Newsroom

Searsport, MAINE – Standing at the pier of Mack Port Terminal, Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration will examine the site for opportunities to support Maine’s renewable energy industry, specifically offshore wind. The announcement follows Governor Mills’ visit to Scotland last week as a member of a U.S. state and federal delegation organized by the United Kingdom government to learn more about offshore wind. It also follows her State of the State address in which she spoke of unleashing Maine’s offshore wind potential.

Today, the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services (HCIFS) Committee unanimously approved The Made for Maine Health Coverage Act, legislation sponsored by Governor Janet Mills, House Speaker Sara Gideon, and Senate President Troy Jackson.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement tonight in response to Maine voters’ rejection of Question 1:

“Tonight, the health and wellbeing of Maine children prevailed. This law leaves medical exemptions up to medical professionals and ensures that Maine children are better protected from the spread of dangerous communicable diseases. It is the right thing to do for the health and safety of our kids.”

Response team met today to build on Maine CDC’s work in coordinating coronavirus preparation and response to protect public health

Governor Janet Mills today convened her Coronavirus Response Team charged with coordinating State government’s response across departments and local agencies and health authorities to the potential spread of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Governor Janet Mills announced today she has signed a bill to provide noncommercial lobster and crab fishing and scallop licenses to disabled veterans free of charge. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Allison Hepler of Woolwich, passed the Legislature with unanimous support.

The Maine Revenue Forecasting Committee today revised the State’s General Fund revenue forecast upward by $139 million, including a projected additional $40 million for the current Fiscal Year which ends June 30, 2020. Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response:

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has nominated former Maine Attorney General William Schneider and Hampden Town Councilmember Dennis Marble to the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has signed into law legislation to increase access to and reduce the cost of epinephrine autoinjectors used as an alternative to the expensive and in-demand EpiPens. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senator Heather Sanborn of Portland, passed the legislature unanimously.

Immediately after signing the bill, Governor Mills issues the first proclamation to raise awareness of childhood cancer

Governor Janet Mills announced today that Maine, along with Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is spearheading an effort to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a highly potent greenhouse gas and significant driver of climate change. These synthetic gases are most often used as a refrigerant in appliances and are known as “climate super-pollutants”, with hundreds to thousands of times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide.

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement today on the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) issuance of a request for proposals for renewable energy:

Fulfilling a promise made during her State of the State address, Governor Janet Mills today signed into law a bipartisan bill sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Ryan Fecteau that will expand the amount of affordable housing in Maine. The Governor signed the bill during a ceremony in the Cabinet Room where she was joined by Representative Fecteau, Senator Matt Pouliot and other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, and housing advocates.

With snow and freezing rain creating dangerous travel conditions, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices closed today, Friday, February 7, 2020. 

“Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are taking their toll on our roadways this morning, creating hazardous driving conditions that are expected to remain throughout the day,” said Governor Mills. “I have directed all State offices closed, and I urge Maine people to exercise extreme caution if they must be on the roads and to give our road crews and first responders plenty of room as they work to keep us safe.”

Momentum is growing for legislation sponsored by Governor Janet Mills, House Speaker Sara Gideon, and Senate President Troy Jackson to improve health insurance for Maine small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Governor Mills also proposes “connections” bond package to expand broadband and continue rebuilding roads and bridges

Governor Janet Mills today presented the Legislature with a supplemental budget proposal that invests in bipartisan priorities, including continuing to rebuild state government to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Maine people, enhancing workforce and economic development efforts in the face of a tight labor market, and increasing the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund.

Governor Janet Mills today welcomed the announcement that Northeastern University will establish the Roux Institute, a graduate school and research center in Portland, funded by a $100 million grant from Maine-born benefactor David Roux and his wife Barbara Roux.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of the 47th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade:

Governor reflects on bipartisan successes of past year, challenges ahead, and goals for the future, including improving health care, strengthening the economy, and fighting climate change

Next step in her 100,000 heat pump initiative is expected to help create jobs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and save Maine people money on heating bills

Joined by leaders from Efficiency Maine Trust, Hometown Heat Pumps, and the Maine Community College System at F.W. Webb Company in Augusta, Governor Janet Mills today announced that Maine was doubling its rebates to help Maine people purchase high-performance heat pumps.

Governor Janet Mills will deliver the State of the State address to a joint convention of the Maine House and Senate on January 21, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.

In her remarks, Governor Mills will pay tribute to the State’s bicentennial, celebrate the progress made during her first year in office, highlight her priorities for the second legislative session, and present her vision for Maine.

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement in honor of Bangor veteran and Purple Heart recipient Galen Cole who passed away at the age of 94 on Thursday, January 9, 2020:

Please note, this release has been updated to correct the list of bills the Governor is allowing into law

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she is allowing 24 of the remaining 27 bills she held for further review last session to become law and that she has vetoed three.

Governor Janet Mills, Senate President Troy Jackson, and Speaker of the House Sara Gideon today announced legislation to improve private health insurance for Maine people and small businesses.