CHAPTER 701

H.P. 464 - L.D. 634

An Act To Provide Funding for the Maine-Canada Trade

Ombudsman

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Administration - Executive -

Governor's Office

Initiative: Provides funds for the creation of the Maine-Canada Trade Ombudsman as established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 12-A.

General Fund 2003-04 2004-05

Positions - Legislative Count (1.000) (1.000)

Personal Services $28,687 $28,687

All Other $6,500 $6,500

__________ __________

General Fund Total $35,187 $35,187

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2003-04 2004-05

GENERAL FUND $35,187 $35,187

__________ __________

DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $35,187 $35,187

SECTION TOTALS 2003-04 2004-05

GENERAL FUND $35,187 $35,187

__________ __________

SECTION TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $35,187 $35,187

SUMMARY

This bill provides funding for the Office of the Maine-Canada Trade Ombudsman, an office created in Public Law 2001, chapter 643. The duties of the ombudsman are to act as the Maine representative for relations with Canada to ensure the coordination of state policy when dealing with Canada and to work with businesses and individuals to investigate and work toward resolution of complaints that arise concerning trade issues. Funding was originally provided in chapter 643, but was deappropriated in Public Law 2001, chapter 714, Part B.