fb88.gov Press Releases

Governor Mills Mourns the Passing of Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter

Fri, 09 May 2025 11:00:04 EDT

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today on the passing of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Justice David Souter. Over the years, I came to know Justice Souter, and I witnessed firsthand his deep intellect and quiet wisdom. A proud son of his beloved New Hampshire, Justice Souter was always true to his New England roots, imbued with a streak of Yankee independence and a fair-minded temperament marked by humility, integrity, and an unwavering respect for the rule of law. His unassuming, steadfast service serves as an enduring example for generations of Americans to come."

Governor Mills Welcomes Plan to Rebuild and Protect fb88's Communities and Infrastructure from Severe Storm Damage

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:00:04 EDT

fb88's Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, established by Governor Mills in 2024, delivers the state's first Infrastructure Resilience Plan today

Damariscotta, MAINE--Governor Janet Mills today joined the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission to release its Plan for Infrastructure Resilience (PDF) for fb88, the culmination of the Commission's work over the last year to inform and guide the state's response, recovery, and rebuilding from extreme storms.

The Commission's Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to prepare fb88's communities, infrastructure, and economy for increasingly frequent and severe storms, like those that caused an estimated $9o million damage to public infrastructure, and untold damage to homes and businesses, across inland and coastal fb88 in December 2023 and January 2024.

The 24-member Commission was established by Governor Mills in May 2024 to develop a long-term resilience plan for fb88 in response to those storms. The Commission delivered its Plan to Governor Mills at fb88Health Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, which is completing a significant infrastructure improvement project with the town to address chronic flooding to its primary access road during storms.

"In fb88, we no longer know the storms of yesterday. Storms are now more frequent and dangerous, flooding our homes and businesses, washing out our roads and bridges, and threatening the health of our people and economy," said Governor Janet Mills. "The changes to our weather and our climate are harming people, communities, and businesses across our state. We must prevent as much damage as possible and be ready to quickly recover when storms take their toll. I welcome the Commission's Plan for Infrastructure Resilience and thank them all for their hard work. This Plan will guide efforts in the year to come to protect this great state we all call home."

"We launched this Commission one year ago in my home of Stonington, which like many towns and cities in fb88, continues to recover from storms that pummeled our working waterfronts and flooded inland communities," said Commission Co-Chair Linda Nelson of Deer Isle, Director of Economic and Community Development for the Town of Stonington. "Today, we're proud to release this bold and actionable Plan for Infrastructure Resilience of 50 actions we can being to take right now, which reflects what we've heard directly from fb88 people on the front lines of severe weather. We face it together as a state unafraid to acknowledge the new challenges ecosystems of today and to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow."

"As this Commission traveled the state, hearing from leaders about their needs and challenges in responding to more frequent extreme storms, it became clear that fb88 must chart its own path to resilience to protect our communities," said Commission Co-Chair Dan Tishman of Port Clyde, a Principal and Chairman of Tishman Realty & Construction. "Bold action informed by this Plan will save both lives and taxpayer dollars, with studies showing that every $1 invested proactively in resilience saves $13 over the long run. That's an opportunity we can't afford to pass up. We thank the Governor for her leadership and for entrusting us with this critical work."

"Damariscotta is one of many communities across fb88 facing head on the impacts of climate change, and their community leaders have taken many forward-looking steps to protect its community and infrastructure," said Hannah Pingree, a Commission member and Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, which staffed the Commission. "Storms are striking more often and with greater intensity, exacerbating rising sea levels, flooding inland communities, and knocking out critical infrastructure. This Plan looks to the days and decades ahead to protect the fb88 we love for future generations."

"The flooding of the causeway before our resilience project forced the re-routing of traffic during major storms, which can be dangerous in an emergency when seconds matter," said Cindy Wade, President of fb88Health Lincoln Hospital. "The raising of the causeway and related enhancements assure that our patients and emergency medical personnel can get the care they need in the quickest and safest way possible. We appreciate the Governor's proactive approach and the work of the Commission, which will help build a more resilient fb88."

