Mills Administration Secures WiFi & Learning Devices for 100 Percent of Maine Students Reporting a Need In Face of COVID-19’s Impacts on Schools

May 15, 2020

Governor Janet Mills and Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin announced today that the Maine Department of Education has secured internet access and devices to facilitate at home learning for 100 percent of Maine school children for whom there was a reported need. The success comes as Maine educators have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and creativity in response to the suspension of classroom-based instruction as a result of COVID-19, providing invaluable and meaningful personal connection and assurance to students in a time of great uncertainty. However, it is still difficult for educators to offer equitable online learning opportunities without individual student internet access.

Through a combined effort with the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, ConnectME, and business and philanthropic entities, the Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) has acquired 14,494 service contracts through three different service providers, nearly all of which are for WiFi-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tablets that can be used as learning tools and hotspots or hotspots only. Through one of the service providers, DOE was also able to order MiFi, a wireless router that acts as a mobile WiFi hotspot, to fulfill internet-only needs. To fulfill the device only needs, Maine DOE was able to order 7,450 Chromebooks.

“The suspension of classroom-based instruction because of the Pandemic has brought on new challenges and we should all be grateful for how Maine’s educators have adapted to provide a quality education to our children,” said Governor Mills. “It is our responsibility to ensure that Maine’s teachers, and all students, have the tools they need to stay connected during these unprecedented times. These new connections will allow Maine students to do just that and stay engaged remotely with their school no matter where they live."

All schools who indicated a need are receiving the information and devices directly from the vendors. Need was assessed by the Department of Education through several surveys of all traditional and non-traditional public schools and private schools who serve public students to understand the connectivity needs statewide. Of the 21,845 students statewide lacking connectivity, based on data from the 75 percent of schools that responded, 14,494 students needed a wireless contract and 7,351 students needed only a device in order to have equitable access to online learning opportunities.

The need for universal connectivity was identified as the top priority of stakeholders across the state in terms of mitigating the impact from the COVID disruption. Teachers have been struggling to connect with the many students and families who do not have access to the internet. A fourth round of surveys has just been completed for schools to report student connectivity needs, and DOE is working now to fulfill this final round of requests. In addition, the department has reached out to both higher education institutions and adult education programs to determine their student connectivity needs.

“This pandemic and the educational disruption brought to light the extreme inequities that exist across our state,” said Commissioner Makin. “The emergency provision of connectivity to all students allows for educational continuity, and I am grateful to our team for their strategic and efficient execution of this enormous effort.”

The Administration utilized federal funds, including a portion of Maine’s $9.3 million allocation from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, which was allocated through the federal CARES Act, as well as philanthropic donations, to purchase the devices and wireless service contracts to meet the identified need for universal connectivity for Maine students.
 

Mills Administration Allows Lodging Reservations For Future Stays

May 14, 2020

Department of Economic and Community Development also posts additional COVID-19 Prevention Checklists to help businesses prepare for Stage 2 & FAQs to answer common questions

The Mills Administration announced that, effective immediately, Maine lodging providers can begin accepting future reservations for stays with an arrival date of June 1st and beyond for Maine residents and for non-residents who comply with the State’s 14-day quarantine requirement.

A previous Executive Order prohibited such reservations. The change comes amid ongoing collaboration between the Mills Administration and Maine’s tourism and hospitality sectors to identify innovative and practical solutions to welcome visitors while protecting the health of Maine people and the health of Maine’s economy.

“The tourism and hospitality industries are vital pillars of Maine’s economy. Although the pandemic has altered how they can operate safely, it has in no way diminished their importance – both to our economy and to us as a state,” said Governor Janet Mills. “We are acting in partnership with the industry to resume reservations while we also work together to evaluate alternatives to the 14-day quarantine, including testing and other protocols, that will allow us to protect Maine residents and tourists during the summer months.”

“We will continue to work closely with the tourism industry to make progress as we head into the summer,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “Ultimately, we want to adjust the 14-day quarantine in a way that protects the health of Maine people and the health of Maine businesses.”

Under Governor Mills’ April 3 Executive Order, which established quarantine restrictions on travelers entering Maine, lodging establishments were prohibited from accepting new reservations with the exception of essential workers, such as health care workers, and vulnerable populations, including those fleeing domestic violence, homeless individuals and health care and essential workers.

With today’s announcement, lodging establishments may immediately begin accepting reservations from Maine residents and non-residents for stays beginning on June 1st in line with the parameters established under the Restarting Maine’s Economy plan.

