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

Well, the election is right around the corner -- finally -- and there are a number of referendum questions on the ballot in addition to the candidates you'll be voting for.

People often ask me how I'm going to vote on the referenda, and while I don't feel the need to speak to every question, there are a few that I should talk about.

For instance, I'm planning to vote yes on Question 2, Question 3, and Question 4 at my polling place on Election Day. Let me tell you why.

Question 2 is a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization. When you talk to people who are experts in business or on the economy, they'll tell you that research and development is one of the most important forces for having a strong economy.

What is "research and development", or "R&D", as it's often called? The term sounds kind of boring, but actually is very interesting. It's basically the process of creating new products, Maine products, taking things we may already have and improving on them to make them better and more useful. It's how we end up with new products.

Take that little thing called the iPhone that's in most of our pockets now. Well, here in Maine, you've got a lot of companies and entrepreneurs who are working hard every day to improve their products and services or create new breakthrough. For example, Tanbark in Southern Maine is transforming wood products from Maine trees into sustainable packaging that could replace single use plastic. Food packaging. Supporting that innovation by investing in research and development can create economic growth and good paying jobs for Maine people.

In fact, our ten year economic development plan calls for both expanding our workforce and increasing investment in R&D. We've made some progress, but still, sadly, last year, Maine ranked 44th in the nation for R&D investment as part of our budget. So we've got to keep at it.

That's where Question 2 comes in. It's a $25 million bond that will be awarded through a competitive process to Maine public and private institutions to invest in research and development in some of the most important sectors of our economy, like advanced materials and precision manufacturing, renewable energy, forestry, agriculture and aquaculture and marine technology.

Bonds like this work. The last R&D bond that was approved by the voters in 2017 was for $45 million. And that bond generated $224 million in matching investments from the private sector and $1.4 billion in economic impact for Maine. We know that the companies that receive that funding through the bond are outperforming in their industries. So Question 2 has the potential to drive meaningful economic growth and job creation across the state, and that's why I will vote for it on Election Day -- and I hope you'll join me.

Now, I'll also be voting for Question 3 to restore Historic Community Buildings. That's a $10 Million bond, but it also requires a 25% local match, and I think that's a good investment in community buildings that otherwise may fall into disrepair and be vacant. We should preserve these buildings and facilities.

I'll also be voting for Question 4 which is a $30 million bond to design, develop and maintain multi-use trails statewide.

You know, outdoor recreation makes up nearly 4% of our economy, a greater percentage than any other state in the nation, almost. And it supports more than 30,000 jobs across the state. You know, Maine people have always valued the outdoors, and during the pandemic and since then, of course, a lot of folks have really taken to the outdoors and are able to enjoy the health benefits of it. That interest is great news for our economy, too, but it's put a strain on local trail infrastructure.

Question 4 will allow us to maintain our outdoor infrastructure for all people, residents and visitors alike, people who want to enjoy our state for years to come. That's why I'll be supporting Question 4 on Tuesday.

Finally, some folks have asked me how I'll be voting on Question 5, which is the flag issue. I know that's an issue on the top of everyone's minds, but you know what? It's up to you to decide that, and I'm not going to try to influence the vote.

State flags are a source of great pride, and however the vote turns out, I hope we can all support the outcome as a symbol of the State of Maine.

If you want to read the exact language of these questions or others that will be on your ballot, I encourage you to visit the Maine Secretary of State's website at maine.gov/sos. That's maine.gov/sos.

And remember, get out and vote on Tuesday. Your vote matters.

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

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

Well, one year ago, on the evening of October 25th, 2023, Maine people were bowling with their kids, enjoying a cold beer after a long day at work, competing in a cornhole tournament, spending time with their family and friends at Just-In-Time Recreation and at Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, when their lives and their community were shattered by gunfire.

Eighteen beloved people -- our friends and family and neighbors -- lost their lives, including four members of Maine's Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Others were seriously injured, and many people impacted across our state.

That night, when darkness descended on our state, ordinary people demonstrated extraordinary courage, attempting to stop the perpetrator and usher children and others to safety. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from county, state and federal agencies ran towards the danger to protect Maine people and to search for the perpetrator. Paramedics, doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers did everything in their power to save lives and to treat wounds, both seen and unseen. ASL interpreters stepped up in their own moment of grief to ensure that crucial information was translated to those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing during this unprecedented emergency.

And after 48 frightening hours, when the perpetrator's body was found and public safety was restored, Maine people then came together to grieve as one, offering the City of Lewiston our full support and strength with generosity and grace. That support has never waned.

Maine people are steadfast in our conviction that we are one community bound by a shared love for each other and for this state.

As we mourn and pay tribute to the loved ones we lost a year ago, as we support those who were injured, and as we honor all those who have been affected by the Lewiston tragedy, we also remember our strength as a community, as a state, and as Maine people.

As we continue down the long and difficult road to recovery, let us remind ourselves that we are not alone, that we all are Lewiston Strong, and that we will continue to heal together.

On behalf of all Maine people, I thank organizations like the Maine Resiliency Center, which continues to support the Lewiston community.

Today is a difficult day for many people. If you need support, or just someone to talk to, please visit StrengthenME.com. That's StrengthenME.com. Or if you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988. Get help.

May God bless you, and may God bless the families and the memories of those we lost, and may God bless the State of Maine. This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

WHEREAS, according to the Maine DOT Crash Data database, a traffic crash was reported in Maine every 15 minutes resulting in 33,703 traffic crashes in 2023; and

WHEREAS, originally known as Armistice Day in recognition of the end of World War I on November 11th, 1918, the day was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower; and

WHEREAS, every November, people from across the nation gather to honor and salute veterans who have served our country throughout the years with dedication, patriotism, and courage; and

WHEREAS, eighty-nine percent of Maine's land is forested, making it the most forested state by proportion in the United States; and

WHEREAS, of Maine's 17.6 million forested acres, including the largest contiguous block of undeveloped forestland east of the Mississippi River, 15.9 million acres are private, productive timberland; and

WHEREAS, Maine's approximately 86,000 private woodland owners, of whom over 75,000 manage more than 10 acres, all play a vital role in the future of the forest industry; and

WHEREAS, on the evening of October 25, 2023, Maine people were bowling with their kids, enjoying a cold beer after a long day at work, competing in a cornhole league tournament, and spending time with their family and friends at Just-In-Time Recreation and at Schemengees Bar and Grill in Lewiston when their lives were shattered by gunfire; and

WHEREAS, eighteen beloved people -- our friends and family and neighbors -- lost their lives and many more were seriously injured; and