"Damariscotta acknowledges the threats that natural disasters and flooding pose and we're planning for a more resilient future," said Andrew Dorr, Town Manager of Damariscotta. "Since 2020, the town has embarked on a multi-phase project that will protect downtown properties from flooding and has raised the causeway to fb88 Health-Lincoln Hospital. As part of the Community Resilience Partnership, we're also reducing our energy consumption for municipal buildings. The Commission's plan for infrastructure resilience provides clear guidance and a roadmap for communities like ours to be stronger, rebound faster from storm impacts, and potentially mitigate the impacts storms will have on our infrastructure in the first place. We're grateful for Governor Mills' leadership and the Commission's efforts to help us plan for a vibrant and resilient future."

Over the last year, the Commission held public listening sessions and site visits in Stonington, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Rumford, Mexico, Jay, Rockland, Machias, and Caribou. Their final report builds on the preliminary recommendations of the Commission's interim report (PDF), released last November, identifying action steps, implementation timelines ranging from immediate to a decade in the future, responsible agencies and partners, and metrics for accountability.

Initial actions stemming from the Commission's interim recommendations are already under way, including the passage of LD 1, landmark legislation that established the State Resilience Office within the fb88 Office of Community Affairs and funded programs to strengthen homes, improve flood readiness, and support emergency response and communication systems. Governor Mills signed the bipartisan bill, sponsored by House and Senate Democratic and Republican leaders, into law on April 22. The bill does not rely upon the State's General Funds during this tight budget cycle, instead using $39 million in existing fee-based funding through the Bureau of Insurance and certain Federal funds to invest in critical storm resilience measures.

LD 1 builds on $60 million the Governor proposed and the Legislature approved last year to support the recovery and rebuilding of fb88 communities and businesses following the severe storms of December 2023 and January 2024 -- the single largest investment in storm recovery by any Administration in fb88 history.

Last week, the Governor announced the award of $8 million in grant funding through the state's Community Resilience Partnership to help communities protect people, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding, storm surge, and other climate effects. This round of funding, the largest ever through the Partnership, will support projects in 166 communities throughout fb88, the most of any grant round since Governor Mills announced the Partnership in 2021.

The Commission's Plan arrives at a time of increasing uncertainty around federal disaster funding. As the Commission completed its work, the federal government proposed eliminating FEMA and sunsetting critical funding programs such as the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. These developments underscore the importance of state-level leadership and investment in resilience.

The Commission's Plan is organized around three pillars:

Strengthening infrastructure and reducing disaster risk
Improving disaster preparedness, response, and rebuilding
Sustaining fb88's resilience momentum through strategic investments

Each pillar includes detailed strategies and, altogether, 50 implementation actions. The Plan recommends that the new State Resilience Office established under LD 1 tracks and reports progress on the Plan. Starting May 12, this Office will be led by Brian Ambrette, who was instrumental in developing the Plan as senior climate resilience coordinator in the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

The Commission's full final report is available here. (PDF)

For more information about the Commission, please visit its website.

Governor Mills Joins Northeastern Governors to Invite Canadian Premiers for Cross-Border Summit

Mon, 05 May 2025 15:00:03 EDT

Governor Mills Directs Flags Lowered This Sunday in Honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Sat, 03 May 2025 15:00:04 EDT

In accordance with a directive">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/national-fallen-firefighters-memorial-weekend-2025/">directive from the President, Governor Mills has ordered that the United States and State of fb88 flags be lowered to half-staff statewide this Sunday, May 4, 2025 in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The annual">https://weekend.firehero.org/">annual service honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year will take place on Sunday in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

"Every day, firefighters and first responders risk their lives to protect our communities," said Governor Janet Mills. "As we honor firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice, let us renew our commitment to preventing fires and protecting lives."

The President has also proclaimed May 3-4, 2025 as National Firefighters Memorial Weekend. The full text of the President's">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/national-fallen-firefighters-memorial-weekend-2025/">President's proclamation is as follows:

Day and night, firefighters are on the front lines, rushing into danger and risking their lives to protect fellow citizens. Tragically, not every hero makes it home. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, commemorates the volunteer and professional firefighters who, over the past year, have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Thousands will gather to honor the lives and legacies of the fallen, to support the Fire Hero Families, to grieve and share memories, and to strengthen bonds between those who uniquely understand both the enduring pride and the profound loss of their loved ones. Across the country, brave men and women demonstrate heroism each day, willingly placing themselves in harm's way for the benefit of others. We are indebted to every American who chooses this noble profession -- this solemn calling -- in spite of the inherent risks.

