Governor Janet Mills and the State Legislature passed, with near unanimous support, a package of emergency measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These sweeping measures keep Mainers safe, provide additional resources for this pandemic, and help working families stay afloat.
Some of these measures include:
Establishing a consumer loan guarantee program to provide low- or no- interest loans for eligible people in Maine;
Temporarily expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19;
Allowing Department of Education to continue school lunch programs for all eligible children;
Authorizing Governor Mills to prohibit utilities from terminating residential electric and water service.
Other important health care measures were passed in the budget. They include a bill to end surprise medical bills (sponsored by Speaker Gideon), and other forms of abusive billing practices (sponsored by Senator Claxton).
Whether it’s trying to figure out how to afford prescription medication, get coverage or deal with surprise medical bills, Mainers needed relief. Thanks to Gideon and Claxton’s leadership, patients and their families come first, now and beyond this pandemic.
The COVID-19 outbreak is a scary time for many Mainers, and it is especially frightening for people who can’t make ends meet, or don’t have access to affordable health care.
This package prioritizes the well-being of all Mainers. We are grateful to the State Legislature and Governor Mills for working together to protect Maine’s working families. Read the bill in its entirety here.