Greetings!
Since my last communication about the COVID-19 situation in Maine, much has changed. I’m sure you, like me, have been watching the news with growing concern. In response, across the state, we have been adapting to protect public health, from temporarily closing schools and businesses to moving to remote work, practicing social distancing, and more. These steps leave us worried about our families and our finances. I want you to know that the actions you are taking to prioritize the health of our community are much appreciated, and that your government is taking action to support you through this challenging time.
The Presiding Officers of the Legislature made the decision this week to end our session early to keep staff, constituents, and our community safe and adhere to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. This decision was a difficult one, but the right one.
Before we adjourned, we passed a supplemental budget, a bond package, and a bill that included a number of policies that will help us respond to COVID-19. I have detailed that legislation below and have included details from the budget. I promise to provide a more in-depth look at the budget and the other work we accomplished this session in the near future.
It is our intention that we will return to Augusta when it is safe to do so and continue the work we were not able to finish.
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In this email I have included a number of updates and resources to help you navigate the evolving COVID-19 situation. Please share this email with others if you think they would find it useful. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know--and tell me what more I can do to be of help.
Take good care,
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Sarah Pebworth
Serving District 133:
Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Sedgwick, and Surry
207-
479-4741
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COVID-19 response legislation
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● Temporarily expand unemployment insurance benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19. Learn about eligibility and how to apply
at this link
.
● Establish a consumer loan guarantee program to help eligible Mainers access low- or no-interest loans. More information is available on
the FAME website
.
● Authorize the Governor to prohibit utilities from terminating residential electric and water service.
● Allow remote participation in municipal meetings. Town officials can get more information
here
.
● Empower the state Department of Education to waive certain school-day requirements and continue getting meals to kids who need them.
● Address the potential need to make changes to the way the June 2020 elections are carried out.
We also passed emergency legislation that grants Governor Mills access to at least $11 million in state funding to respond to COVID-19.
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Update on the Governor's actions
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This week, Gov. Mills:
● Obtained greater access to loans for small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses can now access and apply for Economic Impact Disaster Loans
at this link
● Signed a proclamation of civil emergency. The proclamation brings the State of Maine to highest alert and allows Gov. Mills to deploy all available state resources to protect the health and safety of Maine people and to take every action she reasonably deems necessary to help respond to and protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Maine. It also eases Maine’s access to critical federal aid to boost response efforts.
● Prohibited gatherings of 10 or more people.
● Closed dine-in options at restaurants and bars statewide, while encouraging Mainers to consider supporting these small businesses in other ways.
A full list of Gov. Mills’ actions and orders so far can be found
at this link
.
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Before adjourning, we passed a
$73 million supplemental budget
that prioritizes initiatives related to COVID-19, including a $1 million funding infusion for the Maine CDC, which will be used to supplement federal funds to expand capacity at the State laboratory and to hire and retain critical health care personnel including epidemiologists and public health nurses to respond to the pandemic.
The budget also includes $15 million for rate increases to support direct health care providers who are caring for Maine seniors, people with disabilities, and children with behavioral health needs; $38 million for pre-K-12 education, raising the State’s contribution from 50.78 to 51.78 percent, another step closer to the 55 percent in state law; and $10 million towards repairing the State’s transportation infrastructure.
I am proud to share that we also put $17.4 million in the “Rainy Day Fund,” so it will be available for future COVID-19-related expenses, shifts in the economy, or any other crises our state may face. That increases the fund to roughly $257 million.
Finally, we also passed a bond in the amount of $105M for transportation needs and $15M for broadband that will be sent to voters in June.
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Take care of yourself or others
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The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are still:
● Social Distancing: I urge you to follow the current guideline of avoiding group gatherings of more than 10 people, limiting physical contact such as handshakes (staying 6 feet away is recommended), and if you’re an employer and haven’t already, consider instituting work from home or paid time off options to the fullest extent possible.
● Avoid Travel: Postpone any unnecessary out-of-state travel.
● Keep Healthy: Practice the same good hygiene you would to prevent catching a cold--wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well.
● Call Your Doctor: If you are exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, call your medical provider.
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COVID-19 informational resources
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We are also offering a variety of trusted resources to make sure you are aware of any changes in the coronavirus status or in the state’s response, including:
●
211 Maine:
Get answers at any time by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.
●
Maine CDC Coronavirus Website:
Sign up for email updates, learn more about the coronavirus, and get the latest status in Maine
here.
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State House staff as well as Legislators are working remotely but are still entirely available to you. I can be reached at
sarah.pebworth@legislature.maine.gov
or 207-479-4741. You can contact my legislative aide by calling 207-287-1430.
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