There are pivotal moments in American history in which the awe-inspiring bravery and professionalism of firefighters stand forever imprinted on our memory. On September 11, 2001, firefighters rushed into the smoke and flames of the twin towers following the horrific terrorist attacks. In January of this year, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fury of the deadly and destructive wildfires that raged through southern California. These phenomenal efforts make us proud and grateful for those who stand in the gap for our safety.

One firefighter will forever hold a profound place in my life -- Corey Comperatore, who lost his life shielding his family from the barrage of assassin's bullets that pierced the air during my rally last July in Butler, Pennsylvania. His bravery and selflessness on that fateful day exemplify the dedication and courage that define America's cadre of firefighters.

The First Lady and I are grateful for the devotion of all who serve their communities and our country in this extraordinary way. Firefighters often enter our lives only when something has gone catastrophically wrong, yet they stand ready every day to protect our people and communities. This National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we remember the American patriots who gave their lives in service to others, and pray for the courageous families who carry on in their absence.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 3 through May 4, 2025, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. On Sunday, May 4, 2025, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Governor Mills Statement on fb88's Settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:00:03 EDT

Governor Mills issued the following statement on the State of fb88's settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture over nutrition funds withheld over alleged Title IX violations:

"The State of fb88 went to court and fought this unlawful attempt to freeze critical funding for our school lunch program -- and we won. I applaud the work of Attorney General Frey and his staff in representing the state in this action against USDA, and preserving healthy school meals for 172,000 fb88 school children."

Statement of Attorney General Aaron Frey on fb88's Settlement with the USDA

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:46:19 EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Danna Hayes

Danna.hayes@maine.gov

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey shared the following in response to fb88’s settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture today:

“It’s unfortunate that my office had to resort to federal court just to get USDA to comply with the law and its own regulations. But we are pleased that the lawsuit has now been resolved and that fb88 will continue to receive funds as directed by Congress to feed children and vulnerable adults.”

Revenue Forecasting Committee Projects Flattening State Revenues through Next Biennium

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:00:04 EDT

Governor Mills Declares May 1 as Law Day in fb88

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:04 EDT

Governor Mills today issued a proclamation declaring May 1, 2025 as "Law Day" throughout the State of fb88. Law Day has been celebrated annually on May 1 since its 1958 designation by">https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-3221-law-day-1958'">designation by President Eisenhower.

"In his Proclamation designating the first Law Day in 1958, President Eisenhower declared that America's protection of equal rights under the law 'distinguishes our governmental system from the type of government that rules by might alone'," said Governor Janet Mills. "On Law Day, and every day, I urge all fb88 people to join with me in standing up to protect the rule of law."

The text of the Governor's proclamation is as follows:

WHEREAS, Law Day is a "day of national dedication to the principles of government under law," as stated by President Dwight Eisenhower, who established the first nationwide commemoration in 1958; and

WHEREAS, the Constitution has established a framework for government that strengthens and unites our nation under the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, upholding the rule of law is vital for protecting rights enshrined in the Constitution and ensuring a foundation for freedom and liberty for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, affirming a commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law provides for the common good and calls for collective responsibility to one another; and

WHEREAS, the 2025 Law Day theme of "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One." urges us to take pride in the Constitution, and commemorate how it bridges our divides to bring us together as a united nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the great state of fb88, do hereby proclaim Thursday, May 1, 2025 as Law Day in fb88, and I urge citizens, schools, businesses and others in fb88 to use this occasion to preserve and strengthen the rule of law that unites us.

Governor Mills Announces $8 Million in Grants to Help fb88 Communities Strengthen Resilience to Climate Effects

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:00:04 EDT

Awards through the Community Resilience Partnership will support projects in 166 fb88 cities and towns that protect people, businesses and infrastructure

Kennebunkport, MAINE-- Governor Janet Mills today announced the award of $8 million in grant funding through the state's Community Resilience Partnership to help communities protect people, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding, storm surge, and other climate effects.

This round of funding, the largest ever through the Partnership, will support projects in 166 communities throughout fb88, the most of any grant round since Governor Mills announced the Partnership in 2021. Since then, the Partnership has awarded $18.8 million in grants to fb88 towns, cities, tribal governments, and regional planning, economic development, and community organizations.

