Governor Mills Outlines Vision for a Gradual, Safe Reopening of Maine’s Economy

April 23, 2020

Science, public health, and collaboration will drive Maine’s phased-in approach to reopening the economy when the time is right

Governor Janet Mills today outlined her vision for a gradual and safe reopening of Maine’s economy amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, emphasizing four principles that will guide the State’s decision-making process and inviting Maine people to offer their ideas through a new portal launched by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

“While we all dream of going back to the way things were, we have to face the hard truth that the coronavirus continues to be a threat and that life will not return to normal soon. Instead, we have to invent a new normal – a different way of doing business, shopping, traveling, and recreating that keeps all of us safe,” said Governor Mills. “In the coming weeks, my Administration will continue to assess the impact of the coronavirus in Maine and engage with various sectors of the Maine economy to determine how they can safely reopen at the right time in the right way. This will be a gradual process to protect the health of Maine people while restarting our economy.”

Maine’s reopening will be driven first and foremost by public health considerations and guided by the following principles:

1. Protecting Public Health: The State will continue to continue to rely on epidemiological data, such as case trends, hospitalization rates, recoveries and deaths, to inform decisions with the private sector regarding the appropriateness of lifting restrictions.
2. Maintaining Health Care Readiness: Maine must maintain its capacity to respond to any surge of the virus. To that end, the State will continue to work closely with our hospitals and health systems to assess system capacity, including available hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators, and will continue to procure and distribute personal protective equipment as needed to hospitals, nursing facilities, emergency services, and other frontline responders.
3. Building Reliable and Accessible Testing: Testing capacity for all symptomatic people and sentinel disease surveillance are key elements of reopening various sectors of the economy. While the widespread availability of rapid testing remains a challenge, the State is actively seeking to expand testing to make it more accessible to Maine people.
4. Prioritizing Public-Private Collaboration: Collaboration and leadership among businesses, employees, government entities, and the public is vital to develop, implement, oversee, and adapt guidelines and safe practices. Government alone cannot fix things, government doesn't have all the answers; we need the best thinking of Maine people from every industry and every corner of the state to reimagine and reinvent how we do things in this state in a way that protects both lives and livelihoods.

More specifically, the Administration’s approach will utilize criteria and measures currently under development by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention leading to a phased reopening of the economy. In its planning, the Maine CDC will also develop measures to detect a resurgence in the virus that may necessitate the reimplementation of restrictions.

“Science continues to guide Maine’s strategy on COVID-19,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Ensuring the health and safety of Maine people, which includes taking steps to reduce the risk of a second surge of the virus, remains our priority.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will solicit from representatives of industries and various sectors of Maine’s economy their ideas on how they can develop practical, reasonable, evidence-informed protocols that will allow them to safely resume operations or activities once the public health benchmarks are met.

“Since the Stay Healthy at Home Order was issued, the Department has worked in close partnership and collaboration with the public and private sector to provide the most transparent process possible,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “These have been challenging times for Maine’s economy and as we work to reopen the state it will take thoughtful collaboration to ensure that we effectively prioritize public health while reopening businesses sectors.”

DECD will work in close partnership with different economic sectors to analyze business practices, consider modifications to prioritize safety and security, and consult with public health experts to confirm that such modifications will be effective to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. These accommodations may be as simple as closing break rooms, providing flexible working hours, and installing plexiglass shields, or as complex as adjusting a business’ sales process to ensure employee and customer safety.

To that end, Governor Mills launched today a portal through the Department of Economic and Community Development to serve as an avenue for business owners, employees, and Maine residents to offer their ideas. The portal can be accessed at www.maine.gov/decd.

“We invite all Maine people to take part in the discussion,” said Governor Mills. “Give us your specific ideas on how we can do things differently, how we can restart the economy and keep all our people safe and healthy. We want to hear from you.”

The Governor cautioned, however, that decisions to reopen sectors of Maine’s economy will be driven by public health considerations and cautioned that moving too aggressively risks a surge of the virus.

“We all want life to return to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. Our hearts break to see closed storefronts and people struggling to make ends meet because of this crisis,” Governor Mills continued. “At the same time, we all know that reopening too soon and too aggressively is likely to cause a surge in COVID 19 cases, jeopardizing the lives of Maine people, overwhelming our healthcare system and further destabilizing the economy. None of us wants that.”

Governor Mills continues to work with Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire and Governor Phil Scott of Vermont, as well as other governors, on regional coordination in lifting restrictions so as to minimize interstate travel which could jeopardize public health.

The criteria under development by the Maine CDC will be issued in the next several days and the protocols developed by DECD in close collaboration with industry partners will also be made public when finalized.

The Governor’s Stay Healthy At Home Order remains in effect through April 30th.

Governor Chris Sununu Issues Executive Order 2020-07

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-07, which includes technical amendments to Executive Order 2020-06 to allow for the appointment of additional members to the Governor's Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery Stakeholder Advisory Board.

