WHEREAS, the State of Maine is experiencing a prolonged period of below average cold temperatures and windy conditions statewide, which has significantly increased heating demand for residences and businesses;

WHEREAS, the increased heating demand has resulted in fuel delivery backlogs statewide, particularly affecting will-call customers who are disproportionately low-income;

WHEREAS, heating fuel delivery crews will need to work continuously to ensure continuity of supply during this prolonged period of cold and windy weather;

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills. Happy New Year and thank you for listening.

I know it's often said, but it's true that having health insurance does save lives. There isn't anyone in this world who doesn't get sick at some point in their lives, and there isn't anyone who doesn't need to go to a doctor at some point. So, my administration from day one has worked hard to make health insurance -- hence health care -- available for Maine people so everyone can see a doctor, can get preventative care, and can afford critical prescription medications. That way, people can be healthy, join or rejoin the workforce, and care for their families.

One of the things we did four years ago, back in 2021, was to create a state-based health insurance marketplace called CoverME.gov to help Maine people access good health insurance options. Today, I just want to remind everybody that an important deadline is approaching for health care coverage through CoverME.gov for this year. January 15th is the last day to enroll for 2025 coverage with benefits to start on February 1st. So far, during this open enrollment period, more than 63,000 Maine people have already enrolled in health coverage for 2025.

Having health insurance, of course, offers quality and affordable coverage for doctors visits, for prescription drugs, for mental health treatment, for emergencies and hospitalizations, and is just a critical part of staying healthy.

If you need affordable health or dental insurance for this year, please visit CoverME.gov. That's www.CoverME.gov to learn what's available for coverage options and to get enrolled in an affordable and effective insurance plan. All plans offered through CoverME.gov provide quality comprehensive insurance that not only covers you if you have an accident or major illness, but that fully pays for preventative screenings as well. There are plans to fit your needs at a price that works for you.

Take it from Neil, who bought coverage for his family in Brunswick. He said, "Signing up was really easy. It's nice that it pays for preventative care and is also great when there is a health insurance issue." Neil added, "When your health insurance is not tied to your job, it gives you more flexibility and more options for career choices. Because CoverME exists, my wife and I have a freedom in our careers to do some other things that we want to do."

I encourage all Maine people to visit CoverME.gov to explore their options and spread the word to make sure no person in Maine goes without health insurance, something that could save their life.

If you have questions, please visit CoverME.gov/localhelp or call 866-636-0355. TTY 7-1-1 for information.

This is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening. Wishing all of you a healthy and Happy New Year 2025.

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and t hank you for listening.

Famous anthropologist and author Margaret Mead once observed that New Year's is a "festival of transition, the point where end meets beginning...a celebration of the idea of time." In this period of transition between the old and the new year, I'm reflecting on everything Maine people have experienced these past 12 months and all the progress we've made together.

In 2024, we met historic storms with resolve and rebuilding our infrastructure to better withstand severe weather. We made more historic investments in our environment. We created thousands of clean energy jobs and preserved thousands of acres of land across the State of Maine.

We continue to invest in our workforce, opening more childcare centers, expanding support for older adults and caregivers, building more apartments and houses, and sending grants to small businesses so they could hire more people and reach new markets for products. Our unemployment rate remains near historic lows, and the number of jobs available is at a record high. Our GDP is one of the fastest growing in the country, and we continue to provide education and skills training for people to step into good paying jobs and rewarding careers here in Maine.

This year, we celebrated the Just-In-Time Recreation reopening following the Lewiston tragedy, and we reflected on the final report of the Independent Commission. And we passed significant legislation to improve public safety and expand mental health services in Maine, all while honoring our longstanding outdoor heritage.

Speaking of mental health services, thanks to investments by my administration and the legislature, we finally put to bed the AMHI Consent Decree, which had created judicial oversight of our mental health system more than three decades ago.

This year, we opened more substance use disorder treatment beds to and we recorded one of the largest declines in opioid deaths nationwide. That's a sign of meaningful progress in our six-year long fight to save lives and put people on a path to lifelong recovery.

We expanded veterans dental care and funding for veterans cemeteries, and we sent $30 million to nursing facilities to help with staffing shortages.

This year, the legislature confirmed two new commissioners in my administration, Brigadier General Diane Dunn at the Department of Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management, and Sara Gagne-Holmes at the Department of Health and Human Services. In the coming months. I also look forward to Joan Cohen being confirmed as Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

The State of Maine also lost a few friends this year, including former Caribou mayor and civic leader Pat Collins, Maine businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Bean, former Maine Governor Joe Brennan, and legendary singer-songwriter Dave Mallett.

