside classroom instruction in business planning and development in order to revitalize the family farm.

I have a dream.

In order to move Maine toward prosperity, we need to cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders. One way, not the only way, mind you, but one way we can do this is to develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities here in Maine.

I believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. Many veterans return home to high unemployment rates in rural communities. They possess a strong work ethic, understand meritocracy, where performance is measured by both mental and physical strength. Farming is an honorable, noble and patriotic profession where you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Literally. Fulfilling a fundamental societal need will continue to provide veterans a sense of service to their communities and to their country. Who better to serve our citizens here at home than those who have served us so well abroad?

It’s time we help turn our protectors into our providers.

Attached, you will find the guiding principles of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, a national non-profit organization which mobilizes veterans to feed America. In addition to my father, the work of this organization inspired LD409.

Let us mobilize veterans to feed Maine.

While the bill before you is presented as a concept draft, I believe the language of the draft as written could easily be turned into a resolve, if this committee so decides in work session, to direct the entities involved to begin curriculum development should the bill pass in both chambers.

I humbly ask that you vote ought to pass on LD409. Thank you.

Legislative Update

Dear Neighbor,

Hearings for the biennial budget started yesterday, Monday, March 11th. The hearings will run for 4 weeks. I’ve included the schedule for some key hearing dates below if you would like to listen in or testify in person or in writing:

Suspension of Revenue Sharing, Cuts to Circuit Breaker and Homestead Exemption: Wednesday, March 13 at 1 p.m. in Appropriations and Financial Services Committee

Cuts to Education, including the shift in teacher retirement costs to municipalities: Monday, March 18 at 1 p.m. in Appropriations and Financial Services Committee

Cuts to Maine's Drugs for the Elderly Program: Thursday, April 4 at 1 p.m in Appropriations and Financial Services Committee

  

This budget will affect all Maine people in ways large and small.  Your opinions and suggestions are greatly valued. The hearings matter a lot, and the Appropriations Committee will do its best to find alternatives to unacceptable proposals.  

 

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With newborn lambs at Sunrise Farm in Woodland

Members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee (ACF) on which I serve visited Aroostook County this past weekend for a tour of 8 farms and food producers as far up as Limestone. The weather was perfect, the hospitality generous, and the farmers were excited to see us. The weekend underscored just how vital the family farm is to economic development and prosperity in rural Maine.

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I will present LD 409, “An Act To Establish a Veteran-Farmer Training Pilot Program” on Wednesday, March 13 at 1 p.m. to Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and next Tuesday, March 19 at 1 p.m., I will present two bills to ACF: LD 475, “An Act To Increase Food Sovereignty in Local Communities” and LD476, “Resolve, Directing the Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry To Reduce Food Waste in State-Funded Institutions.”

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I am humbled to serve you. It’s quite an adventure and I am enjoying myself immensely. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns or if you need assistance with an issue. You can reach me by email at craighickman@rocketmail.com, by phone either at home (377-3276) or at the State Capitol message line (1-800-423-2900).

Take care of your blessings,

Craig Hickman

Unanimously

Today, I cast my first vote in a confirmation hearing for the Governor's nominee to the Land For Maine's Future Board. The man just happened to be Jim Norris of Winthrop. He stood before the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and made it clear as silver striking crystal that he was the right man for the post. Senator Pat Flood and Tom Doak spoke in favor of his nomination. Sarah Fuller offered written testimony. The committee approved his nomination unanimously. The Senate will vote to confirm it.

I am so proud to be a member of this community.

Testimony: Edible Landscaping in Capitol Park

Testimony of Representative Craig Hickman
LD 474: An Act To Require Edible Landscaping 
in a Portion of Capitol Park
Before the Joint Standing Committee 
on State and Local Government

March 4, 2013

Good morning Senator Lachowicz, Representative Graham, and other distinguished members of the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government. I stand before you today to present LD 474: An Act To Require Edible Landscaping in a Portion of Capitol Park.

The first bill this organic farmer presents as a new lawmaker is one that highlights agriculture on capitol grounds before a committee that includes the two women most influential in helping me get elected in the first place, who serve on a committee that shares the same room as the committee on which I serve, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. I guess you could call it serendipity. Representative Bolduc, I’d like to thank you for keeping that seat warm on my off days.

