My budget proposal maintains our commitments to Maine people to provide affordable health care, to protect school funding and property tax relief, and making sure that we have good schools and good teachers, no matter a child's zip code.

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

We want to make sure that no child tries to learn on an empty stomach. And we want to try to stabilize property taxes across the state. Those are taxes that also pay for those schools. These are all bipartisan priorities, and they've been supported by the overwhelming majority of the legislature and the overwhelming majority of Maine people.

Well, more than half of the entire state budget goes to health care and education. Roughly $4.8 billion for education alone, and approximately $4.3 billion for Health and Human Services including child welfare, mental health, hospital, nursing home and home health care, and child care costs.

So, I don't believe that government can or should be all things to all people all the time, but I firmly believe that our most important responsibility is to protect the health and safety of Maine people, especially children, and the sick, and the most vulnerable. That's the belief that's reflected in this budget proposal.

The budget proposal also reflects difficult choices that are a reality of our tight budget circumstances. Because, you know, state revenues have leveled off now after years of surpluses during and after the pandemic – surpluses driven in part by federal stimulus money. No surprise there. It's the same experience many other states across the country, red, blue and purple states, including many in New England, are facing. And another factor is because our economy is doing fairly well, we lose a portion of the federal funds that go to health care - Medicaid, specifically.

We saw all of this coming, which is why I urged lawmakers last year to reduce spending and save more than $100 million as well. Unfortunately, that proposal was rejected by the prior Legislature, and additional spending was layered onto the budget. Now there's a budget gap, as many, many states have.

So to balance the budget and to protect the long-term fiscal health of Maine, I'm proposing to make certain changes – primarily within the Department of Health and Human Services, the largest department – to cut costs, primarily for programs that haven't yet begun.

I'm also proposing an update to the excise tax on cigarettes and related tobacco products. You know, cigarettes are a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and stroke, as we all know. And when more than one-third of Maine cancer deaths each year are attributable to smoking, having the cheapest cigarettes of nearly every state in New England still just doesn't make sense for the State of Maine. It's time to change that. That's why my budget proposal includes a $1 a pack increase to cigarettes, which puts us in the middle of the New England states.

Keep in mind, I'm not proposing – and I do not support – broad-based tax increases, such as to the income tax or sales taxes.

So with this budget proposal, we've taken a balanced approach, one that maintains core programs like education and health care, one that raises revenues in a very targeted way to benefit public health, and one that makes difficult changes to various programs to save money to the taxpayers. There are difficult decisions to be made in the coming weeks and months, and none of this is easy, but I know this new Legislature shares my commitment to enacting a balanced budget that is good for Maine people, and good for the fiscal health of our state. I look forward to working with both parties to achieve just that, as responsible lawmakers offer constructive feedback in the coming months on this detailed document.

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

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting the state; and

WHEREAS, Community Risk Reduction is a proactive and comprehensive approach to identify, assess and mitigate risks such as fires, falls, car accidents and more; and

WHEREAS, Monday, January 27, 2025 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the eightieth anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp; and

WHEREAS, this is a day of remembrance for the six million Jews who were murdered by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945; and

WHEREAS, on this anniversary, the State of Maine recommits itself to combatting the global rise in anti-Semitism; and

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

Last week, I delivered my biennial budget proposal to lawmakers for their consideration as we begin to chart the next two years of investments by state government in the people of Maine.

My budget proposal maintains our commitments to Maine people to provide affordable health care, to protect school funding and property tax relief, and making sure that we have good schools and good teachers, no matter a child's zip code. We want to make sure that no child tries to learn on an empty stomach. And we want to try to stabilize property taxes across the state. Those are taxes that also pay for those schools. These are all bipartisan priorities, and they've been supported by the overwhelming majority of the legislature and the overwhelming majority of Maine people.

Well, more than half of the entire state budget goes to health care and education. Roughly $4.8 billion for education alone, and approximately $4.3 billion for Health and Human Services including child welfare, mental health, hospital, nursing home and home health care, and child care costs.

So, I don't believe that government can or should be all things to all people all the time, but I firmly believe that our most important responsibility is to protect the health and safety of Maine people, especially children, and the sick, and the most vulnerable. That's the belief that's reflected in this budget proposal.

The budget proposal also reflects difficult choices that are a reality of our tight budget circumstances. Because, you know, state revenues have leveled off now after years of surpluses during and after the pandemic – surpluses driven in part by federal stimulus money. No surprise there. It's the same experience many other states across the country, red, blue and purple states, including many in New England, are facing. And another factor is because our economy is doing fairly well, we lose a portion of the federal funds that go to health care - Medicaid, specifically.

