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State is one of the first in the nation to be approved

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today approved Governor Mills’ application for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help Maine businesses overcome any temporary loss of revenue due to the novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19.

In the wake of several new presumptive positive cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor Janet Mills announced several new significant recommendations to respond to COVID-19 and signed a proclamation of civil emergency (PDF) to further protect public health. Governor Mills is recommending:

Governor Janet Mills is taking strong steps to protect Maine workers and small businesses impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Governor announces insurance emergency proclamation, temporary suspension of non-essential out-of-state work travel for State employees, and a recommendation to postpone large, indoor gatherings

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) will provide $4,567,500 to the State of Maine to support the State’s response to the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as (COVID-19).

Governor Janet Mills and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director (Maine CDC) Dr. Nirav Shah released the following statements in response:

Searsport, MAINE – Standing at the pier of Mack Port Terminal, Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration will examine the site for opportunities to support Maine’s renewable energy industry, specifically offshore wind. The announcement follows Governor Mills’ visit to Scotland last week as a member of a U.S. state and federal delegation organized by the United Kingdom government to learn more about offshore wind. It also follows her State of the State address in which she spoke of unleashing Maine’s offshore wind potential.

Today, the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services (HCIFS) Committee unanimously approved The Made for Maine Health Coverage Act, legislation sponsored by Governor Janet Mills, House Speaker Sara Gideon, and Senate President Troy Jackson.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement tonight in response to Maine voters’ rejection of Question 1:

“Tonight, the health and wellbeing of Maine children prevailed. This law leaves medical exemptions up to medical professionals and ensures that Maine children are better protected from the spread of dangerous communicable diseases. It is the right thing to do for the health and safety of our kids.”

Response team met today to build on Maine CDC’s work in coordinating coronavirus preparation and response to protect public health

Governor Janet Mills today convened her Coronavirus Response Team charged with coordinating State government’s response across departments and local agencies and health authorities to the potential spread of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Governor Janet Mills announced today she has signed a bill to provide noncommercial lobster and crab fishing and scallop licenses to disabled veterans free of charge. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Allison Hepler of Woolwich, passed the Legislature with unanimous support.

The Maine Revenue Forecasting Committee today revised the State’s General Fund revenue forecast upward by $139 million, including a projected additional $40 million for the current Fiscal Year which ends June 30, 2020. Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response:

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has nominated former Maine Attorney General William Schneider and Hampden Town Councilmember Dennis Marble to the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has signed into law legislation to increase access to and reduce the cost of epinephrine autoinjectors used as an alternative to the expensive and in-demand EpiPens. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senator Heather Sanborn of Portland, passed the legislature unanimously.

Immediately after signing the bill, Governor Mills issues the first proclamation to raise awareness of childhood cancer

Governor Janet Mills announced today that Maine, along with Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is spearheading an effort to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a highly potent greenhouse gas and significant driver of climate change. These synthetic gases are most often used as a refrigerant in appliances and are known as “climate super-pollutants”, with hundreds to thousands of times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide.

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement today on the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) issuance of a request for proposals for renewable energy:

Fulfilling a promise made during her State of the State address, Governor Janet Mills today signed into law a bipartisan bill sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Ryan Fecteau that will expand the amount of affordable housing in Maine. The Governor signed the bill during a ceremony in the Cabinet Room where she was joined by Representative Fecteau, Senator Matt Pouliot and other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, and housing advocates.

With snow and freezing rain creating dangerous travel conditions, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices closed today, Friday, February 7, 2020. 

“Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are taking their toll on our roadways this morning, creating hazardous driving conditions that are expected to remain throughout the day,” said Governor Mills. “I have directed all State offices closed, and I urge Maine people to exercise extreme caution if they must be on the roads and to give our road crews and first responders plenty of room as they work to keep us safe.”

Momentum is growing for legislation sponsored by Governor Janet Mills, House Speaker Sara Gideon, and Senate President Troy Jackson to improve health insurance for Maine small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Governor Mills also proposes “connections” bond package to expand broadband and continue rebuilding roads and bridges

Governor Janet Mills today presented the Legislature with a supplemental budget proposal that invests in bipartisan priorities, including continuing to rebuild state government to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Maine people, enhancing workforce and economic development efforts in the face of a tight labor market, and increasing the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund.

Governor Janet Mills today welcomed the announcement that Northeastern University will establish the Roux Institute, a graduate school and research center in Portland, funded by a $100 million grant from Maine-born benefactor David Roux and his wife Barbara Roux.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of the 47th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade:

Governor reflects on bipartisan successes of past year, challenges ahead, and goals for the future, including improving health care, strengthening the economy, and fighting climate change