Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and t hank you for listening.
Famous anthropologist and author Margaret Mead once observed that New Year's is a "festival of transition, the point where end meets beginning...a celebration of the idea of time." In this period of transition between the old and the new year, I'm reflecting on everything Maine people have experienced these past 12 months and all the progress we've made together.
In 2024, we met historic storms with resolve and rebuilding our infrastructure to better withstand severe weather. We made more historic investments in our environment. We created thousands of clean energy jobs and preserved thousands of acres of land across the State of Maine.
We continue to invest in our workforce, opening more childcare centers, expanding support for older adults and caregivers, building more apartments and houses, and sending grants to small businesses so they could hire more people and reach new markets for products. Our unemployment rate remains near historic lows, and the number of jobs available is at a record high. Our GDP is one of the fastest growing in the country, and we continue to provide education and skills training for people to step into good paying jobs and rewarding careers here in Maine.
This year, we celebrated the Just-In-Time Recreation reopening following the Lewiston tragedy, and we reflected on the final report of the Independent Commission. And we passed significant legislation to improve public safety and expand mental health services in Maine, all while honoring our longstanding outdoor heritage.
Speaking of mental health services, thanks to investments by my administration and the legislature, we finally put to bed the AMHI Consent Decree, which had created judicial oversight of our mental health system more than three decades ago.
This year, we opened more substance use disorder treatment beds to and we recorded one of the largest declines in opioid deaths nationwide. That's a sign of meaningful progress in our six-year long fight to save lives and put people on a path to lifelong recovery.
We expanded veterans dental care and funding for veterans cemeteries, and we sent $30 million to nursing facilities to help with staffing shortages.
This year, the legislature confirmed two new commissioners in my administration, Brigadier General Diane Dunn at the Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management, and Sara Gagne-Holmes at the Department of Health and Human Services. In the coming months. I also look forward to Joan Cohen being confirmed as Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
The State of Maine also lost a few friends this year, including former Caribou mayor and civic leader Pat Collins, Maine businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Bean, former Maine Governor Joe Brennan, and legendary singer-songwriter Dave Mallett.
And earlier this year, we also celebrated an historic eclipse, turning our eyes to the heavens in awe and wonder at the darkened afternoon sky. The New Year's holiday is also a time of "awe and wonder, mourning and rejoicing, repentance and hope and purpose," as Margaret Mead put it.
And as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new year, I'll be reflecting on all we've achieved and the work that lies ahead as well, with gratitude for the privilege of serving as your governor. I know there's still problems to solve – there always will be – but I look forward to working on these issues with you, the people of Maine, just as we have done the past six years. And we will tackle whatever comes our way with the creativity, resolve, and spirit of cooperation that defines Maine people.
So whether you are rejoicing or mourning the end of 2024, wishing for good luck, good fortune, good health, or something else in 2025, I wish you a happy and safe New Year's celebration with your friends and family.
Happy New Year, Maine!
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.