"New Maine laws affect senior citizens, consumers" by Glenn Adams, Associated Press | July 6, 2010
AUGUSTA, Maine — Senior citizens will be in less danger of losing their homes because of unpaid taxes, consumers will gain more protection from scams, and motorists will have to be more careful when they approach emergency vehicles as of July 12.
Yeah, it is AmeriKa now no matter where you go.
That’s the day scores of laws the Maine Legislature enacted during this year’s January-April session take effect.
Among them is a health insurance overhaul that got the attention of President Obama when he visited Maine in April. The law bars annual and lifetime caps on health insurance payments, protecting policy holders from having to go into debt because they have been denied payments for medical treatments. The law applies to insurance policies taking effect on or after Jan. 1, 2011.
That’s also the case with a pair of other new health-related laws. One removes restrictions for when a child can be eligible for enrollment in dental coverage, and the other requires individual and group policies to provide early intervention services for children up to 36 months old who have developmental disabilities.
Other laws will help senior citizens. One authorizes property tax payment deferrals for eligible homeowners.
“If your goal in life is to stay in your home until you die and be happy there, it’s hard to pay taxes on a limited income,’’ said Representative Kathleen Chase, a Republican from Wells and a former tax assessor who saw such a strong need for this law that she ran for office on the issue.
Is that TOO MUCH to ask in this land of rampant corruption, public servant looting, and endless wars?
The law she sponsored authorizes towns and cities to allow property tax deferrals for homeowners who are at least 70 years old, have lived in their home for at least 10 years, and have a household income of less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level. After the owner dies or the home is sold, the taxes would have to be repaid with interest.
So the state will even be making out on the deal as they "help" you.
Legislators also approved a “silver alert’’ measure that establishes a highway and media notification system for when a person with dementia goes missing. It creates a mandatory orientation and training program for police in such cases so there is a consistent response across local, regional, and statewide law enforcement agencies.
In consumer matters, a law to prevent deceptive free trial offers, called the first law of its kind in the nation, requires companies offering such trials to confirm billing information directly from the consumer, so the consumer does not get stuck with unwanted credit card charges.
On the highways, motorists will have to drive at prudent speeds when an emergency vehicle with its lights on is nearby. The law sets the minimum fine for a violation at $250.
In addition, a small tax credit for companies that come to Maine to make films or other visual arts was established.
Are you guys stoo-pid?
See: MSM Monitor Movie Matinee
NOT a GOOD DEAL!
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