RadioActive 4/09/09

Producers/Hosts: Meredith DeFrancesco and Amy Browne

A report on: “A New Day in Trade: Public Forum on NAFTA Reform and Fair Trade, with Congressman Mike Michaud”, which took place last night in Bucksport, Maine

From the announcement for the event: “The current NAFTA model of free trade has devastated workers, farmers, and the environment and eroded our democracy. There is unprecedented opposition in the U.S. and Congressman Mike Michaud is leading the House of Representatives in fighting for an end to NAFTA-style free trade and globalization. Michaud will discuss his blueprint for fair trade and take questions & comments from the audience.

“The Maine Fair Trade Campaign will let people know how they can plug-in locally in the fight for a more just and sustainable global economy.

“This event is co-sponsord by the Maine Fair Trade Campaign; USW Locals 1188 and 261; the Hancock County, Waldo County, and Penobscot County Democratic Committees, Food AND Medicine, and the Eastern Maine Labor Council.

“For More information Contact Daphne Loring at the Maine Fair Trade Campaign
Office: 777-6387
Cell: 266-5895

Weekend Voices 12/27/08

Producer/Host: Amy Browne

Audio Recorded by Adam Lacher

Part 3 of the testimony at the Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission’s recent public hearing in Bangor, Maine.  The commission was established by Maine’s legislature in 2004 to assess and monitor the legal and economic impacts of trade agreements on state and local laws, working conditions, and the business environment in Maine, and to provide a mechanism for citizens and legislators to voice their concerns and recommendations to our Congressional Delegation.  It was the first of it’s kind in the country and has served as a model for other states.  The board is made up of representatives of various stakeholders.  U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud attended the hearing.  Senators Snowe and Collins sent representatives.

This is the 2nd hour of testimony offered by our neighbors, describing the impact of “Free” Trade agreements on Maine communities and communities elsewhere, including our Sister Communities in El Salvador.  Part 1 aired on Weekend Voices on 12/20/08, and Part 2 aired on Voices on 12/23/08.  We will air the final segment on Voices on Tuesday, 12/30/08 at 4p.m.

Written comments may be submitted to:  Linda Nickerson,  Bureau of Labor Standards, 45 State House Station, Augusta, ME  or Linda.B.Nickerson@maine.gov

FMI about Congressman Michaud’s proposed Trade Act Bill:  http://www.michaud.house.gov/

Weekend Voices 12/20/08

Producer/Host: Amy Browne

Audio Recorded by Adam Lacher

Part 1 of the testimony at the Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission’s recent public hearing in Bangor, Maine.  The commission was established by Maine’s legislature in 2004 to assess and monitor the legal and economic impacts of trade agreements on state and local laws, working conditions, and the business environment in Maine, and to provide a mechanism for citizens and legislators to voice their concerns and recommendations to our Congressional Delegation.  It was the first of it’s kind in the country and has served as a model for other states.  The board is made up of representatives of various stakeholders.  U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud attended the hearing.  Senators Snowe and Collins sent representatives.

This is the first hour of testimony offered by our neighbors, describing the impact of “Free” Trade agreements on Maine communities and communities elsewhere, including our Sister Communities in El Salvador.  We will air more of the testimony on Voices on Tuesday, 12/23/08 at 4p.m. and on Weekend Voices next Saturday, 12/27/08 at 3p.m.

Written comments may be submitted to:  Linda Nickerson,  Bureau of Labor Standards, 45 State House Station, Augusta, ME  or Linda.B.Nickerson@maine.gov

FMI about Congressman Michaud’s proposed Trade Act Bill:  http://www.michaud.house.gov/