The money will be restored either through reductions in other government programs or, as a last result, from the Budget Stabilization Fund when the Legislature returns.

"In 2006, we were able to take quick action at the beginning of the Legislative session to address low-income fuel assistance," Governor Baldacci said. "We can do that again this year."

The Governor also signed an executive order creating an alternative work schedule pilot program within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. The pilot program will evaluate the effectiveness of alternative scheduling for State workers as an energy reduction measure. The program is voluntary and open to other interested agencies. The goal of the pilot is to have 95 percent of eligible requests granted, and to allow for four-day work weeks and other alternative schedules.

Following through on recommendations of the Pre-Emergency Energy Task Force, the Governor is creating a single point of contact for energy calls. In cooperation with 2-1-1, the improved system will be able to route callers seeking assistance or information directly to appropriate state agencies.

As part of improving the 2-1-1 system, requests for information will be filled within one business day and applicants for assistance or loan programs will have their requests processed within 30 days. To facilitate the qui=ck response, the Governor sent a letter to State agencies today directing them to appoint an energy liaison that will be responsible for responding to requests.

"We also understand that increased food prices go hand-in-hand with higher energy costs," Governor Baldacci said. "While we are working on energy issues, we are mindful that we need to make sure families have access to healthy and nutritious foods."

In July, Maine's Department of Health and Human Services requested an increase in food stamp benefits for LIHEAP eligible families based on high energy costs. Earlier this month, that request was granted for families who aren't receiving the maximum benefit.

The Governor will also launch a pilot program to test EBT card readers at Farmers' Markets around the State. The readers will allow food stamp recipients to buy fresh, locally produced foods using their EBT cards at the markets.

Other efforts include training DECD personnel to understand energy saving methods for business that can be applied during their normal outreach activities, increase training courses for weatherization technicians, and improve access for information for homeowners who wish to make improvements themselves.

Attached are the Executive Order and the letter sent to Cabinet members.

18 FY 08/09
August 15, 2008

AN ORDER TO PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULES TO REDUCE COMMUTING COSTS

WHEREAS, the recent and sustained rise in the cost of gasoline does not appear likely to subside in the immediate future;and

WHEREAS, Maine government is seeking to provide immediate relief to its employees from rising commuting costs; and

WHEREAS, maintaining current services to the public remains paramount; and

WHEREAS, Maine is seeking new ways of doing business to reduce energy consumption; and

WHEREAS, Maine government has an opportunity to lead by example and encourage other businesses to increase conservation by implementing alternative work schedules and telecommuting practices; and

WHEREAS, alternative work schedules and telecommuting are currently allowed yet may not be fully utilized;

NOW THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby direct the following:

Supervisors and managers are encouraged to seek ways to grant voluntary employee requests for telecommuting or alternative work schedules, provided current services to the public are maintained and an agency's operations are not otherwise adversely impacted.

1. State government will continue to serve citizens Monday through Friday during usual business hours.

2. State agencies will be required to report its alternative work schedule efforts to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS), Bureau of Human Resources.

1. This may include the use of the GOMaine vanpools and the Maine Commuter Connects carpool matching service available through GOMaine (www.gomaine.org), as well as the ZOOM Maine Turnpike Express and other shuttle bus alternatives, where available. (www.shuttlebus-zoom.com).

2. The Maine Department of Transportation maintains a number of Park and Ride lots to encourage and promote carpooling www.exploremaine.org/parkandride/index.htm).

1. Employees will not be mandated to change their schedules and participation will be voluntary.

2. The goal will be to increase participation by having supervisors and management more receptive to alternative work schedules.

3. The results of the pilot and the evaluation prepared by DAFS will determine if the program will be expanded to all state agencies and will provide valuable feedback and guidance to successfully implement statewide.

John E. Baldacci, Governor
August 15, 2008

Dear Cabinet Members:

Today I am announcing my Short -Term Energy Plan that maximizes the amount of work that can begin immediately to prepare for a potentially dangerous winter heating season. This strategy will increase weatherization, prepare for increased support for LIHEAP, improve outreach and education, enhance transportation alternatives, make State facilities more efficient, create new options for the State workforce and support innovative local efforts to combat high energy costs. This Plan derives from the good work of the Pre-Emergency Task Force and their Report released a few weeks ago.

As part of this initiative, 2-1-1 will be strongly promoted as the primary referral entity for people to obtain information regarding energy, food and fuel. Some of the 2-1-1 calls will be referred to state agencies and I am asking that each agency have a designated "energy liaison" to accept 2-1-1 referrals. The energy liaison will be responsible for responding to each 2-1-1 referral call within 24 hours (1 business day) and to provide an answer within 30-days (this could range from a discrete piece of information to a determination of eligibility for a grant or loan program). 2-1-1 will have the capability to track both the response time and the resolution of the referral.

I am asking that you send to John Kerry, Director of the Office of Energy Independence and Security, the name and contact information of the staff person at your department who is designated as the "energy liaison" to accept referrals from 2-1-1 during regular business hours. Please send this name to John by August 25th and copy my Chief of Staff, Jane Lincoln.

The designation of an "energy liaison" in your agency is a serious and important matter and will involve not only time in responding to 2-1-1 referrals, but also some training with the 2-1-1 program. I appreciate your participation in this Short-Tern Energy Plan and your commitment of staff time to this extremely important effort.