Newsroom

Letter from 21 governors demands immediate release of USDA funding as the Federal shutdown is poised to cease food benefits for 170,000 Maine people on Saturday

Governor Janet Mills today joined governors from 20 states to call upon President Trump to immediately release contingency funding at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which are poised to end Saturday for 170,000 Maine people due to the Federal shutdown.

Funds from Governor's contingency account and the John T. Gorman Foundation to increase food supplies as shutdown suspends Federal food benefits for November

Governor Janet Mills announced today she is taking action to deliver $1.25 million to Good Shepherd Food Bank and other anti-hunger programs in Maine as the Federal shutdown is poised to cease food benefits for 170,000 Maine families, older adults, children, veterans, and people with disabilities on Saturday, November 1, in partnership with Maine philanthropy.

Governor Janet Mills today applauded Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey for joining a multi-state lawsuit to compel the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Governor Janet Mills has ordered that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff statewide from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in remembrance of the victims and to honor the survivors of the tragedy in Lewiston. Tomorrow marks two years since the shootings at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston that took the lives of eighteen people and injured many others.

The Governor issued the following statement:

Governor Janet Mills tonight called on Americans to stand firm to defend democracy and the Rule of Law, warning that the Trump Administration's ongoing assault on democratic institutions is a threat to the Constitutional Order of the United States.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day:

In her weekly radio address and column today, Governor Janet Mills urged Maine people to reject Question 1 on the November 4th ballot, saying the proposal would make it harder for many Mainers to exercise their right to vote.

"Maine is proud to lead the nation in voter participation because of our long history of safe and secure elections," said Governor Mills. "Whether you vote in person or by absentee ballot, you can trust that your vote will be counted fairly. But that fundamental right to vote is under attack from Question 1."

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to an announcement by Northern Light and Anthem that they have agreed to a temporary contract extension as negotiations continue:

Governor Janet Mills today issued the following statement after the Federal government experienced a lapse in appropriations at the end of Fiscal Year 2025:

Maine's reliance on home heating oil has dropped nearly 20 percent under the Mills Administration, driven by adoption of cost-saving, energy efficient heat pumps

Governor Janet Mills today announced that the share of Maine households reliant on oil as their primary heat source has fallen by nearly 20 percent from 2018 to 2024, a testament to the state's record adoption of high efficiency heat pumps.

Presque Isle and Houlton, MAINE -- Governor Janet Mills today visited Presque Isle and Houlton to meet with business and community leaders about economic development, workforce growth, and revitalization efforts in Aroostook County.

Governor also announces $2.7 million in awards by Maine Technology Institute to build a state-of-the-art life science laboratory facility in Maine

Governor Janet Mills today announced the creation of the Maine Life Sciences Center, a new initiative of the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) designed to attract investment and foster innovation in life sciences, one of Maine's fastest-growing economic sectors.

Governor also visits several communities in the Saint John Valley and Twin Rivers Paper Company to mark its 100th year of papermaking in Madawaska

Caribou, MAINE-- Governor Janet Mills today cut the ribbon on a new Amazon delivery warehouse in Caribou, the company's first official facility in Maine.

New cabinet-level department, replacing the Governor's Energy Office, will lead policy and planning to promote affordable, reliable energy for Maine people and businesses._

Governor Janet Mills today announced the official launch of the Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), a new cabinet-level department to lead State energy policy, programs and planning in support of more affordable and reliable energy for Maine people and businesses.

Expansion of global medical products company at Brunswick Landing is supported by Governor's new Dirigo Business Incentive Program

Twelve centers in seven counties will create 338 overnight beds to keep Maine people and families warm this winter

Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing today announced $2.3 million in state grants to support the operation of 12 overnight emergency warming centers in seven Maine counties this winter.

Belfast, MAINE-- Governor Janet Mills today visited Waldo County to speak with Maine people, businesses leaders, farmers, and civic leaders.

Regional partnership of public health agencies and leaders will share expertise, improve coordination, and promote and protect evidence-based public health

Several Northeastern states -- including Maine -- and America's largest city have been collaborating since early 2025 and today formally announced the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, said Governor Janet Mills.

Governor also tours businesses in Westbrook and attends Naturalization Ceremony in Portland to mark Constitution Day

Windham, MAINE-- Governor Janet Mills today cut the ribbon on Space to Thrive, a new state-of-the-art child care center in Windham constructed using $250,000 from her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan.

In Old Town, Governor also visits Old Town Canoe and Global Shipping Solutions

East Millinocket, MAINE -- Governor Mills today met with community leaders from Medway, Millinocket, and East Millinocket to discuss economic development, challenges, and opportunities in the Katahdin Region.

Governor criticizes $1.4 billion request and says it undermines landmark utility accountability law enacted in 2022

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to Central Maine Power's (CMP) filing today with the Maine Public Utilities Commission that seeks a rate increase of roughly $1.4 billion from Maine ratepayers over five years:

Governor also visits major local employers in Dover-Foxcroft and Guilford

Dover-Foxcroft, MAINE -- Governor Mills today met with small businessowners, representatives of major Piscataquis County employers, and local elected officials during a meeting organized by the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council at the Mill Inn and Café in Dover-Foxcroft.

Maine Bureau of Insurance also sends bulletin to state regulated insurers reinforcing that COVID-19 vaccines must be covered under Maine law

Governor Mills surveyed new equipment at Sanford Regional Technical Center secured through her Jobs Plan and visited Biddeford where a long-vacant downtown block has been revitalized into a new bowling alley and restaurant

York County, MAINE-- Governor Janet Mills yesterday visited the Sanford Regional Technical Center in Sanford to see firsthand how her Administration's record investments in career and technical education are helping Maine students enter the trades.

“Twenty-four years ago, Maine and the nation were forever changed by horrific acts of terrorism. Today, I join Maine people in pausing to remember the nearly 3,000 souls taken from us that day – including the six beloved citizens of Maine – and in saluting the courageous first responders who rushed toward danger and the thousands of brave military servicemembers who stepped up to keep our nation safe then and in the years since.