However, lodging establishments that accept reservations must be prepared to cancel and fully refund reservations if these establishments cannot be reopened under Stage 2 as tentatively planned.

This change comes as the Administration is working collaboratively with the tourism and hospitality industries to reexamine the 14-day quarantine requirement based on scientific advancements, best practices, and actions taken by other states.

The Administration has maintained the previously-established 14-day quarantine – a proven epidemiological strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus – because it is one of the limited number of tools we currently have to effectively protect Maine people against the virus. Meanwhile, hot-spots such as New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, states from which Maine draws the majority of its tourists, continue to report a significant number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Additionally, reopening without appropriate health and safety protocols could result in a surge of cases that would only further destabilize these businesses and impact consumer confidence in visiting their locations in the long-term.

Ultimately, it is the goal of the Administration to be able to adjust the 14-day quarantine, but to do so in a way that still protects the health of Maine people.

Further, the Department of Economic and Community Development today released additional COVID-19 Prevention Checklists for Stage 2 businesses tentatively slated to open in June under the Restarting Maine’s Economy Plan. The checklists, which provide health and safety guidance that businesses must commit to complying with in order to reopen, for the following have been posted:

• Lodging
• Campgrounds
• Nail salons

The Department plans to post the remaining Checklists on large gatherings, religious gatherings, public/community buildings, fitness centers/gyms, tanning salons, day camps, and overnight camps, as well as links to guidance on non-professional sports on May 20.

The Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, also released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document in an effort to help provide answers to some common questions.

Governor Chris Sununu Issues Emergency Order #43, Exhibit G to Emergency Order #29

May 14, 2020

Concord, NH - Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued Emergency Order #43, along with Exhibit G to Emergency Order #29, as part of the state's efforts to respond to COVID-19.

• Emergency Order #43 : Temporary modification to requirements for change of party affiliation
• Exhibit G to Emergency Order #29 

Portable Document Format (.pdf) . Visit nh.gov for a list of free .pdf readers for a variety of operating systems.

The Granite State News Collaborative is looking for local businesses to profile as part of their 50 Businesses, 50 Solutions series. 

"All of the businesses in our state, from mom and pop shops to major corporations, have been impacted, and faced challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our goal is to write a series of stories that help business leaders across the state see how others have tackled problems associated with the pandemic. This could be anything from supply chain disruptions to HR issues and everything in between.

The idea is to highlight the business, the challenge they faced and how they implemented a solution that has allowed them to sustain their business. 

These stories will be made available to all of our partner outlets for publication."

If you are interested, please contact me directly or use this short survey form to share your story or “nominate” someone else.

If you are a Somersworth restaurant that wants to open for outside service, and already have an approved outside service area, please simply comply with the guidelines you have practiced in the past. 

If you hope to serve in a new area that has not been previously approved, and if you don’t lease or own that space, you MUST first obtain permission from the property owner. Then simply fill out the Temporary Outdoor Seating Permit Application and submit it to Director of the Somersworth Department of Development Service, Shanna B. Saunders: (ssaunders@somersworth.com).

Please read the application carefully, pay particular attention to the check-off boxes on the right side of the form, and be sure to submit the required documents with your application. If you’ve already submitted an email requesting outside seating, please also complete the attached application and submit it too.  

If you have a liquor license, and hope to serve alcohol, visit: www.gov/liquor/enforcement  also submit an email to the state, that outlines your intentions to : reopen@liquor.nh.gov  Please see Governor Sununu's “Stay at Home 2.0” Order for more information.

Important Changes to PPP for Seasonal Businesses and Partnerships, and Extension of Safe Harbor Rule

Allowable PPP Loan Increases:

In an Interim Final Rule released on May 13^th the SBA and Treasury formalized a process allowing lenders to modify loan amounts for borrowers already approved for a PPP loan when guidance released after the borrowers original loan was approved would allow for a higher loan amount. 

Most likely to be impacted by this new rule are seasonal businesses where payroll was calculated on a 12-month average and partnerships where partner compensation was not included in the original loan amount. 

Modifications to the loan amount and final disbursements must be made to the loans prior to the lenders reporting their disbursed loans to the SBA.  Those reports are due no later than May 22^nd. 

To review this new Interim Final Rule, visit the Treasury website HERE

SBA’s Review of Good-Faith Certifications and Extended Safe Harbor Date:

Treasury has released an updated FAQ including two new questions offering further explanation of how SBA will review a borrowers’ required good-faith certification relative to their need for a PPP loan and extended the safe harbor date for borrowers to return funds they don’t feel they qualify for to May 18^th. 

