COLLINS TO ACCEPT CHECK FOR $25 MILLION IN STATE AID FOR MAINE FROM U.S. TREASURY OFFICIAL TODAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a ceremony to be held in her Washington, DC Senate office later this morning, Senator Susan Collins will accept a check representing a $25 million federal payment that will be made to the state of Maine later today. The check will be presented by US Department of Treasury Undersecretary Peter Fisher and is the first installment of a $116 million allotment that Maine will receive to help cope with its budget deficit. The dollars are part of the $20 billion state aid package that Senator Collins secured in the recent jobs and growth package which was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush.

"Families in Maine have been particularly hard hit by slow economic times. To make matters worse, many of the important local and government services on which they rely could be in jeopardy because we are dealing with one of the worse budget shortfalls in 50 years. These dollars are welcome news in our state and will help programs that are strapped for funds," said Senator Susan Collins.

The Maine Senate Republican Leader, Paul Davis (Sangerville), also called today's transfer of these funds to state coffers welcome news and said "States across the country are struggling to cope with budget shortfalls. Maine is certainly no exception. Thankfully, Senator Susan Collins recognized this reality and fought to include fiscal relief for the states in the president''s economic stimulus package. Were it not for the Collins-Nelson Amendment, this $25 million would not be available to Maine at this critical time."

House Republican Leader Joe Bruno (Raymond) said, "I am grateful Senator Collins has made fiscal relief for the states a top priority this year. This money has made it possible for us to bridge our remaining budget gap without raising taxes and restore some needed services. This fiscal shot in the arm could not have come at a better time."

The funds are the result of a $20 billion state aid package that was coauthored by Senators Susan Collins and Ben Nelson. Initial installments of these funds will be immediately released to states throughout the nation. Dollars can be spent at the discretion of the Governor and will help pay for programs related to education, health care for low income families and other programs that do not have enough funds to meet their budgetary needs.

In total, Maine's share of these state aid funds is estimated to be $115.6 million. The remainder of the funds will be released over the next 18 months.