SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS SAYS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN GNP SITUATION ENCOURAGING, PRAISES CREDITORS, LOCAL MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Susan Collins today called developments in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor over the past two days "another important step forward" in efforts to identify a buyer that will quickly reopen and responsibly manage Great Northern Paper Company's Millinocket and East Millinocket mills.

Another critical development in the Bankruptcy Court''s actions was the establishment of a health care plan to cover the urgent or emergency medical needs and basic prescription drug benefits of GNP workers and retirees in the interim until the mills are sold. "The commitment that local medical providers, hospitals, creditors, and even philanthropists such as the LIBRA Foundation, have made to ensure that the most serious medical conditions of GNP workers and retirees are treated is a demonstration of strong Maine will and compassion," Senator Collins said. "The willingness of health care providers to offer services at severely reduced rates during this uncertain period is heartening and gratifying," Senator Collins concluded.

The formal installation of Jim Giffune''s interim management team previously was praised by Senator Collins as a development that will save weeks, if not months, in re-opening Great Northern''s mills. "The importance of the extraordinary cooperation among the owners, creditors, management, and labor unions cannot be overstated. Governor Baldacci and his staff also deserve much credit for this positive development," Senator Collins said.

Meanwhile, Senator Collins has been working personally to ensure that the current assistance and benefit needs of Great Northern workers are met. Senator Collins has contacted U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to urge her immediate and favorable approval of a National Emergency Grant (NEG) to provide certain economic, training, and employment assistance to displaced GNP workers. The NEG application seeking nearly $23 million in federal funds to provide a wide range of services was submitted by the Maine Department of Labor last week. "Working as a skilled paper maker has been a stable occupation for several generations of Katahdin area families, and many of these dedicated workers will need significant help in adapting to these current and difficult circumstances," the Senator said. "Secretary Chao previously has demonstrated concern for dedicated GNP workers, and I am urging her expedited review and approval of this NEG application."

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