And earlier this year, we also celebrated an historic eclipse, turning our eyes to the heavens in awe and wonder at the darkened afternoon sky. The New Year's holiday is also a time of "awe and wonder, mourning and rejoicing, repentance and hope and purpose," as Margaret Mead put it.

And as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new year, I'll be reflecting on all we've achieved and the work that lies ahead as well, with gratitude for the privilege of serving as your governor. I know there's still problems to solve – there always will be – but I look forward to working on these issues with you, the people of Maine, just as we have done the past six years. And we will tackle whatever comes our way with the creativity, resolve, and spirit of cooperation that defines Maine people.

So whether you are rejoicing or mourning the end of 2024, wishing for good luck, good fortune, good health, or something else in 2025, I wish you a happy and safe New Year's celebration with your friends and family.

Happy New Year, Maine!

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Hello. This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Well, it's that most wonderful time of the year, with several important holidays right around the corner, Christmas and Hanukkah. And of course, after that, New Year's.

Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays. I have a big family, however, and I'm a little behind on wrapping presents for next week.

You know, our state is home to people of many faiths, many backgrounds, many beliefs. And no matter what holiday you may be celebrating or what occasion you're observing this year, I just want to wish you and all Maine people a happy holiday season filled with the love of friends and family, gathered around some good food, and gathered in warm and safe homes.

And while I hope that this holiday season is full of joy for everyone, I also know some folks may be struggling this time of year. Some people may be away. They may be on active duty, unable to be at home for the holidays. Some may be struggling to make ends meet. Some may not have close friends or family here to celebrate with, or some may be mourning the loss of a loved one who'll be missing from their table this year.

This year I'll be missing my brother, David, and my eldest daughter, Allison, both of whom passed away this year. Love makes that loss a little easier to bear, and I'm looking forward to sharing my favorite memories of my brother and my daughter with the rest of my family.

The State of Maine also lost a friend this week. Dave Mallett, singer-songwriter, lyricist, guitar player, harmonica player. And you know, he was a great member of the Maine community born and raised in Sebec – and lived most of his life in Sebec, in rural Maine – and wrote songs about small town Maine, which I just love. I think about, in a time when people turn to computers or A.I. to understand sometimes what they should be thinking, what to say, what to feel, it's artists like Dave Mallett who tell us the truth, who remind us what love, and grief, and joy are all about. He poured his soul out in his lyrics and the music that ran through his fingers on the guitar. His talent was in connecting his soul with ours in a powerful and originally humane way. Dave was a great Mainer, and we treasure him and we regret his loss.

But this holiday season, let's all hold our family and friends, neighbors, and loved ones close and be grateful for the gift of our time together. Let's honor the sacrifice of servicemembers and their families who keep us all safe, and first responders who will be on duty all through the holidays as well. Let's rest for a bit and reflect on the past year as we prepare for the year ahead.

So from my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

And to Maine's Jewish community, Happy Hanukkah, and pleasant memories for all – and pleasant celebrations and gatherings for all Maine people.

This is Governor Janet Mills. And thank you for listening.

WHEREAS, the recent proliferation of technologies that rely on artificial intelligence (AI) has significant policy implications for Maine’s people, economy, and workforce;  

WHEREAS, AI’s potential positive impacts could include creation of new jobs and businesses, gains in productivity and efficiency, and reduced barriers to entry in some technical fields;  

WHEREAS, it is critical that all Maine students are afforded the opportunity to receive a quality education in our public schools; and

WHEREAS, a strong and effective public school system is essential for Maine's workforce and ensures that we continue to make social, technological, and scientific advancements; and

WHEREAS, the agricultural industry is a foundational element of Maine’s economy, heritage, and culture, contributing to food security, rural prosperity, and environmental stewardship across our state; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s youth play a crucial role in ensuring the future resilience and innovation of the agricultural sector, with young leaders emerging as advocates for agriculture, conservation, forestry, and local food systems; and

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Well, with two important holidays, Christmas and Hanukkah, right around the corner, it's clear that we're in the full swing of the holiday season already. I know that Maine people are looking forward to enjoying time with friends and family this time of year, and I am as well.

But hey, if you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, or if you're a bit of a last minute shopper like I am, I want to take the opportunity to encourage you to shop local this holiday season here in Maine. You know, Maine is home to more than 150,000 small businesses. That's 99% of all businesses in our state. Many of them are retail businesses that sell local Maine made products. These businesses and their producers are the cornerstones of our downtowns, the employers of our friends and family members, and a big driver of our economy. They need your business.

I guarantee you, no matter who you're shopping for, you can find the perfect gift made right here in Maine and sold right here in Maine. And if you need a little inspiration or information, our state's Maine Made program is a great place to start. All you have to do is visit MaineMade.com. That's MaineMade.com.

