FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 27, 2010

PORTLAND . State Senator Justin Alfond (Portland) announced today that he is seeking re-election for the Maine State Senate. Alfond represents District 8 which includes Portland municipal Districts 1, 2 and 3, or the Portland peninsula, Peaks, Cliff, and Great Diamond Islands and the area south of Forest Avenue.

"Serving the diverse communities and individuals of Portland in the State Legislature has been a great honor. I am running for re-election to continue my work with other leaders creating jobs, strengthening education, and improving Mainers' lives," said Alfond.

"The past year has been difficult for people in Portland and across the state. We have lost around 15,000 jobs, health care costs continue to skyrocket, and budget cuts continue to hurt essential services for those in need. However, Maine and Portland have seen tough times before, and I am confident that we will pull through by working together."

During Senator Alfond's first term, he introduced several bills that were passed into law. These laws will improve Portland's economy, strengthen our educational system, and ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in State Government.

To create jobs in Portland, Senator Alfond sponsored legislation to reduce the cost of insurance for Portland businesses, which allowed MEMIC, a Portland-based business, to grow their company and increase tax revenue (LD 606). He also updated captive insurance laws to attract new businesses and create high-paying jobs for Portlanders (LD 1436), and empowered Portland artists with a model contract for selling their art in galleries (LD 1062).

To strengthen Portland's educational system, Senator Alfond introduced a bill to make it easier for school districts to plan for heating fuel expenses (LD 806). He also worked to give school districts more flexibility in covering operating costs (LD 1493), and streamlined all online courses for Portland's high schools (LD 1446).

To ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in State Government, Senator Alfond sponsored a bill to transfer campaign finance reporting for municipal candidates to the State Ethics Commission, saving Portland money and increasing transparency (LD 1100). He also introduced a bill making it easier for children with developmental disabilities to get needed services more quickly (LD 489), and created reforms to better ensure that funds meant to help homeless youth are used for that purpose (LD 1127).

In addition, Senator Alfond has a strong record supporting marriage equality, tax reform, energy independence and the green economy, and transportation choice.

Senator Alfond, 35, is a Mainer with roots in Dexter and Waterville. He founded the Maine chapter of The League of Young Voters and previously served as the Maine State Director. Senator Alfond is also a founding member of Opportunity Maine and an active member of a number of civic, political and philanthropic organizations.

Senator Alfond serves on a number of boards of directors in Portland, Maine, and New England, including Avesta Housing, Opportunity Maine, Maine Initiatives, Kennebec Valley Community College, the New England Board of Higher Education and the New England Secondary School Consortium.

Alfond, his fiancee Rachael, and their puppy Tipitina are residents of Portland's Munjoy Hill.

CONTACT: Jack Woods Campaign Manager, Justin Alfond for Senate 207-518-8155