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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:

Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff statewide immediately for the remainder of today, April 3, 2019 in honor of a Maine State Trooper who was struck and killed in the line of duty this morning in a crash on Interstate 95 in Hampden. 

Joined by state lawmakers and renewable energy supporters, Governor Janet Mills today signed into law a bill that will help incentivize the long-awaited growth of the solar industry in Maine. LD 91 An Act to Eliminate Gross Metering, sponsored by Representative Seth Berry and signed by the governor, will reset the state’s metering policy for solar and ensure that consumers who produce electricity from solar panels will be fairly compensated for supplying excess energy back to the electric grid.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has nominated four people to the Maine Maritime Academy Board of Trustees.

“The Maine Maritime Academy Board of Trustees sets the course for Maine’s leading college for engineering, management, science and transportation careers and oversees the education of almost 1,000 Maine students every year,” said Governor Mills. “I am honored to nominate these experienced, highly-qualified, and well-respected individuals who will preserve the Academy’s worldwide reputation of excellence and student success.”

Governor Janet Mills today directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff in the town of Westbrook from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, Saturday, March 30th, 2019, the day of funeral services for Maine Senior Airman Shawn McKeough Jr.

Airman McKeough died while attempting to prevent an armed robbery at a convenience store in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 23 years old. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Westbrook, Airman McKeough’s hometown, on Saturday.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has nominated six people to the University of Maine and the Maine Community College System Boards of Trustees.

In response to the resignation of Representative Dale Denno from the Legislature, Governor Janet Mills issued the follow statement:

“I want to thank Representative Denno for his service to the people of Cumberland and Gray. He has been a tireless champion for his constituents, fighting every day to improve their lives and advance policies that help people across the state. His voice will be missed in the Legislature. I wish him and his family the best as he continues his valiant fight against cancer.”

Charging Stations and Financial Incentives Target Carbon Emissions in Maine’s Transportation Sector

Governor Janet Mills and Efficiency Maine Trust announced today a set of initiatives that will expand the use of electric vehicles across Maine in an effort to reduce the state’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

Governor Janet Mills today signed the supplemental budget for Maine’s Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2019. The $7.5 million package, which garnered strong bipartisan support in the Legislature, repeals the limit on Medicaid-funded methadone to help combat the opioid crisis, dedicates $1 million towards the state’s upcoming 2020 bicentennial celebration, and funds other initiatives.

Governor Janet Mills today introduced a bill to improve access to critical reproductive health care for women across Maine. The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House Sara Gideon, would allow a physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse to perform abortions. As Attorney General, Governor Mills introduced a similar bill during the last legislative session.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement on the passing of Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sacco:

Governor Janet Mills delivered brief remarks at a ribbon cutting ceremony and toured the new global headquarters of WEX, Inc. Friday. Senator Susan Collins, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson, members of the Portland City Council, and other guests were also in attendance.

Governor Janet Mills announced today she has issued an official proclamation designating March as Women’s History Month in Maine.

“Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our state and nation in countless ways, and yet those contributions are still overlooked and undervalued,” said Governor Mills. “In declaring the month of March Women’s History Month, I hope all Mainers will join me in honoring the women of our past and recommit to working together to achieve true equality for all.”

In response to reports nationwide regarding the prevalence of a perfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order creating a Governor’s Task Force to mobilize state agencies and other stakeholders to review the prevalence of PFAS in Maine and put forward a plan to address it.