Look,  everything from tea blended in small batches in Bar Harbor or salsa mixed with spirits produced in Presque Isle, clay earrings handcrafted in Portland or artisan soap made in Fort Kent, coffee beans roasted in Kingfield, or baskets and blankets, puzzles, toys, specialty foods and snowshoes. All kinds of things are produced right here in Maine.

The guide that's online, our MaineMade.com guide, is a good resource for you to find local products that are made and sold all across our state. Check it out. You'll find some pretty meaningful and interesting gifts.

Personally, I'm going to be hanging out at American Roots to look for fleece vests. I'm going to be looking at my local bookstore in Farmington, as well as Sherman's bookstores up and down the coast to find the perfect gift or book for friends and family. I'll probably head out to Stonewall Kitchen to find some good blueberry jam, or L.L. Bean to find those boots made in Maine. And Reny's, well, almost everything is at Reny's. Coffee by Design in Portland, and New Balance shoes, and Sea Bags carry those strong carrying bags made from recycled canvas and sail material. Very interesting stuff.

So shop in Maine. When you buy local, you'll not only make somebody you care for feel special with a very interesting and great gift, but you'll be supporting Maine small businesses and the thousands of people they employ and supporting our economy in the process. You'll be helping people who make these things and their families, people who spend hundreds of hours maybe crafting jewelry, or making toys and specialty foods and whatnot, help them remain vibrant as well.

I hope you'll join me in supporting Maine's small businesses this year. And as always, be sure to check in on your neighbors and be kind to one another, this season and every season.

This is Governor Janet Mills wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season, and thank you for listening.

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Back in 1990, a major class action lawsuit was brought on behalf of former residents of the Augusta Mental Health Institute, or AMHI, now known as Riverview, following the tragic deaths of ten patients and numerous complaints about the treatment of patients at that institution.

As a result of that lawsuit, eventually the State of Maine and the parties entered into a Consent Decree - that is a legally binding agreement with the Court System.

The agreement was to fix the problems at AMHI and, over time, to establish and maintain a community based mental health system that meets the individual needs of Maine people with serious and persistent mental illness. That was the beginning of a long and a much needed process to improve Maine's mental health system.

This Consent Decree has lasted for 34 years, through five different governors, seven different attorneys general, several different Court Masters who oversee the Decree, and several Superior Court judges. But now I'm pleased to say, this week, finally, we reached a full resolution of the Consent Decree matters. And thanks to the investments by my Administration and the Legislature, and the work of many partners, that case has been dismissed.

My Administration has been working to increase accessibility, availability, quality, and the consistency of behavioral health services in Maine since I took office. That includes investing more than $260 million in our behavioral health system. Among many other things, we've increased access to community based services and medication management services.

We've improved response times for the Maine Crisis Response Line and the Maine Mobile Crisis Response Teams. The Crisis Response Line, or 988, is a phone number that individuals or families who are experiencing a mental health crisis can call for help. The  Mobile Crisis Response Teams are teams of specialists who are deployed to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to identify that person's needs and develop appropriate interventions.

This past October, the Court Master who oversees the Consent Decree - that's former Maine Supreme Court Chief Justice Daniel Wathen - informed Maine's Superior Court that the State of Maine has achieved substantial compliance with the Decree's standards. No parties objected and the Superior Court agreed and dismissed the Consent Decree.

Look, that Consent Decree has forced change on Maine society and our institutions. It has touched the lives of countless Maine people and provided services to people who didn't know where to turn before. It's touched the lives of the original plaintiffs and their families and their loved ones and those in need of quality care over many decades now. While our work is not done, I welcome this successful resolution of the Consent Decree and I think now about the ten people who lost their lives those many years ago. And I think of their families and loved ones.

And I think of the many people across the state of Maine who continue to need mental health services. It is said that on average, one out of five people have a mental health need. And now we have ways to provide help and for them to get help. We all know families across the state with individuals, children, siblings who have persistent mental illnesses, and now it's time they got help in their communities.

I'm proud of this accomplishment, terminating the Consent Decree. I'm grateful to the partners who worked with my administration to achieve this positive result. We all remain committed to strengthening our mental health system in the years to come so that every individual in Maine may reach his or her full potential and be a fully contributing member of our society.

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

WHEREAS, born in Skowhegan on December 14, 1897, Margaret Chase Smith proudly served Maine and the nation as a distinguished leader until her death on May 29, 1995; and

WHEREAS, first elected to the House of Representatives in 1940, Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman in the history of our country to be elected to the United States Senate in her own right in 1948, an election that also marked the first time a woman was elected to both houses of Congress; and