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| August - Sept
2008 ISSUE 18—
IN THIS ISSUE: UPDATES— Free Fare Fridays -for ridding the bus available in Maine EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS Governor J. Baldacci— The Governor talks candidly about Maine's energy independent future with reserach that puts the state on the cutting edge, natural resources that can be used sustainabley, and businesses working with the state to make it happen. Pat McGowan speaks about Maine’s Wood to Energy Initiative. Commissioner Laura Fortman - explains the states’ new Job-Search –Job Match program MAINE INITIATIVES— Emergency Energy Task Force Report: —Ways to save energy and what the state is doing to help. Wood to Energy Initative— How to convert to wood pellets. MAINE COMMUNITY NEWS— MITF Community Grants – Maine awards communities across the state with funds to improve downtowns Portland Freedom Trail adds new historic markers. Holocaust Museaum opens— The Michael Klahr Museum was officially opened in Augusta A.G. Rowe — Gets alcoholic producers of energy drinks to stop HEALTHCARE NEWS— State’s Progress in HealthCare initiatives MAINE AS 'ONE COMMUNITY' NEWS— Land for Maine's Future grants announced. More than 36,000 acres will be preserved . Working Waterfront preservation grants announced MAINE'S INNOVATIVE ECONOMY— Salmon Aquaculture —New Facility is the only research center in North America New Wind Power Projects—The State gives TIFF tax breaks to wind power project in Western Mts. Off shore wind mills could meet all our energy needs, including heating needs. Composite Technology Advances Business Broadband News—Fairpoint Communications is adding jobs and Connect ME is deciding on the next round of grant recipients MAINE ECONOMIC NEWS— Taxes—Maine’s tax rating lowered because the old standard was misleading Hodgon's Yacht expands—The new facility brings high wage jobs to Richmond. Atkin's Printing— Maine’s oldest union printer is expanding while giving workers a share in profits Locally Known Organic Farms— the largest in the Northeast plans to supply the entire region with organic greens MAINE VOICES— Energy Crisis— Green color jobs are the silver lining Dem Corps— The organization is saving participants hundreds of dollars in it’s oil program NEWS FROM CONGRESS— U.S. Rep. Tom Allen— Bill to reduce heating expenses and winterization loans U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud— Economic help for small ME businesses GLOBAL NEWS— Al Gore— His global challenge to curb Global Warming ELETION NEWS— Barack Obama— His speech in Berlin
Please comment on any article, refer to which article in your email, and it will be posted on that article's page. email: duhoux2@tds.net
Statistical information in this publication is obtained from state agencies and government offices. All photographs, articles, and layout are by Ramona du Houx unless otherwise indicated. Not authorized by any candidate, candidate’s committee, or the Maine Democratic Party |
Attorney General Steve Rowe calls on more manufacturers to pull alcoholic energy drinks—
Attorney General Steve Rowe discusses issues in Augusta.He recently suceeded in getting two alcoholic energy drinks pulled Article and photos by Ramona du Houx Attorney General Steve Rowe, with ten other Attorneys Generals announced an agreement with Anheuser-Busch that will result in the discontinuance of two popular premixed alcoholic energy drinks, Tilt and Bud Extra. As part of the agreement, Anheuser-Busch will not produce any caffeinated alcohol beverages in the future. Rowe commends Anheuser-Busch for its decision and calls on other manufactures to take similar steps to remove these potentially dangerous beverages from the market. Rowe is gravely concerned about the epidemic of underage drinking and is committed to reducing the problem. He identifies alcoholic energy drinks as one part of the problem and has been leading the nation’s investigation into them. These products taste and look like popular nonalcoholic energy drinks. These amped-up alcopops are popular with young people who often form the wrong belief that the caffeine in the drinks will counteract the intoxicating effects of the alcohol. These beliefs are fueled by aggressive marketing campaigns that promise endless nights of fun and enhanced abilities. Concerned about these marketing practices and armed with recently published research about the dangers of these products, Rowe initiated a multi-state investigation into the content and marketing of Anheuser-Busch products Tilt and Bud Extra. Maine issued an investigative subpoena/civil investigative demand to Anheuser-Busch in early January, pursuant to Maine’s protection and trade practices statutes. The investigation focused on express and implied false and misleading health-related statements about the energizing effects of Tilt and Bud Extra and advertisements for Tilt and Bud Extra that were directed to consumers under the age of 21. While Anheuser-Busch denied the claims, it cooperated with the investigation and promptly decided to reformulate Tilt and Bud Extra without caffeine or other stimulants and to agree not to produce any other caffeinated alcohol beverages in the future. "Alcohol mixed with high amounts of caffeine is a recipe for disaster, particularly in the hands of young people," said Attorney General Rowe. "Caffeine gives drinkers the subjective belief that they can function normally. This means they’re more likely to make unsafe decisions which can result in serious harm." Attorney General Rowe emphasized that young people aren’t drinking just one or two of these alcoholic energy drinks — these products are intended to be consumed several times throughout a night of partying and to be used as a mixer for other alcoholic beverages. A recently published study by Dr. Mary Claire O’Brien of Wake Forest University found that college students who mix alcohol and energy drinks engage in increased heavy episodic drinking and have twice as many episodes of weekly drunkenness. College students who reported consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks also had significantly higher prevalence of alcohol-related consequences, like sexual assault and injury.
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