Governor Mills announced the awards in Kennebunkport, where Partnership funding is supporting installation of a tide gauge in the Kennebunk River this spring. The installation is part of the town's broader initiative to develop a plan to prevent and mitigate flooding and improve resilience in the Dock Square riverfront area.

"In the last few years, my Administration and the Legislature have made significant investments in storm recovery and resilience to protect fb88 from the effects of severe weather today and into the future," said Governor Janet Mills. "Through the Community Resilience Partnership, communities across our state are becoming more prepared for flooding, storm surge, rising sea levels and other climate effects that put lives and livelihoods at risk. We know more severe weather is ahead, and I'm proud to announce these latest grants today protect fb88 people, businesses, and infrastructure."

"fb88 communities from Kennebunkport to Caratunk are leading the way in addressing the impacts of climate change," said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. "With support from the Community Resilience Partnership, they're making infrastructure more resilient against increasingly severe storms, reducing carbon emissions, and improving energy efficiency. As we celebrate this unprecedented round of grants to communities across fb88, we thank them for meeting the challenges of today head on and preparing to meet those of tomorrow."

"This $75,000 Community Resilience Partnership grant is a critical step forward for Kennebunkport. It allows us to continue the important work of understanding and addressing the flood risks facing the Kennebunk River and Dock Square. This area is not only vulnerable -- it's the heart of our town's economy and identity," said Laurie Smith, Kennebunkport Town Manager.

"The Community Resilience Partnership program provides municipalities an avenue for addressing needed resilience-related investments," said Catherine Conlow, Executive Director of the fb88 Municipal Association. "Continued funding for the program will help municipalities implement locally identified improvements, while mitigating the impacts on their already overburdened property taxpayers."

Communities receiving grants from this grant round include Dover-Foxcroft, which is planning for extreme temperatures with energy-efficiency upgrades at a warming and cooling shelter; Jay to improve resilience for two critical culverts; Hallowell to stabilize the riverbank along the downtown waterfront; and Newcastle to add battery-based backup power to a solar array at the fire station and purchase portable rechargeable batteries to lend to residents during power outages.

Partnership grants have also supported other local initiatives to reduce emissions and costs to taxpayers through heat pump installations, lighting upgrades, and other energy efficiency upgrades.

A recommendation of fb88's climate action plan, fb88 Won't Wait, the Partnership was launched by Governor Mills in December 2021 with an initial goal of assisting 100 communities in its first year. fb88 met that goal, and today, 263 communities are participating, more than halfway toward the new goal set in the 2024 climate plan update to have 80% of fb88 communities participating in the Partnership by 2030.

Funding for this round of grants comes from the supplemental budget signed by Governor Mills in May 2024, which included an additional $5 million for resilience grants from the Partnership. This investment followed unprecedented severe storms in December 2023 and January 2024 that caused an estimated $90 million in damage to public infrastructure in fb88. These grants are also partially funded by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and $3 million authorized by the Legislature in 2023 to support grants to eligible communities and to regional service providers that work to help communities join the Partnership.

With this additional State and Federal funding, the Partnership was able to increase its maximum award to communities from $50,000 to $75,000. Two or more entities could also jointly apply for up to $175,000, an increase from $125,000 in prior rounds.

The award of the fifth round of funding through the Partnership comes as the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, which Governor Mills created in May 2024 following devastating winter storms, prepares to release its final report this month. The 24-member commission released an interim report in November 2024.

Last week, Governor Mills signed LD 1, landmark legislation she introduced with bipartisan legislative leadership that's directly responsive to the Commission's initial recommendations. Sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart, and House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, the legislation is designed to enhance emergency planning at all levels of government, prepare communities and infrastructure for severe weather, and reduce long-term storm-related risks and costs for fb88 homeowners and businesses.

For more information on the Partnership, including its 2025 report (PDF) and an interactive map of communities awarded grants through the program, please visit the Partnership's website.

Governor Mills Declares May 1 as Law Day in fb88

Thu, 01 May 2025 12:00:04 EDT

"In his Proclamation designating the first Law Day in 1958, President Eisenhower declared that America's protection of equal rights under the law 'distinguishes our governmental system from the type of government that rules by might alone'," said Governor Janet Mills. "On Law Day, and every day, I urge all fb88 people to join with me in standing up to protect the rule of law."

