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Face coverings must now be worn in public settings regardless of how far apart you are from other people

Extends Keep Maine Healthy Program; Resets Indoor Gathering Limits; Postpones Reopening of Bars; Amends Travel Protocols

Governor Janet Mills today extended the State of Civil Emergency (PDF) for thirty days through November 27, 2020.

To combat the disturbing rise in fatal drug overdoses exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Janet Mills today announced a new “OPTIONS” (Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach, Naloxone and Safety) initiative.

Maine selected as next New England state to participate in community development initiative that aims to empower communities.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren today announced the Boston Fed and the State of Maine will collaborate to launch the Working Communities Challenge in Maine. The initiative aims to strengthen Maine’s rural towns and smaller cities and is backed in part by $2.7 million in donations.

Washington, D.C.— Maine’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Janet Mills welcomed the announcement today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made farmers throughout Maine eligible for disaster relief assistance due to the drought.

Senior Advisor Tom Abello to Serve as Legislative Director 

Governor Janet Mills today thanked Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director Elise Baldacci for her service to the State of Maine. Baldacci, who has worked in the Governor’s Office since she assumed office in January of 2019, will leave her position on November 6, 2020 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. 

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Heather Johnson announced today that the Mills Administration has begun distributing the first round of financial awards to Maine small businesses and non-profits through the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program. Grant letters notifying the recipients of their award were sent yesterday in collaboration with Maine’s seven Economic Development Districts, which will distribute funds by early November.

Five Northeast Governors Seek Reform of Market Design, Transmission Planning, and Governance Needed to Achieve States’ Mandates for Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Power

Governor Janet Mills today recognized Indigenous Peoples Day and issued the following statement: 

Starting October 13, indoor seating limits are increased, enforcement of face coverings is strengthened statewide

In accordance with a directive of the President, Governor Janet Mills ordered that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff statewide tomorrow, Sunday, October 4, 2020 in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Amid record nationwide unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration has dedicated an additional $25 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to Maine’s unemployment insurance trust fund. The investment, which builds on the Mills Administration’s previous allocation of $269 million, is expected to significantly reduce an anticipated employer tax increase for 2021 while ensuring benefits are available for those who need them.

Governor Mills today extended the State of Civil Emergency (PDF) for thirty days through October 29, 2020. The Governor’s decision to extend the emergency is in line with nearly every other state in the nation which have ongoing emergency declarations, according to the National Governors Association.

Governor Janet Mills today dedicated an additional $164 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to support school systems as they continue to implement health and safety protocols to protect students, staff, and their families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These new funds build on the Mills Administration’s initial investment of $165 million earlier this year.

State's vastly expanded testing capacity must still be used wisely

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Health and Human Services Jeanne Lambrew announced today that anyone in Maine can now get tested for COVID-19 without the need for a separate order from a health care provider, a milestone resulting from Maine's vastly expanded testing capacity.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today after the Public Utilities Commission announced the selections in the largest procurement of renewable energy in Maine’s history:

“Today’s announcement is a historic step forward in Maine’s effort to embrace renewable energy, create good paying green-collar jobs, diversify and expand our economy, and combat the threat of climate change. This progress, which is the direct result of bipartisan energy legislation I signed last year, further establishes Maine as a national clean energy leader.”

Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration will launch a second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program beginning Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement honoring the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

Order addresses projected revenue shortfall while avoiding deep programmatic cuts & layoffs and preserving critical public health, safety, and education funding for now

Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered statewide tomorrow Wednesday, September 16, 2020 in recognition of the one year anniversary of the explosion in Farmington, which claimed the life of Farmington Fire Department Captain Michael Bell and injured several others.

In accordance with a directive of the President, Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff today statewide in honor of the victims and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and issued the following statement:

New England border state governors warn of harm to American manufacturers
 
Maine Governor Janet Mills, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and Vermont Governor Phil Scott are calling on President Donald Trump to reverse the re-imposition of a 10% tariff on imports of non-alloyed unwrought aluminum from Canada, citing the negative impact on manufacturers and supply chain businesses in northern New England.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement reminding Maine small businesses and non-profits to apply for the State’s $200 million Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program ahead of the application deadline. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST tomorrow, September 9, 2020.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Labor Day: