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Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today mourning the passing of renowned Maine author and artist Ashley Bryan:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Ashley’s passing. He was a wonderful, happy man with a deep, rich history, a great imagination, and a beautiful, childlike soul. I am so thankful I was able to spend time with him last year. Over our lunch, he spontaneously recited Langston Hughes, Shakespeare’s love sonnets and other wonderful verses. His passing is a tremendous loss, but we are immeasurably better for his many, many gifts to our world.”

Experts outline recommendations to prevent abuse and neglect of older Mainers

Governor Janet Mills today released the Elder Justice Roadmap, the state’s first report focused on combatting elder abuse compiled by public and private sector experts on the Governor’s Elder Justice Coordinating Partnership.

With considerable snow, sleet, and ice projected to cause hazardous driving conditions across the state tonight and tomorrow, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices to close tomorrow, Friday, February 4, 2022.

Legislation significantly reforms Maine’s approach to utilities, setting minimum standards for service, increasing penalties for substandard service, and strengthening oversight to protect Maine people 

Governor Janet Mills today unveiled legislation that significantly reforms and strengthens the State’s approach to the oversight and accountability of Maine’s electric utilities.

Governor Janet Mills today applauded an announcement that GWI, Arctaris, and the Finance Authority of Maine will form a public-private partnership to bring affordable, high-speed internet to East Millinocket, Millinocket, and Medway, as well as parts of Belfast and South Portland.

Governor Janet Mills returned home to Maine yesterday after participating in the National Governors Association’s (NGA) Annual Winter Meeting. The Winter Meeting, which was the first time in more than two years that the nation’s governors convened in person, offered a forum to meet with Federal leaders, to discuss issues governors are confronting in their state, and to share best practices and innovative solutions.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today mourning the passing of Representative Donna Doore of Augusta: 

Maine is estimated to receive as much as $130 million over 18 years to address opioid epidemic

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today after Attorney General Aaron Frey announced that he has reached an agreement with litigating cities, counties, and school districts governing Maine’s use of proceeds from the National Opioid Settlements with distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and Amerisource Bergen and opioid manufacturers Johnson & Johnson.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today mourning the passing of Representative John Tuttle of Sanford: 

Five rapid tests will be delivered directly to 25,000 households in vulnerable communities

Governor Janet Mills announced today the launch of a new pilot project with The Rockefeller Foundation to mail 125,000 free COVID-19 tests directly to the homes of Maine people most in need, improving access to testing in vulnerable Maine communities.

FEMA also approves 30-day extension of Federal ambulance teams currently in Maine & sends a new ambulance team to Aroostook County

Governor Janet Mills announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved her request for a Federal COVID-19 Surge Response Team on behalf of Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston (CMMC).

Governor Janet Mills today swore in William Harwood as Public Advocate for the State of Maine. Harwood, one of Maine’s most experienced energy and utility attorneys, was unanimously confirmed for the position by the Maine State Senate today.

The projects – which protect working lands, wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public access to scenic views – are the first to be funded under an LMF program replenished by Governor Mills and Legislature

An initial $10 million to support at least 150 new homes for Maine workers and families is now available through MaineHousing, with additional $40 million available later this year

Governor Janet Mills today announced a $50 million investment from her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to build more housing and help more Maine people families find a safe, affordable place to call home.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she will deliver the State of the State Address to a Joint Convention of the State Legislature in the House Chamber on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Governor Mills was invited to deliver her address by the Legislature’s Presiding officers, Senate President Troy Jackson and Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau. A copy of that invitation is attached.

Funding from the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan is available to help businesses expand apprenticeship programs, train workers, and strengthen Maine’s economy

Governor Janet Mills announced today that the Maine Department of Labor is making available up to $12 million in grant funding for Maine businesses to significantly expand apprenticeships. These apprenticeships are part of a larger effort by the Mills Administration to address the longstanding workforce shortage issue in Maine.

School Administrative Units will receive a total of $2.7 million in grants to create or expand Pre-K programs beginning this fall

Governor Janet Mills announced today that 14 school administrative units will receive a total of $2.7 million in grant funding from the Maine Department of Education to create or expand Pre-K programs this year.

Maine becomes fourth state in the nation to surpass the vaccination milestone

Governor Janet Mills announced today that more than 50 percent of eligible Maine people have received a COVID-19 booster shot, making Maine the fourth state in the nation to achieve the milestone.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Following engagement with Maine’s hospitals, Governor Janet Mills announced today that the 169 members of the Maine National Guard she activated earlier this week will deploy to 16 health care facilities across the state beginning January 20, 2022.

In accordance with a directive of the President, Governor Janet Mills ordered the United States and the State of Maine flags be lowered statewide in honor of former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tomorrow, Thursday, January 13, 2022, the day of his internment.

The text of the President’s Proclamation is below:

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today on the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology’s unanimous vote to recommend the approval of attorney William Harwood of Yarmouth as the state’s Public Advocate. With today’s vote, the Maine State Senate will consider his nomination.

FEMA also approves Mills Administration’s request for two Federal COVID-19 Surge Response Teams for MaineHealth and Central Maine Medical Center

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she will activate up to an additional 169 members of the Maine National Guard to help alleviate short-term capacity constraints at hospitals and maintain access to inpatient health care for Maine people amid record-high COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“The best way to thank our health care workers – the best way to help relieve the burden on their shoulders – is to heed their advice: get vaccinated,” said Governor Mills

Portland, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today toured the Emergency Department (ED) and a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Maine Medical Center in Portland where she spoke with and thanked hospital staff for their tireless efforts to save the lives of Maine people during the pandemic.

With blizzard conditions in Washington County expected to cause icy roads and hazardous driving conditions, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices in Washington County to close today, Friday, January 7, 2022, effective immediately. State offices in all other areas of Maine remain open today consistent with normal operations.