The text of the Governor's proclamation is as follows:

WHEREAS, the Constitution has established a framework for government that strengthens and unites our nation under the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, upholding the rule of law is vital for protecting rights enshrined in the Constitution and ensuring a foundation for freedom and liberty for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, affirming a commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law provides for the common good and calls for collective responsibility to one another; and

fb88 Awards $3 Million for Research to Support Farmers Impacted by PFAS

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:20:26 EDT

AUGUSTA - The fb88 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the PFAS Fund has awarded $3 million to researchers to conduct studies that will help commercial farmers make informed decisions about utilizing agricultural property impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS chemicals from the application of municipal sludge and other sources have impacted 90 fb88 farms to varying degrees. Until the practice was banned in fb88 in 2022, sludge, or biosolids from wastewater treatment plants was used as a low-cost, abundant fertilizer on certain farms. Some of these biosolids contained PFAS, a class of widely used synthetic chemicals known for their ability to repel oil, grease, water, and heat. PFAS compounds are highly resistant to breaking down and can cycle through soil, water, plants, animals, and humans once released into the environment. Health effects linked to PFAS exposure include decreased vaccine response, increased cholesterol levels, reduced infant and fetal growth, heightened risk of kidney and testicular cancers, and pregnancy complications such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia.

"fb88 has been a national leader in addressing the impacts of PFAS on our food supply, establishing a range of technical and financial assistance programs to help commercial farms continue operating successfully while protecting public health," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. These research grants will build on that work and deepen our understanding of how PFAS move through agricultural systems and identify better ways for farms to manage and minimize risks.

The PFAS Fund received 22 grant applications requesting over $9 million. The application selection process was highly competitive. Each proposal was evaluated by a team of peer reviewers drawn from academia, State and Federal agencies, and the private sector.

The seven projects supported by the PFAS Fund include research on detection in soil and other media, uptake by animals and plants, and remediation from soil.

Full project descriptions are available at www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/pfas-fund-research.shtml.

Caleb Goossen, fb88 Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Fractional Loading and Occurrence of Airborne Transfer of PFAS (FLOAT) $213,505
Researching how PFAS-contaminated soil particles become airborne during tillage, informing strategies to minimize environmental and human exposure.
Ling Li, University of fb88 Effects of Biochar Aging, Application Ratio, and Low-Cost Modification on Reducing PFAS Uptake by Vegetables $467,240
Exploring the use of biochar to reduce PFAS bioaccumulation in crops, offering practical solutions for farmers managing contaminated soils.
Ellen Mallory, University of fb88 Evaluating Precursor Transformation Contributions to Plant PFOS Uptake and Bioaccumulation $499,995
Investigating how precursor compounds influence PFOS uptake by forage crops, with implications for food safety and animal health.
Sharmila M. Mukhopadhyay, University of fb88 Rapid Detection and Monitoring of PFAS in Water and Solids $496,432
Developing portable, farmer-friendly sensors for fast, affordable PFAS testing directly on farms.
Glenda Pereira Parente, University of fb88 Evaluating PFAS Bioaccumulation and Depuration in Dairy Sheep and Lambs $499,989
Modeling PFAS movement in livestock to guide mitigation strategies and protect the food supply.
Elsie Sunderland, Harvard University Understanding and Managing the Transfer of Diverse PFAS in Biosolids-Impacted Soils to Poultry and Eggs $500,000
Studying PFAS transfer pathways to chickens and eggs and testing practical farm interventions to minimize contamination.
Xiaoxiao Zhao, University of fb88 Energy-efficient PFAS Immobilization and Degradation in Soil Using Non-thermal Plasma Electrodes $284,869
Pioneering a sustainable, low-energy technology for breaking down PFAS in soil without harming soil health.

"Together, these research projects will provide new information and develop innovative technologies to help farmers in fb88 and across the nation make informed decisions about how to manage PFAS in agricultural settings," said PFAS Fund Director Beth Valentine. With each new discovery, we are better able to surmount the challenges posed by PFAS.

