Newsroom

The City of Portland has spent millions of dollars on housing vulnerable populations and asylum seekers; housing costs will not be fully reimbursed by FEMA after April 1, 2022

Augusta, MAINE — Governor Janet Mills has signed the following bills into law:

$8 million program approved today will give deliver a one-time $90 credit to low-income Maine households to help with increased electricity rates

The Mills Administration and the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) today applauded the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) unanimous approval of a one-time utility bill credit of $90 for low-income Maine households.

UMF to utilize $1 million through Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to expand child care.

The Maine leaders urged the Navy Secretary to name a DDG-51 destroyer after the Lincoln native for his courageous service

Governor’s supplemental budget gives back half the budget surplus to Maine taxpayers, proposes tax relief for working families, increases Rainy Day Fund to record new high, and advances proposal for two-years of free community college to strengthen Maine’s workforce

According to recently updated data from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, 2021 was the most valuable year in the history of Maine's lobster fishery. At $724,949,426, the landed value for the iconic fishery jumped by 75 percent over 2020, by far the single largest increase in value, year over year.

Of note, the increase in value from 2020 to 2021, $312,464,172, was more than the total landed value in 2009.

The Governor’s proposals “boldly address the needs of Maine’s people, families and economy.”

“The Governor’s investment in Maine citizens and the places they are proud to call home demonstrates an understanding of the challenges facing our residents and property taxpayers.”

“Two years of free community college is an incredible investment in young people in Maine.”

“Governor Mills is making a historic investment in Maine children.”

AUBURN, Maine – Governor Janet Mills today visited Central Maine Community College to promote her plan to provide up to two years of free community college for the high school graduates most impacted by the pandemic. The proposal, announced during last night's State of the State address, would help students graduate unburdened by student debt and prepare them to fill critical shortages in Maine’s workforce.

Governor Mills announces she will “Give Back” half of the budget surplus to Maine people; pursue two years of free community college for Maine students hard-hit by the pandemic; and overhaul Maine’s student debt relief program to transform it into a nation-leading tool

In her second State of the State address, Governor Janet Mills tonight declared that “Our state is strong, and it is growing stronger every day,” as she touted the significant progress Maine has made despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and as she vowed to continue progress on behalf of Maine people.

If approved, $8 million proposal would give low-income Maine households a one-time $90 credit to help with increased electricity rates

To help Maine people with electricity bills, the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) and the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) today submitted a proposal to the Maine Public Utilities Commission to deliver a one-time utility bill credit of $90 for low-income Maine households.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved her request for Federal COVID-19 Surge Response Teams on behalf of Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor.

Beginning February 18, two U.S. Department of Defense teams each consisting of 20 military medical personnel – including physicians, nurses, and respiratory technicians – will supplement existing staff at EMMC to provide care for those with COVID-19 and other serious medical issues. The teams will provide assistance through mid-March.

A lack of compliant gear is making it extremely difficult for lobstermen and women to meet the May 1st deadline. Failure to postpone the rule will cost the lobster industry $7.3 million.

Governor’s bipartisan bill enhances the independence of the Child Welfare Ombudsman while her budget initiatives implement expert-recommendations to improve child safety

Governor Janet Mills today unveiled bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman and announced forthcoming key budget initiatives to bridge gaps in the child welfare workforce, implement recent child welfare recommendations, and improve child safety in Maine.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today mourning the passing of renowned Maine author and artist Ashley Bryan:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Ashley’s passing. He was a wonderful, happy man with a deep, rich history, a great imagination, and a beautiful, childlike soul. I am so thankful I was able to spend time with him last year. Over our lunch, he spontaneously recited Langston Hughes, Shakespeare’s love sonnets and other wonderful verses. His passing is a tremendous loss, but we are immeasurably better for his many, many gifts to our world.”

Experts outline recommendations to prevent abuse and neglect of older Mainers

Governor Janet Mills today released the Elder Justice Roadmap, the state’s first report focused on combatting elder abuse compiled by public and private sector experts on the Governor’s Elder Justice Coordinating Partnership.

With considerable snow, sleet, and ice projected to cause hazardous driving conditions across the state tonight and tomorrow, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices to close tomorrow, Friday, February 4, 2022.

Legislation significantly reforms Maine’s approach to utilities, setting minimum standards for service, increasing penalties for substandard service, and strengthening oversight to protect Maine people 

Governor Janet Mills today unveiled legislation that significantly reforms and strengthens the State’s approach to the oversight and accountability of Maine’s electric utilities.

Governor Janet Mills today applauded an announcement that GWI, Arctaris, and the Finance Authority of Maine will form a public-private partnership to bring affordable, high-speed internet to East Millinocket, Millinocket, and Medway, as well as parts of Belfast and South Portland.

Governor Janet Mills returned home to Maine yesterday after participating in the National Governors Association’s (NGA) Annual Winter Meeting. The Winter Meeting, which was the first time in more than two years that the nation’s governors convened in person, offered a forum to meet with Federal leaders, to discuss issues governors are confronting in their state, and to share best practices and innovative solutions.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today mourning the passing of Representative Donna Doore of Augusta: 

Maine is estimated to receive as much as $130 million over 18 years to address opioid epidemic

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today after Attorney General Aaron Frey announced that he has reached an agreement with litigating cities, counties, and school districts governing Maine’s use of proceeds from the National Opioid Settlements with distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and Amerisource Bergen and opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today mourning the passing of Representative John Tuttle of Sanford: 

Five rapid tests will be delivered directly to 25,000 households in vulnerable communities

Governor Janet Mills announced today the launch of a new pilot project with The Rockefeller Foundation to mail 125,000 free COVID-19 tests directly to the homes of Maine people most in need, improving access to testing in vulnerable Maine communities.

FEMA also approves 30-day extension of Federal ambulance teams currently in Maine & sends a new ambulance team to Aroostook County

Governor Janet Mills announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved her request for a Federal COVID-19 Surge Response Team on behalf of Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston (CMMC).