Facing a revenue shortfall of more than $500 million, Gov. Janet Mills gives agencies 7 more weeks to submit new budgets, while hoping Congress delivers more pandemic aid to states.
janet mills
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mills signs executive order to support absentee voting, protect polling places from COVID-19
The order gives clerks more time to process absentee ballots, limits the number of people in a polling place to 50 and requires municipalities to promote distancing among voters and poll workers.
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Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Madeleine Albright, Gov. Mills to host virtual ‘Women for Biden’ event
The Democratic event coincides with the Republican National Convention proceedings on Wednesday evening.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Gov. Mills announces $200 million relief fund for small businesses
A state-funded grant program is aimed at stabilizing small employers, but business groups worry it will not be enough for some to stave off disaster.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mills announces changes to top legal position
Derek Langhauser plans to step down as the governor’s chief legal counsel and DEP Commissioner Jerry Reid will take over the position.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Federal aid limits COVID-19 damage to Maine state budget
Expanded unemployment benefits, stimulus checks and the Paycheck Protection Program helped to soften the economic impact of restrictions and kept the state’s budget from falling deeply into the red.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Gov. Mills says Trump executive action on jobless aid vague, insufficient
The action would make states pay for one-quarter of the $400-per-week enhanced jobless benefit, but it is unclear how the program would be implemented.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mills asks state departments to trim spending by 10%
State Finance Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa directed department leaders to find ways to reduce costs as the state grapples with COVID-19-related revenue losses.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Pandemic likely to cost Maine cities and towns over $124 million this year
In a report to the Legislature, the Maine Municipal Association says communities are reporting reduced sales tax revenue, fewer fees collected, and lost motor vehicle excise tax revenue.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Nation / World, News
Maine state budget facing COVID-19 shortfalls of $1.4 billion over next 3 years
What the state gained in revenue on taxable grocery store items and building supplies when the pandemic hit didn’t come close to making up for what it lost in sales tax because restaurants and lodgings were shuttered.