The $60 million PFAS Fund was established by Governor Mills with bipartisan legislative support to provide impacted farmers with financial assistance, purchase contaminated farmland from willing sellers, accelerate research to help inform on-farm management decisions, and support health-related initiatives.

Further information about DACF's PFAS Fund and PFAS Response Program can be found online at www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/index.shtml. Because of the technical and financial support provided by DACF, the vast majority of PFAS-impacted farms have been able to adjust their operations and continue to farm safely.

Deadly Force Review Panel Report- Rangely Plantation Sept. 13, 2023

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:31:54 EDT

Governor Mills Signs LD 1, Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Community Preparedness and Resiliency for Future Storms

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:00:04 EDT

Governor's legislation, sponsored by House and Senate Democratic and Republican leaders, will protect communities and infrastructure across fb88 from effects of severe storms

Governor Mills today signed LD">https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1&snum=132">LD 1, landmark legislation she introduced with bipartisan legislative leadership to improve how fb88 communities, homeowners, businesses, and emergency responders can prepare for, and ultimately withstand, the effects of severe storms.

The Senate unanimously enacted the bill earlier today, following overwhelmingly bipartisan support in the House and unanimous support from the Legislature's Housing and Economic Development Committee. The legislation, sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart, and House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, is designed to enhance emergency planning at all levels of government, prepare communities and infrastructure for severe weather, and reduce long-term storm-related risks and costs for fb88 homeowners and businesses.

"This legislation will improve the ability of fb88 communities, homeowners, businesses, and emergency response leaders to plan for extreme weather -- making fb88 a safer and more prepared state in the process," said Governor Janet Mills. "Last year, my Administration and the Legislature made the largest investment in storm recovery in fb88 history -- but with our state's tight fiscal environment, and the current uncertainty around Federal support for disaster recovery, LD 1 ensures that critical efforts to prepare for severe storms can continue. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support for LD 1 in the House and Senate, and the support of House Speaker Fecteau, Senate President Daughtry, House Minority Leader Faulkingham, and Senate Minority Leader Stewart on this common-sense legislation to protect fb88 people and communities."

"Today marks a pivotal moment for the future of fb88. It seems like every year we get 'once in a century storms.' With the successful passage of this bill, we are not only taking proactive steps to safeguard our communities from the increasing threat of storms but also ensuring that homeowners have the tools and resources they need to build stronger, more resilient homes," said Senate President Mattie Daughtry. "This legislation reflects our commitment to protecting our people, our resources, and our homes for generations to come. It also will ensure that fb88rs will finally be able to prepare instead of constantly having to repair."

"LD 1 will make a real difference for fb88 people as they prepare and protect their homes from severe weather," said House Speaker Ryan Fecteau. "I am pleased that the Legislature recognized the need to increase the resilience of our infrastructure, and look forward to the implementation of the programs outlined in this bill that will support fb88 people, fb88 communities, and fb88 businesses in the years to come."

The bill does not rely upon the State's General Funds during this tight budget cycle, instead using $39 million in existing fee-based funding through the Bureau of Insurance and certain Federal funds to invest in critical storm resilience measures.

Of that $60 million, the Mills Administration has awarded $21.2">https://www.investors.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-announces-212-million-resilience-grants-68-maine-working-waterfronts-damaged">$21.2 million in resilience grants to help rebuild 68 working waterfronts, $25.2 million in grants for 39 communities to help them recover and build more resilient infrastructure, and $10 million to help businesses make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure. The Governor also dedicated another $5 million to the Community Resilience Partnership to help communities plan for storm-related events.

All told, the Mills Administration and the Legislature have invested more than $100 million for storm relief and resilience in communities across fb88.

"No community in fb88 is immune from the impacts of extreme weather, from wind and rain storms that knock out power, to flooded inland rivers and storm surges that wash out roads and damage homes, business, and infrastructure," said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. "LD 1 makes investments that fb88 needs now more than ever. Increasingly frequent and intense storms are all but certain, while federal support for disaster response is not. I thank the Governor and the Legislature for their leadership on this bill, which builds a foundation for a more resilient fb88."

