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Flanked by Maine tribal leaders and ambassadors, lawmakers, and education officials, Governor Janet Mills signed into law a bill passed unanimously by the Legislature to prohibit Native American mascots in all Maine public schools Thursday.

In recognition of annual Franco-American Day and in honor of the many contributions of Franco-Americans to the state of Maine, Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement Thursday:

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has nominated two additional candidates to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees. Governor Mills previously nominated four candidates to the Board on March 28, 2019. 

Governor Janet Mills today signed LD 735, An Act To Create a Permanent Wabanaki Law Enforcement Seat on the Board of Trustees of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, sponsored by Representative Rachel Talbot Ross of Portland.

Focuses on improving child welfare system, repairing school infrastructure, paying down debt & saving for rainy day

Governor Janet Mills today released her administration’s 2019-2020 Biennial Budget Change Package.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has signed two bills into law to improve transparency in customer billing practices and strengthen public oversight of transmission and distribution utilities. 

Governor Janet Mills and the Washington County Delegation announced today that they have reached an agreement to build a new pre-release center on the grounds of the existing Downeast Correctional Facility. This agreement comes in lieu of an earlier proposal to open a facility elsewhere in Washington County.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has vetoed LD 822, An Act to Prohibit the Sale of Motor Fuel Containing More Than 10 Percent Ethanol. The bill would prohibit the sale of motor fuel products in Maine that contain ethanol greater than 10 percent unless the sale of such fuel is in a sealed container that contains one quart or less of the motor fuel. It also repeals a contingent prohibition on the sale of motor fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol by volume.

Cabinet outlines immediate action, including the establishment of a new Chief Pediatrician for Maine, to support children’s health and safety

This morning, Governor Janet Mills convened the first meeting of the Children’s Cabinet under her Administration, bringing together leaders from across state government to begin improving the lives of Maine’s children.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has signed an Executive Order to create the All-Terrain Vehicle Initiatives Task Force. Although there are many ATV users who are operating on public and private lands responsibly, the Task Force comes at a time when there are other ATV operators who are disobeying state laws and trespassing on and damaging private lands, causing private landowners to consider posting their land which would jeopardize Maine’s long-held tradition of open access and threaten the state’s recreational economy.

Governor also signs several bills into law, including a ban on the use of polystyrene food and beverage containers

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has signed legislation to protect the health of Maine children.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has introduced bipartisan legislation to create the Maine Climate Council. The Climate Council will develop the action plan and timetable to meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, to promote jobs and economic benefits for Maine people in the transition to a lower carbon economy, and to support the climate resiliency of Maine’s communities.

Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff this Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the State Capitol and in the towns of Cumberland and Gray in honor of former state Representative Dale Denno. A memorial service for Denno will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Cumberland Congregational Church.

After hearing testimony from Governor Janet Mills and Maine Chief Justice Leigh Saufley in an historic joint appearance, the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted unanimously in favor of LD 1457, An Act To Make References to the Governor and Supreme Judicial Court Justices Gender Neutral, Thursday.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in recognition of Earth Day:

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to the release of the 2018 drug overdose death report issued today by the Maine Attorney General’s Office:

“It is welcome news that the number of people losing their lives to drug overdoses has decreased, but the opioid epidemic still presents a serious public health threat to our state,” said Governor Mills. “My administration will continue to do all we can to combat this crisis, save lives, and repair families and communities. We will not rest in our determination to end this epidemic.”

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement this morning on the passing of former Representative Dale Denno (D-Cumberland):

During the first 100 days of Governor Janet Mills’ Administration, more than 19,000 people have access to life-saving health care, the state has taken serious steps to address the opioid crisis, and, among other achievements, is embracing renewable energy opportunities in its fight against climate change. Governor Mills released the following statement:

Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order creating a Judicial Nominations Advisory Committee and named its nine members. The Governor’s Judicial Nominations Advisory Committee will evaluate and advise Governor Mills on potential candidates for judicial appointments and reappointments.

Governor Janet Mills announced that all Maine State government offices will close immediately today, Monday, April 8, 2019 due to inclement weather conditions.

“With the snow predicted to turn into a wintry mix this evening, I encourage all state workers to head home as soon as possible to avoid driving in dangerous conditions, especially as the sun goes down,” said Governor Mills. “I also urge you to drive slowly and carefully, giving extra room to one another and public safety officials as you commute.”

Following the release last night of details regarding the service for Detective Ben Campbell, Governor Janet Mills today directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff statewide immediately until sunset on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, the day of his funeral services.
 

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today on the death of Maine State Trooper Detective Benjamin Campbell, a seven-year veteran of the Maine State Police who was struck and killed this morning in a crash on Interstate 95 in Hampden: