Rep. Fossel Offers Reminder That Free Tax Preparation Assistance Is Available

With tax filing deadlines just around the corner, Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna) wanted to remind his  constituents that there is free assistance available to help you prepare your Maine and federal income tax filings. The American Association of Retired Persons and a coalition of groups called CA$H Maine have united to establish tax assistance sites throughout the state. Every year many Mainers...

Rep. Les Informs Constituents Of Baby Bonus Program

Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna) would like to remind his constituents of a unique opportunity available to Mainers: the Harold Alfond College Challenge. Thanks to the generosity of the late Harold Alfond, founder of the Dexter Shoe Company, babies born in Maine qualify for $500 to start a NextGen education savings account. The NextGen College Investing Plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for...

Rep. Fossel Will Appeal Bill to Create Insurance Fraud Unit

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Les Fossel will appeal a decision by legislative leaders to block a bill that would create an insurance fraud division in state government. The bill was rejected by the Legislative Council on October 15 by a 6-4 vote. All Democrats in leadership voted to block the legislation, while all Republicans supported it. “We have a major insurance fraud problem in Maine, and it...

Rep. Fossel Offers Reminder That Voters May Request Absentee Ballots

Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna) offers a reminder that registered voters may now request an absentee ballot for the November 3, 2009 referendum election. Requesting an absentee ballot is even easier now for many Mainers thanks to a new service offer by the Secretary of State. The Maine Secretary of State operates a website allowing registered Maine voters in participating municipalities to request...

Rep. Fossel Reminds Veterans & Active-Duty Military of Free State Park Admission

AUGUSTA, ME – Due to recently-enacted legislation, Maine veterans and active-duty members of the military are eligible for free admission to state parks and historic sites, according to Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna). Veterans and active-duty military personnel may receive a free day-use pass by presenting valid identification at any state park or historic site. The free day-use access is issued...

Rep. Les Fossel Named to Communications Committee at National Organization

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Les Fossel has been appointed to serve on the Standing Committee on Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The appointment was made recently by House Speaker Hannah Pingree. Rep. Fossel (R-Alna), a first-term legislator, said he is honored by the appointment and by the opportunity to represent...

Rep. Fossel Disappointed by Failure of Bill to Equalize Legal Rights for Domestic Partners

AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee today rejected a bill designed to guarantee equal rights for domestic partners; and the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Les Fossel, said he is disappointed by the failure to find common ground amid a controversial proposal to legalize same-sex marriage in Maine. “I had hoped to provide a reasonable middle ground,” said Rep. Fossel (R-Alna). “I...

Bill Would Guarantee that Domestic Partners Receive Same Rights and Benefits as Married Couples

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Les Fossel has put forward a bill to ensure that couples on Maine’s Domestic Partner Registry receive the same legal rights and benefits as married couples. The bill, entitled An Act to Expand Rights for Maine Families, was submitted on January 15 to the Legislature’s Revisor of Statutes, where the official language of the legislation will be developed. Rep. Fossel...