This extension will allow borrowers time to review the additional information provided by Treasury and SBA. When submitting a PPP application, all borrowers must certify in good faith that “current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant.”

SBA, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has determined that the following safe harbor will apply to SBA’s review of PPP loans with respect to this issue: Any borrower that, together with its affiliates, received PPP loans with an original principal amount of less than $2 million will be deemed to have made the required certification concerning the necessity of the loan request in good faith.

Borrowers with loans greater than $2 million may still have an adequate basis for making that good-faith certification based upon their individual circumstances. Borrowers who feel they can no longer make that certification in good-faith based upon the guidance issued by Treasury and SBA may now return their PPP loan in full by May 18^th and will be deemed by the SBA to have made the required certification in good faith.

To review the updated FAQ document, visit the Treasury website HERE

Governor Mills Extends State of Civil Emergency As Maine Continues to Combat COVID-19

May 13, 2020

As the State continues to respond to COVID-19, Governor Janet Mills today signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency for thirty days through June 11, 2020. This will be Governor Mills’ second extension of the State of Civil Emergency.

According to the National Governors Association, all States and Territories, including those in New England, have ongoing emergency declarations. The Governor’s proclamation comes as other governors across the nation also extend their respective states of emergency. Vermont Governor Phil Scott announced earlier this week he intends to renew his state of emergency as well. 

“The State of Civil Emergency allows state government to deploy all available resources to protect the health and safety of Maine people and to respond quickly and as-needed to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Mills. “It also allows us to continue to draw critical Federal resources that help us equip frontline workers with needed protective equipment and to use Federal resources to support the State’s response.” 

A State of Civil Emergency in part enables Maine’s access to critical federal aid to boost response efforts. The State of Emergency proclamation is separate and distinct from the Governor’s Executive Orders and from the Restarting Maine’s Economy plan. The Governor’s Executive Orders and the Restarting Maine’s Economy plan remain in effect and unchanged.

For up-to-date information on Maine’s response to COVID-19, please visit Coronavirus.Maine.Gov.

Mills Administration Launches Campaign to Remind Maine People to Explore Their Health Coverage Options in the Face of COVID-19

May 13, 2020

Those who have lost a job or income can visit CoverME.gov to learn more and apply

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today launched a statewide campaign to promote awareness of affordable health insurance options, particularly for people whose employment or income has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DHHS is launching a special outreach campaign to remind Maine people about CoverME.gov, a resource for finding affordable health insurance options, in response to the changing economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. Maine residents who have recently lost a job or income may also lose their health insurance provided through their employer or now be struggling to afford their monthly insurance premium. Many of these individuals may qualify for a free or low-cost plan through MaineCare (Maine Medicaid) or the federal marketplace.

The statewide campaign will include digital, social media, and television advertisements, with ads beginning this week and continuing through June.

Maine DHHS is also collaborating with the Maine Department of Labor to inform those applying for unemployment insurance that they may be eligible for affordable health insurance options.

“From expanding Medicaid early on to signing into law the Made for Maine Health Coverage Act, my Administration has always fought to expand access to affordable health care for Maine people,” said Governor Janet Mills. “COVID-19 further underscores the importance of having health insurance. I urge Maine people, particularly those who may have lost income or health insurance as a result of the pandemic, to visit CoverME.gov to find options to protect their health and help them care for their families.”

“Maine people may qualify for affordable health coverage options, especially those who have lost jobs or income because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “We urge Maine people to visit CoverME.gov to understand their options and sign up. Today more than ever, coverage is critical to ensuring access to needed health care.”

Maine people can learn more at CoverME.gov or call Consumers for Affordable Health Care at 1-800-965-7476 for free, local help.

Most Maine people are eligible for insurance through MaineCare if their annual income is less than $17,609 for a single person or $36,156 for a family of four. Maine people with incomes above the MaineCare threshold but less than $51,040 for a single person or less than $103,000 for a family of four may be eligible for lower monthly premiums on  HealthCare.gov.

Eligible Maine people may enroll in MaineCare at any time of year.  More than 53,000 people  are now enrolled through the expansion of MaineCare under Governor Mills – an increase of over 10 percent since April 1, 2020.

To apply through HealthCare.gov, individuals currently must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Losing health insurance through a job should allow individuals to sign up for private insurance if they apply within 60 days. Governor Mills recently joined a coalition of Governors from 11 other states in asking the Trump Administration to take swift action to allow for a broader Special Enrollment Period to ease access to critical health care in the face of COVID-19.

