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New “Respite for ME” pilot program provides $2,000 grants to Maine people caring for a loved one with dementia or a disability

Governor Janet Mills announced today “Respite for ME”, a $5.1 million initiative of her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan that will provide grants of up to $2,000 to Maine families who are caring for a family member at home.

This two-year pilot program, developed in partnership with five of Maine’s Area Agencies on Aging, begins on Monday, October 3.

High-quality education available to students statewide in robotics, programming, coding, and other key technologies

Governor Janet Mills today announced the launch of a new Maine Department of Education (DOE) initiative that will provide every Maine public school with a free mobile computer science lab. The effort, funded through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, will enable all Maine students to access high-quality learning experiences that provide real-word training in robotics, programming, augmented and virtual reality, coding, and hardware.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to Pixelle’s announcement today that it will close the paper mill in Jay:

Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration stands by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s appeal of the recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Maine Lobstermen’s Association v. National Marine Fisheries Service.  

Second Round of Grants Build on $6 Million Already Awarded

Newry, MAINE – During the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Maine Forest Products Council today, Governor Janet Mills announced $14 million in grant funding is now available for Maine forestry companies from the second round of the Forest Recovery Initiative of her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan.

Maine’s uninsured rate experienced the largest decline in the nation in recent years, Governor Janet Mills announced today.

The Governor highlighted a new report (PDF) from the U.S. Census Bureau showing that Maine’s uninsured rate dropped from 8.0 percent in 2019 to 5.7 percent in 2021, representing the largest percentage decline among all states in the nation.

Applications are being accepted by the Dept. of Economic & Community Development now through Friday, October 21

Governor Janet Mills today announced that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is now accepting applications for the annual Governor’s Award for Business Excellence (GABE). Since 1991, the award has recognized and celebrated Maine businesses with a high level of commitment to their community and employees, as well as exemplary performance in the manufacturing or service profession.

Governor Janet Mills today sent a letter (PDF) to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging her to provide the time and tools necessary for Maine’s lobster industry to make meaningful contributions during the next phase of rulemaking to protect right whale

The Maine leaders lay out clear facts that rebut Seafood Watch’s irresponsible decision which relies on “guilty until proven innocent” reasoning

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement tonight blasting a decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia siding with the National Marine Fisheries Services in Maine Lobstermen’s Association v National Marine Fisheries Service, a lawsuit that challenges Federal regulations hurting Maine’s vital lobster industry.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement following the passing of Queen Elizabeth:

“Queen Elizabeth served with dignity and grace across her historic seventy year reign. On behalf of the people of Maine, I offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”

Portland, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today highlighted savings that Maine small businesses and their employees are receiving through her Small Business Health Insurance Premium Relief Program.The program, an initiative of the Governor’s 

Governor Janet Mills today slammed Seafood Watch’s designation of lobster caught in the Gulf of Maine as on the “red list” of seafood to be avoided. Governor Mills issued the following statement in response:

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Labor Day: 

Maine successfully reverses trend of increasing health insurance premiums for many small businesses and reduces proposed increase in premiums in individual market as health insurers’ rates are finalized for 2023 plan year

Governor Janet Mills announced today that Maine small businesses will see their first annual average reduction in health insurance premiums since at least 2001.

$150 million investment already resulting in the manufacture of new siding that will increase company’s consumption of local, sustainably sourced fiber

New Limerick, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today attended a celebration marking the grand opening of the newly converted LP Building Solutions facility in New Limerick.

LP Houlton recently began manufacturing LP’s flagship siding and trim product following a $150 million conversion completed earlier this year.

Federal funding is part of a slate of actions from the Mills Administration this summer and fall to support Maine people with SUD through strengthened Opioid Health Homes, support for parents, and naloxone distribution

Governor Janet Mills announced today a new $1.9 million initiative to expand treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) in rural Maine. The funding can be used by behavioral health providers to invest in start-up costs, such as staff training and development, that will allow them to increase the number of patients they serve in rural areas of the state.

Funding now available from Governor’s Jobs Plan for smaller communities to reduce energy costs and create savings for taxpayers

Norridgewock, MAINE  Governor Janet Mills and Efficiency Maine today announced the availability of $4 million from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to help small communities cut energy costs in public buildings and save taxpayer dollars by improving energy efficiency.

Cities, towns, and tribal governments in Maine may apply for funding for local climate efforts in support of State’s climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait

Governor Janet Mills today announced the availability of the next round of grants from the Community Resilience Partnership to help Maine communities become more resilient against climate change.

Governor Janet Mills visited Popham Beach State Park today to survey a new upgrade that improves accessibility to the beach for people with disabilities.

Newly-acquired helicopter replaces one that was more than 50 years old

Old Town, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today unveiled the State's newly acquired Bell 407 helicopter that will be used by the Maine Forest Service (MFS) to fight forest fires and assist in search and rescue missions.

The helicopter was purchased in June 2022 and recently arrived at the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) MFS Aviation Branch headquarters in Old Town. The helicopter is equipped and ready for service activation this month.

The Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program delivers vital grant funding to enhance agriculture and food processing infrastructure in Maine

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement tonight on the agreement reached by MaineHealth and Anthem: 

“I look forward to reviewing the details of this agreement, but I welcome that it will preserve access to health care for Anthem customers at Maine Medical Center. There is no question that termination of the contract would have significantly harmed many people, especially those with chronic care needs. I am pleased that both parties were able to resolve their differences, as I urged, to avert such a drastic and damaging move.”

Lewiston, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today visited Bourgeois Guitars and Quoddy in Lewiston to learn about how new economic recovery grants awarded through her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan are helping two iconic Maine businesses succeed. The Governor was accompanied by Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline during her visits.

Madawaska, Fort Kent, Van Buren, and Presque Isle are set to begin planning phase of MaineDOT’s Village Partnership Initiative this fall

Presque Isle, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today convened a meeting with municipal officials from Madawaska, Van Buren, Fort Kent, and Presque Isle to discuss the Maine Department of Transportation’s Village Partnership Initiative (VPI).