Following release of the amended Executive Order, Governor Sununu has appointed the following individuals to serve on the GOFERR Stakeholder Advisory Board:

• Amy LaBelle, Owner, LaBelle Winery
• Hollie Noveletsky, CEO, Novel Iron Works

Executive Order 2020-07  

NOTE: Additional details on the GOFERR Stakeholder Advisory Board  

Governor Chris Sununu Letter to New Hampshire Business and Industry Association President Jim Roche

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu sent a letter to New Hampshire Business and Industry Association President Jim Roche regarding tax triggers and reinvigorating New Hampshire's economy.

• Governor's letter to Jim Roche  
• Jim Roche's original letter  

Nearly $11 million in federal funds to support essential workers and child care providers in response to COVID-19

April 22, 2020

Governor Janet Mills and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced today that nearly $11 million in federal funds will support access to child care for Maine’s essential workers, including health care professionals and first responders, and offer relief for child care providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Maine has received $10,953,470 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families’ Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The CCDBG program helps eligible low-income and working families to afford child care and supports providers in delivering high-quality care. Under the CARES Act, workers deemed essential who are working outside the home (PDF) are now temporarily eligible to receive child care assistance regardless of their income, including health care workers, first responders, emergency medical services personnel, state employees, grocery store staff, environmental services professionals, and others.

Child care providers affected by the pandemic will also receive immediate assistance. Nearly 2,000 providers will receive a one-time stipend, based on their capacity and extent of their current operations. Child care providers will additionally receive support to aid them in resuming operations following the conclusion of the civil state of emergency.

“While people throughout Maine are staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we all rely on the essential employees, from doctors and nurses to grocery store workers, state employees and others, who are reporting to work each day,” said Governor Mills. “This funding will help our essential workers care for their children and support our child care providers.”

“We recognize the challenges that Maine families and child care providers face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “This funding will help Maine people working on the front lines of this emergency and provide immediate relief for the state’s child care providers.”

“Access to child care is a vital resource for working families and that is especially true at this time for essential personnel who we depend upon for critical services,” said Todd Landry, Director of the DHHS Office of Child and Family Services. “Today’s actions will support our families and providers during the current emergency and as we look forward to recovery.”

Financial assistance will support households where all parents/guardians are essential employees who are reporting to work outside the home and will be paid on their behalf directly to their child care provider.

The new federal funding builds on the strategies Maine DHHS has already implemented to support Maine families and child care providers in response to the pandemic, including:

• Working with child care partners to match working parents (PDF), including those serving in essential response roles, with providers who remain open at this time
• For parents participating in CCSP, DHHS is paying the parent portion of child care costs directly to providers
• Continuing to pay child care subsidy on behalf of children when providers are closed due to COVID-19
• Extending all current CCSP awards for three months to allow families additional time to submit documentation
• Implementing emergency, temporary child care licenses to meet the needs of essential employees
• Regularly distributing guidance to child care providers about appropriate health and safety precautions

Those interested in learning more may visit the Child Care Subsidy section of the Office of Child and Family Services’ COVID-19 response page at: www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/COVID-19-response.shtm.

Call-in:and Pin: numbers have been updated

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu announced the formation of the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force, which will develop a plan and oversee the state and private-sector actions needed to reopen New Hampshire's economy while minimizing the adverse impact on public health.

"Here in New Hampshire, we have been formulating a plan to look at how we can reopen our state in a smart, phased approach that is rooted in science and data for quite some time," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Today's announcement does not mean we are flipping a switch and opening things tomorrow, but is rather a proactive approach enabling us to plan for the re-opening of our economy from a public health standpoint. The formation of the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force will work collaboratively with public health experts and stakeholders across all industries to examine how we can start to re-open of our economy in phases, guided by public health, which will always come first."

The task force is scheduled to hold its first meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22 at 4 PM.

• The Task Force's road map  

The Task Force is comprised of a group of bipartisan legislators, private-sector leaders, and state officials, including:

• Taylor Caswell, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs
• DJ Bettencourt, Policy Director, Governor's Office
• Kevin Cavanaugh, New Hampshire State Senator
• Shannon Chandley, New Hampshire State Senator
• Sharon Carson, New Hampshire State Senator
• Bob Giuda, New Hampshire State Senator
• Ed Butler, New Hampshire State Representative
• Mel Meyler, New Hampshire State Representative
• Bill Marsh, New Hampshire State Representative
• Tim Lang, New Hampshire State Representative
• John Nyhan, Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce
• Mike Somers, CEO/President, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurants
• Steve Ahnan, President, New Hampshire Hospital Association
• Timothy Mone, President, New Hampshire Police Association
• Nancy Kyle, President/CEO, NH Retailers Association
• Chris Emond, CEO, Central New Hampshire Boys & Girls Club
• Lori Harnois, Director, State of New Hampshire Travel & Tourism
• Phil Bryce, State of New Hampshire Parks & Recreation Director
• Bruce Berke, New Hampshire Travel Council and New Hampshire Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business

Wednesday, April 22, 2020
First Meeting of the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force
4:00 PM
Call-in: 1-800-356-8278
Pin: 125563

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:2, this meeting is open to the public.

