These are some of the stories central Maine is talking about today.

Maine labor officials say the state's unemployment rate declined to 5.2 percent in January. State Labor Commissioner released the numbers for January that show the figure fell from 5.5 percent in December and 6 percent a year ago. The commissioner also says the number of unemployed fell 6,400 over the year to 38,000. The national preliminary unemployment rate was 5.7 percent for January. It was 5.6 percent in December and 6.6 percent one year ago. New England's unemployment rate was 5.3 percent for the month. (AP)

A Maine government survey says the average statewide cash price for heating oil fell 11 cents in the past week. The Governor's Energy Office says the average price was $2.70 a gallon, down from $2.81 the previous week, according to the March 16 survey. The average kerosene price of $3.27 was 9 cents less than a week ago. Propane prices also fell 2 cents to $2.69. The highest average price for heating oil in the state was $2.99 in northern Maine while the lowest average price was $2.25 in the eastern part of the state. (AP)

Two-time Academy Award winner Robert Redford is going to deliver the commencement address at Colby College in May. The 78-year-old actor, director and producer will be receiving an honorary degree during the event on the lawn of Miller Library on May 26. (AP)

As the first votes on Gov. Paul LePage's tax overhaul proposal grow near, the debate over what impact it will have on residents is heating up. LePage wants to lower the income tax while raising the sales tax and applying it to more services. Both supporters and opponents of the proposal are using a new analysis from the administration to bolster their positions. The Office of Tax Policy analysis shows that Maine families would experience a net tax cut of $292 million in 2019 under LePage's plan. But Democrats say LePage's plan is designed to help the wealthy, noting that those who make more than $400,000 would see a much larger tax cut than lower income families. The Taxation Committee plans to report out a recommendation by April 1. (AP)

The 14th annual Franco-American Day gets underway at the Maine Statehouse. Festivities at the capitol on Wednesday will include presentations from Canadian dignitaries, Franco-American music in the Hall of Flags and Franco-American food in the Statehouse cafeteria. Gov. Paul LePage, the first popularly elected Franco-American Maine governor, is also expected to attend an event at which the nominees for the Franco-American Hall of Fame will be announced.(AP)

Environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers are raising concerns about Maine utility regulator's decision that would limit the amount of funding available for energy efficiency programs. The Natural Resources Council of Maine and Conservation Law Foundation say the Public Utilities Commission's 2 to 1 vote would essentially place a roughly $22 million limit on funding for Efficiency Maine, which supports programs designed to help lower their heating bills. (AP)

Police in Hallowell are searching for those responsible for spray-painting graffiti Monday night on three Water Street buildings. According to the KJ, the markings include a poem and other words written in bubble letters. The words themselves were not offensive. Police asked that anyone who saw something suspicious in the area or who has information about who could be responsible to call police at 622-9710. (centralmaine.com)

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