Additionally, Maine people who already have coverage through the Marketplace but expect to earn less in 2020 should update their income estimate, since they may qualify for more financial help to afford their plan or for MaineCare.

The statewide campaign announced today builds on the Mills Administration’s ongoing work to reduce Maine’s uninsured rate and ensure that all eligible Maine people enroll in coverage. DHHS will conduct another advertising campaign in the fall to coincide with the HealthCare.gov open enrollment period.

Governor Mills declared an insurance emergency on March 12, 2020 to improve access to care and require private health insurance plans to cover costs related to coronavirus testing. The Superintendent of Insurance, Eric Cioppa, has ordered that private, fully insured plans pay the full costs of COVID-19 testing and issued an order deferring premium deadlines to assist consumers in maintaining health coverage. MaineCare covers the costs of COVID-19 testing and has increased access to care by waiving all copays for prescriptions, office visits, emergency department visits, radiology and lab services and allowing early refills of prescriptions, among other measures.

The Mills Administration has taken additional steps to bolster the health care workforce, expand telehealth services, and spearhead recent legislation to improve private health insurance for Maine people and small businesses.

Eversource Reminds Customers to Remain Vigilant Against Scams

 

Energy company offers tips for customers to protect themselves as scammers exploit COVID-19 pandemic

 

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (May 13, 2020) — As part of Eversource’s efforts to support its customers and communities during the pandemic, the energy company is reminding people to remain vigilant and protect themselves against scams. The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an increase in scam activity, with sophisticated scammers finding unique and intimidating ways to exploit people and steal their money during these uncertain times.

 

“We’re always working to help our customers protect themselves against scams, which is especially important today as sophisticated scammers are trying to take advantage of the uncertainty and nervousness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “Eversource will never demand instant payment over the phone nor ask for personal information in an unsolicited call, text or email. We urge customers to remain vigilant and always remember, don’t panic and don’t pay. If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a scam, please call us immediately at 800-662-7764.” With the wave of scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eversource is reminding customers about common signs to recognize a scam and specific pandemic-related scams to look out for, including: ·    Threats of immediate power disconnection or demands for payment: Eversource representatives never ask for instant payment, and the energy company is not disconnecting any customers for non-payment during this emergency period. ·    Callers asking for personal or account information or insisting on specific, unusual payment methods: Eversource will never ask for personal information over the phone in this manner and does not accept payments via gift cards, pre-paid debit cards or other common tools used by scammers. ·    Requests for a deposit to exchange a utility meter: Eversource has suspended all non-essential work, including routine meter changes, during the pandemic. Meters also do not suddenly expire, so be wary of calls claiming payment is necessary for a new meter to be installed because the current meter is about to expire. ·    Calls, emails or texts about government stimulus checks: The IRS won’t contact people with information about stimulus payments, or to ask for personal information like a Social Security number or bank account number. ·    Online offers for vaccinations and test kits: There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time and the only FDA-approved home test kit requires a doctor’s order. Eversource urges anyone who believes they are a target of improper solicitation to please alert local law enforcement and contact the company directly at 800-662-7764. For more information on how the energy company is helping customers protect against scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit Eversource.com.

 

###

 

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2020 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies and the #1 utility by Forbes and JUST Capital. Eversource is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving more than 519,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 9,500 homes and businesses in Hampton, North Hampton and Rye. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 8,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant initiative of the U.S. Small Business Administration provides funding to increase the number of businesses that export. Administered by Maine International Trade Center (MITC), the objective of the STEP Financial Assistance Award is to encourage Maine companies to seek new international sales through financial support for costs associated with such activities.

Eligible Maine companies may receive a maximum of five STEP Financial Assistance Awards per year.

Airfare, lodging, meals, and printing are NOT eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Eligible businesses may receive reimbursements totaling up to $20,000 per year for costs associated with activities in the following categories:

International Business Development – up to $6,000 per activity
business matching services or international trade shows, including online B2B matchmaking services and virtual events

Export Skills Development – up to $2,000 per activity
training or export compliance services, including online export skills training

Export Marketing Assistance – up to $6,000 per activity
consultants to improve marketing efforts, including website localization and optimization

Guidelines

For information on eligibility and requirements for reimbursement, please review the STEP 2019-2020 Guidelines before submitting your STEP Financial Assistance Award application.

A specific activity, dates, and estimated total cost are required as part of the application. Applications must be received by September 16, 2020. Funded activities must be completed before September 30, 2020.

If you have further questions about the STEP program, please contact STEP@mitc.com