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays Double-A affiliate) have introduced a new donation program to support COVID-19 relief efforts. 

 

"We've been so inspired with how our community has rallied together during these challenging times," said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. "We're doing everything we can to help, and we're proud to offer an incentive for fans to donate to the GraniteUnited Way COVID-19 Relief Fund."

 

Granite United Way is committed to ensuring that our community's most vulnerable families have the support they need to weather the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Granite United Way's COVID-19 Relief Fund rapidly deploys resources to community-based organizations that are offering emergency relief to families and individuals in need.

 

"During these unsettling times, one of the greatest things we've seen is our community pulling together," said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. "We have built a strong partnership with the Fisher Cats and know that their efforts will benefit those who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both with immediate needs and in the long term."

 

The Fisher Cats will make $12 and $6 donations to the Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund through two new donation packages:

 

For $24, fans will receive four undated Fisher Cats ticket vouchers and a $12 donation will be made to the relief fund.

 

For $12, fans will receive two undated Fisher Cats ticket vouchers and a $6 donation will be made to the relief fund.

 

The donation packages are now available for purchase at NHFisherCats.com.

You Give Us a Call. We’ll Give You Our Brains.

To say the business climate for small business right now is challenging, is like saying the iceberg in the way of the Titanic might be a problem.  But like most things in life, to survive you need to adapt, and quickly. That’s where we come in. We’re not saying we have all the answers. But we can offer you is our experience and creative brains to help your business survive COVID-19.

That’s why TRUE Marketing is offering a free consultation for any small business that wants it. We realize this maynot fix all your challenges, but at least you won’t have to go it alone.

If you are interested, simply call or email us.
(603) 742-0488
info@truemarcom.com

What Can you Expect?

If you want to engage with us, what we offer is pretty straight forward.

1. Contact us and we’ll schedule a conference call or Zoom meeting with you/your team.
2. We may send you a questionnaire before the call to help us get a sense of your business and brand.
3. We will do any research needed before the call.
4. During the call we will discuss your specific challenges when it comes to marketing your business
5. We will have an interactive discussion, do a lot of listening, and offer insight and ideas
6. We’ll follow up with meeting notes that will have action items we discussed. Some of these may need professional help to execute. Others may be things you can do yourself to save you the cost of hiring a contractor. The important part is that you are under no obligation. We’ll discuss ideas and make suggestions, but that information is yours to do with whatever you want.

The bottom line is this: we just want to do whatever we can to help the businesses in the community we call home. And short of developing a vaccine or bathing the entire Seacoast area in Clorox, this is the best idea we had.

If you are interested, simply call or email us.
(603) 742-0488
info@truemarcom.com

Governor Mills on Guidelines for Reopening the Economy

April 17, 2020

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to the President’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again:

“We all want life to return to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. Our hearts break to see closed storefronts and people struggling to make ends meet because of this crisis. At the same time, we all know that reopening too soon and too aggressively will likely cause a secondary surge in COVID 19 cases, jeopardizing the lives of Maine people and further destabilizing the economy. None of us want that. I have been speaking with a number of economic leaders, including the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Their message is clear: the most important thing we can do to turn the economy around is to defeat the virus.

“As the President acknowledges, the Governors are in charge of reopening their states’ economies and gradually lifting public health restrictions. Here in Maine, we too are planning a phased-in reopening, tailored to the demographics and various economic sectors of our state. Ultimately, the protocols we adopt, made after consulting with people from all parts of the state, will be guided by fact, science and public health expertise.  As the President’s guidelines note, widespread testing, personal protective equipment, and contact tracing are critical to lifting restrictions and reviving the economy; for that reason, the nation’s governors yesterday again urged the Federal government to ensure that all states have these resources.

“I remain in contact with Governor Sununu of New Hampshire and Governor Scott of Vermont regarding actions that may be appropriate for the northern New England region. My Administration, through the Department of Economic and Community Development, has been connecting with individual economic sectors across the state to devise a plan for how we gradually reopen the Maine economy. Those decisions, of course, are driven first and foremost by the need to protect the public health. We will release details of the plan in the near future.”

Emergency Order #31

Emergency Order #32

Emergency Order #33

04/21/2020 message from U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: 

We appreciate your interest in the Save Small Business Fund. Due to overwhelming interest in this grant program, we have reached our capacity and we are not accepting new applicants at this time. We know these are difficult times, and we wish we could help everyone who needs it. Below you can find additional resources to help guide your business through this challenging time.