When I stand on the third-floor balcony of the State House overlooking the beautiful expanse of Capitol Park, I see food. Blueberries, sage, hyssop, oregano and chocolate mint, with their attractive white, pink and purple flowers, make great shrubs or hedges. I even see sweet potatoes, okra and collard greens. Have you ever seen the flowers of a sweet potato plant? They look like morning glories. How about okra? Yes, it grows quite well in Maine, especially as our summers grow hotter. Right before it produces one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, it puts forth flowers that look like hibiscus blooms, light golden petals with a deep reddish-purple stamen. Who likes braised collard greens with onions and garlic? Right before collards go to seed, they produce tall, abundant shoots of startling yellow flowers that reach toward heaven. Folks who visit my farm while collards are in bloom are always struck by their magnificence. If you’ve never seen an onion flower open or a garlic scape’s dramatic curl, then you haven’t seen anything. A carpet of red, purple, and deep green salad greens can cover the ground with more character and personality than grass could ever offer up. Food as landscape. I want people, especially children, to see agriculture when they visit the State House. I want them to see how beautiful food-producing plants can be.

If you take a look at attached map of Capitol Park, you see two areas that will require attention when the weather breaks. The shrub garden in the northwest corner could feature blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries and perhaps some hyssop or chocolate mint to keep pests at bay. By the way, anything we grow will be rooted in compost-amended soil and will never be sprayed with pesticides of any kind. The main entrance to the Park could provide a great opportunity to mix food-producing annuals and perennials in a creative and inviting garden which will potentially attract more people to the park.

So, how much will all of this cost the state? Not a penny. Thanks to the generosity of Paris Farmers Union, I received a huge donation of seeds that we can use to get the gardens started. I’ll also need to split some edible perennials on my farm this season that we can transplant in Capitol Park. A few legislators are interested in helping design the project, and people all over the region have already offered to help maintain the edible landscaping.

I humbly ask that you vote ought to pass on LD474. Thank you.

Related Links:
Blueberry, mint and potatoes in Capitol Park? Supporters say yes
Winthrop legislator proposes edible plants requirement for Capitol Park

State News Update

Important Changes to the Unemployment Claims Telephone Filing System

The Maine Department of Labor has upgraded the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that allows you to file a claim by phone when you call the Unemployment Claims Center.

The upgrade has added different prompts and changed the order and content of weekly claim questions. Please listen carefully to each selection before entering a reply on your telephone keypad.

The new IVR system includes several features to improve the accuracy of benefit claims, provide information to claimants, and ultimately reduce wait times for people calling the Unemployment Claims Center. Users will also be able to update their address by phone when they use the automated system to file their weekly benefit claim. Additional feature upgrades to the IVR system are planned for the future.


IF&W’s New Outdoor Partners Program

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) recognizes the importance of our state’s many landowners who allow public access on their land for recreational use.  As a way to preserve and enhance relations with these landowners, IFW has created the Outdoor Partners Program.

“The recreational use of private property is extremely important for our outdoor enthusiasts and respecting landowners is essential to that use,” said IFW Commissioner Chandler E. Woodcock.

The Outdoors Partners Program is an updated version of the Department’s Supersport program, which started in 1996 and had at least 1,000 designations every year.

People who join the program agree to abide by a code of ethics that includes respecting the law, public land, landowners, other outdoor users, fish, wildlife and the environment. Those who join this program also agree to assist a landowner in the upcoming year.

Joining the Outdoor Partners Program is simple and can be done when you purchase any license or through the Department’s online store at www.mefishwildlife.com for just $15.

In return, Outdoor Partners receive valuable benefits, including periodic electronic newsletters with timely information from Maine’s biologists, wardens, guides, snowmobilers, landowners and others, free passes to the Maine Wildlife Park, Swan Island and the North Maine Woods and discounts to a variety of places such as Kittery Trading Post, L.L. Bean, DeLorme, Cabela’s and more.


Governor Orders Flags to be Lowered in Memory of General Schwarzkopf 

Governor Paul R. LePage ordered that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at all installations and activities of Maine Army National Guard in memory of retired General H. Norman Schwarzkopf.

Schwarzkopf, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who rose quickly through the Army's ranks during the 1970s and '80s, drew up the initial plans for the successful U.S.-led ejection of Saddam Hussein's forces from Kuwait. Schwarzkopf, who quickly became the nation’s most acclaimed military hero of the era, died December 27, 2012, at 78.

The flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, which is the day of interment.

“Our nation lost a great leader with the passing of General Schwarzkopf,” said Governor LePage. “Our thoughts are with his family as we honor his memory and the positive impact he had on many of Maine’s soldiers.”


Legislative Schedule

The Legislature has released its schedule of session dates through the first few weeks of April.  To see when the Legislature will be meeting, please visit http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/sch_sess.htm.  To view a live video feed of the House of Representatives, please access http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/h_video_int.htm.

To download copies of committee schedules, including dates for public hearings and work sessions, please visit http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/committeeNotices/.  The public is welcomed to attend all public hearings to offer testimony or just to observe.