We saw all of this coming, which is why I urged lawmakers last year to reduce spending and save more than $100 million as well. Unfortunately, that proposal was rejected by the prior Legislature, and additional spending was layered onto the budget. Now there's a budget gap, as many, many states have.

So to balance the budget and to protect the long-term fiscal health of Maine, I'm proposing to make certain changes – primarily within the Department of Health and Human Services, the largest department – to cut costs, primarily for programs that haven't yet begun.

I'm also proposing an update to the excise tax on cigarettes and related tobacco products. You know, cigarettes are a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and stroke, as we all know. And when more than one-third of Maine cancer deaths each year are attributable to smoking, having the cheapest cigarettes of nearly every state in New England still just doesn't make sense for the State of Maine. It's time to change that. That's why my budget proposal includes a $1 a pack increase to cigarettes, which puts us in the middle of the New England states.

Keep in mind, I'm not proposing – and I do not support – broad-based tax increases, such as to the income tax or sales taxes.

So with this budget proposal, we've taken a balanced approach, one that maintains core programs like education and health care, one that raises revenues in a very targeted way to benefit public health, and one that makes difficult changes to various programs to save money to the taxpayers. There are difficult decisions to be made in the coming weeks and months, and none of this is easy, but I know this new Legislature shares my commitment to enacting a balanced budget that is good for Maine people, and good for the fiscal health of our state. I look forward to working with both parties to achieve just that, as responsible lawmakers offer constructive feedback in the coming months on this detailed document.

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

WHEREAS, Maine’s 207 area code has become a well-recognized aspect of our state's collective identity and is a source of pride; and

WHEREAS, in celebration of Maine’s unique status as one of only 11 states with a single area code, Portland Downtown launched 2-0-7 Day in 2022 to promote Portland’s small business community and provide a new exciting event for residents during a traditionally slower time in Maine’s economy; and

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

Well, following those horrible storms last year that devastated communities across the State of Maine, my administration and the legislature made the largest investment in storm relief in the state's history. That funding was significant, but it was only a down payment, really, on the critical work Maine has to do to prepare for the storms we know are coming -- more intense and more frequent in the years ahead.

To start that work, I created last year the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, and I asked the experts on that commission to develop a long term preparedness plan for our state. After traveling the state for months and talking directly with municipal leaders and county emergency management people and engineers and the public at large in places as varied as Stonington, Machias, Old Orchard, Rumford, Mexico, Jay, Caribou and Rockland, hearing about the problems, responding to, and preparing for extreme weather events, that commission released its interim report in November.

A final report from the commission is due in May, but based on those interim recommendations, this week, I introduced major bipartisan legislation to strengthen the ability of Maine communities, homeowners, businesses, and emergency responders to prepare for future severe storms. L.D. 1, An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness for Maine's Communities, Homes and Infrastructure, is sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart, and House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham. I thank them for their support.

Using some Federal funding and some existing state funds through the Bureau of Insurance, not General Funds, this bipartisan legislation creates four key initiatives:

First, it establishes the Home Resiliency Program that will provide grants of up to $15,000 to homeowners to make improvements to their homes that will better prepare them to withstand storms. Improvements like, for example, minimizing roof damage, fixing roofs, and basement flooding prevention.

Second, the legislation enhances resources for the Maine Emergency Management Agency, which we know as MEMA, which is managing more Federally-declared disasters than at any other time in our state's history. The bill increases state disaster relief and preparedness funds through non-general funds, which will also secure matching federal funds, and invests in improved emergency communications systems, very vital communication systems, and staff training and additional emergency staff.

Third, the legislation establishes a new State Resilience Office to reduce flood and storm damage, to protect public and private infrastructure, and to support public safety.

And last, this legislation creates the Flood-Ready Maine Program to modernize data on flood risk in Maine and make that data easily accessible online. The program will improve communications between communities, businesses, and residents about flood risks and make flood insurance more accessible.

L.D. 1 will enhance emergency planning at all levels and prepare communities and infrastructure for severe weather, and reduce storm-related risks and expenses for Maine homeowners and businesses. I thank Senate and House Democratic and Republican leadership for their support of this important legislation, which will allow Maine communities, homeowners, businesses, and emergency response leaders to prepare for the extreme weather events of the future and make Maine a safer and better prepared place to live.

I look forward to signing L.D. 1 into law. This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

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.