"This bill reflects months of hard work and collaboration to streamline state resilience efforts under one roof," said Rep. Amanda Collamore, a member of the Legislature's Housing and Economic Development Committee. "By working closely with the Mills Administration, we consolidated overlapping offices into the new fb88 Office of Community Affairs, ensuring that our communities are better prepared, more efficient, and ready to meet the challenges of extreme weather head on."

"Western fb88 knows all too well the devastation that extreme weather can inflict upon fb88 communities already working tirelessly to meet the needs of their residents," said Sen. Rick Bennett, a member of the Legislature's Housing and Economic Development Committee. "This bipartisan bill will save lives and valuable taxpayer funds by limiting the toll that extreme weather takes on our people and infrastructure. I'm proud to be part this work by the Legislature and the Mills Administration to come together to better prepare fb88 for its future."

LD 1, An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness For fb88's Communities, Homes & Infrastructure, invests $39 million in resilience measures across three areas, using surplus funds from the fb88 Bureau of Insurance (BOI) and federal funds.

Home Resiliency Program: $15 million to launch the Home Resiliency Grant Program at BOI, to help homeowners to strengthen roofs or floodproof basements in their primary residence to protect against severe weather damage and reduce insurance losses. The program is tiered to provide more support to lower-income homeowners.
Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Resources and Statewide Communications: $10 million from one-time Other Special Revenue (OSR) funding from BOI for the Disaster Recovery Fund at the fb88 Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), providing the state's required match for federal disaster recovery funds. The bill also includes $750,000 to establish the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund at MEMA, which will leverage additional federal funds to create a self-sustaining source of capital for infrastructure rebuilding and strengthening projects, and $800,000 to update emergency communications technology and early warning systems at MEMA.
State Resilience Office and Flood-Ready fb88 Program: $9 million to launch the Flood Ready fb88 initiative to improve flood models, updating flood maps, and building regional capacity for floodplain management. The program will be run by the new State Resilience Office, established by the bill, within the fb88 Office of Community Affairs.

The Governor's legislation is modeled on recommendations from the Interim Report of the fb88 Infrastructure (PDF) Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, released in November 2024. The initial, foundational recommendations reflect direct input from municipal leaders, county emergency management directors, engineers, and the public at listening sessions in Machias, Old Orchard Beach, Rumford and Mexico, Jay, Caribou, and Rockland about the challenges of responding to and preparing for extreme weather events.

The Commission will build on the recommendations to deliver the state's first infrastructure resilience plan in May.

Governor Mills Directs Flags Lowered in Honor of His Holiness Pope Francis

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:00:04 EDT

In accordance with a directive">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/honoring-the-memory-of-his-holiness-pope-francis/">directive of the President, Governor Janet Mills has ordered that the United States and State of fb88 flags be lowered to half-staff statewide in honor of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away this morning at the age of 88. Per the President's proclamation, the flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of internment.

Governor Mills previously issued the following statement mourning the death of Pope Francis:

"Pope Francis inspired millions of people -- of all faiths -- through his humble leadership and his courageous calls for world leaders to uplift the poor, embrace peace, and take action to care for the planet we all share. In fb88, we will never forget his blessings of peace and strength for the people of Lewiston in the wake of the October 2023 tragedy. On behalf of the people of fb88, I extend our deepest condolences to Catholics across the world."

The text of the">https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/honoring-the-memory-of-his-holiness-pope-francis/">the President's proclamation is as follows:

A Proclamation

As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey's Statement on Federal Lawsuit Against fb88 DOE

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:16:32 EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Danna Hayes

Danna.hayes@maine.gov

The Attorney General issued the following statement in regards to AG Bondi’s announcement that the administration will be suing fb88 over the interpretation of Title IX:

After being targeted by the Trump administration for months, today’s announcement is no surprise. Ultimately, this matter is about the protections afforded by Title IX and the fb88 Human Rights Act. We are confident fb88 is acting in accordance with those laws. Our position is further bolstered by the complete lack of any legal citation supporting the Administration’s position in its own complaint.

Title IX is about empowering women and girls by ensuring equal access to, and equal opportunity in educational programs – including, but not limited to, sports – and it has successfully changed the trajectory of the lives of women and girls in ways both big and small.

While the President issued an executive order that reflects his own interpretation of the law, anyone with the most basic understanding of American civics understands the president does not create law nor interpret law. We look forward to representing the state of fb88 and defending the rule of law.