Now that our State Legislature has gone into adjournment, not much to report. We still have legislative leaders disagreeing with our governor, but hey that’s nothing new. Of course, we have all this legal stuff going on between the speaker and the governor.

Talked to Aaron Chadbourne, Senior Policy Advisor in the governor’s office, who says our governor is “moving on, and continues to work for the people of Maine.” Aaron is a big help to the veterans of Maine. He does help me with getting answers with veterans issues in Maine.

Recently, the American Legion in Maine formed a 9/11 Veterans Committee made up of younger veterans, representing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This group of veterans have many problems: Discrimination, housing and employment, and mental health providers who are not well prepared to take care of the special needs of military veterans and their families. The list goes on and on. We are planning a meeting with Aaron to discuss these problems and to later talk to the governor about solutions. Many of these veterans are having difficulty transitioning back to civilian life. This newly formed committee will address all these issues.

Let’s talk LD 1280 — a casino in southern Maine. Last week I wrote about cannibalization — “to take any or all personnel or components from one organization for use in building up another.” Opponents of LD 1280 state that casino expansion will take money from our public schools. Think about this, according to the cascade offered by the casino in southern Maine, $14 million of their revenue will go to help veterans of Maine. That means our state will be able to use some or all of the funds usually budgeted for veterans to help K-12 public education. I wonder if that will help the revenue stream for our state education system.

Also, those who question the construction funding of a casino in southern Maine about who will do the work, I’ve been told the work will be done by Maine contractors, which is another plus for Maine’s economy.

Once again I ask veterans and citizens of Maine to support LD 1280, “A Casino for Southern Maine.” Call your state senators and ask them to support this legislation. In my opinion this is a people’s bill. With the passage of LD 1280 and $14 million to assist Maine veterans, we will be able to fund more Veteran Courts in Maine. Presently, Maine has one Veterans Court situated in Kennebec County. These are specialized courts staffed by professionals who understand veterans issues. The court offers troubled vets and opportunity to have criminal charges dismissed upon completion of drug treatment and mental health care programs. Advocates say that an estimated 11,000 former service members have cases pending in Veteran Treatment Courts.

“I think we are at a tipping point because these courts are working and nothing can beat success. These are veterans who are receiving life saving treatment and who are coming back into our communities to lead productive lives,” said Melissa Fitzgerald, Senior Director for Justice for Vets. “Funds received from the casino in southern Maine will allow us to fund more Veteran Treatment Courts in Maine.”

Maine has five veteran centers which provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Vet centers are located in Bangor, Lewiston, Sanford, Caribou and Portland. For more information you can call the Mid- Coast Veterans Resource Center at (207) 406-4103.

From Veterans Resource Center Veterans Service Officer Paul Loveless — “Veterans, now is the time to contact your Congressional representatives. The 2016 Defense Budget is not final and all veterans stand to lose hard benefits; cuts to retirement pay (for new service members), active duty pay raise, housing allowance, Commissaries, and increase in Tricare RX fees are still in debate between the House and Senate. This month as the Senators and House members are at home in the state, it is your chance to speak to them face to face and let them know how you stand on the above benefits. Do it now or lose your chance to influence the outcome of your benefits.” The Resource Center is there to help you with your VA benefits. Again, if your in doubt call (207) 406-4103. Many of our survivors (widows) are losing out on their benefits so don’t be afraid to inquire. All conversations are confidential.

Veterans No Boundaries Summer Sports Camp will be held from Aug. 21 to 24, 2015 at Camp Wavus, Jefferson, Maine. It is open to all veterans and active duty personnel with permanent disabilities. Family members and caregivers are welcome. All meals and accommodations, adaptive equipment, instructions are provided free of charge, courtesy of our volunteers and funding from General Dynamics and Bath Iron Works. FMI call the Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center at (207) 406-4103 or 1-800-639-7770.

SBP/DIC Offset Repeal – S979 – legislation that repeals the requirement that forces surviving spouses of military personnel to forfeit portions of their Survivors Benefit Plan (SPB) annuities to offset Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) they receive. Sen. Collins is a co-sponsor to this bill. Sen. King has yet to sign on. HR1593 — House bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Pingree and Rep. Poloquin. Both versions are before the House and Senate Armed Forces Committee.

Coming Events: American Legion Area 3 (Knox, Lincoln, Sagadhoc) Districts Veterans Conference 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at Wiscasset American Legion Post. Programs and Awards to be presented. Comr. Steve Jarret urges Legionnaires in District 6,7,8 to attend. Call Steve at (207) 380-7558 for more information.

The Fleet Reserve will meet on Thursday, Aug. 13, at Post 202 in Topsham. Luncheon at noon and meeting at 1:30 p.m.

The MCVC Golf Tournament is coming fast and final plans are being put together. It is essential that teams get registered so we can give names and numbers to the golf course management. FMI call the MCVRC at (207) 406-4103. It should be a great day.

The Acupuncture session will take place 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Resource Center at 6 p.m.

Coffee Crowd: Cliff and Jim are smiling, Red Sox won a couple — Jim’s wearing those red sox again. Dante — “Governor keep talking to the people.” Murph — “The Yankees don’t worry.”

Till next time, keep the faith.

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Chick Ciciotte is the legislative chairperson for the Mid-Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.