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In accordance with a directive of the President, Governor Janet Mills has ordered that the United States and State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff statewide in honor of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away this morning at the age of 88. Per the President's proclamation, the flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of internment.

Governor Mills previously issued the following statement mourning the death of Pope Francis:

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement upon the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:

"Pope Francis inspired millions of people -- of all faiths -- through his humble leadership and his courageous calls for world leaders to uplift the poor, embrace peace, and take action to care for the planet we all share. In Maine, we will never forget his blessings of peace and strength for the people of Lewiston in the wake of the October 2023 tragedy. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend our deepest condolences to Catholics across the world."

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to an announcement by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that the U.S. Department of Justice will file a lawsuit against the State of Maine over alleged Title IX violations:

In her Radio Address this weekend, Governor Janet Mills said the Federal government should uphold its commitment to Maine seniors and prevent "rushed and reckless cuts" to the Social Security Administration, amid growing reports of plans to reduce staff, curtail services by phone, and close field offices.

Governor Mills also swears in new and returning members of Maine Superior and District Courts

Governor Janet Mills today swore in the Honorable Julia Lipez as an Associate Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Justice Lipez joins the Supreme Judicial Court from the Maine Superior Court, where she has served since her nomination by Governor Mills in 2022. Prior to joining the bench, Justice Lipez spent eleven years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for Maine. A resident of Cape Elizabeth, Justice Lipez is a graduate of Stanford Law School and Amherst College.

Governor Janet Mills today praised the Maine Senate's unanimous confirmation of Michael Duguay to serve as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The Governor swore in Commissioner Duguay this morning, shortly after the Senate's vote.

With winter weather expected to create hazardous travel conditions during the afternoon commute, Governor Janet Mills has directed state offices to close at 2:00 p.m. today, Monday, March 24, 2025.

“Spring may have arrived this weekend, but winter weather isn’t done with us yet,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I urge all Maine people to use caution on the roads this afternoon. Please give extra space to plow trucks and emergency responders working to keep our roads clear and our communities safe.”

Governor Janet Mills today signed into law a $11.3 billion budget that will ensure the continued operations of State government for the next biennium, as well as provide one-time funding to pay health care providers for MaineCare services and protect Maine forests from spruce budworm. The Governor also signed a proclamation calling the Legislature back into session next Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 

Governor Mills issued the following statement:

Awards are last from historic $60 million storm relief package established by Governor Mills with bipartisan support of the Legislature last year

Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration has awarded $2 million in grants to 40 Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations to support their recovery and rebuilding from the devastating storms of last winter.

During his tenure as Chair, Bartlett has led the PUC through significant initiatives to strengthen utility oversight, improve Maine's electric grid, and navigate unprecedented challenges in global energy markets

Governor Janet Mills today announced that she will re-nominate Phil Bartlett as Chair of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Governor Mills first nominated Bartlett, a former Maine Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, as PUC Chair in 2019.

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement after the Maine Senate failed to pass her supplemental budget proposal as an emergency measure: 

Governor Janet Mills has issued the following statement after the Legislature failed to enact her supplemental budget proposal as an emergency measure:

"The failure of the supplemental budget to earn two-thirds support in the Senate is a grave disappointment. Senate Republicans turned away from bipartisan agreement -- unlike their House counterparts -- and are causing harm to Maine health care providers and patients.

Governor Janet Mills today issued the following statement in response to the president's announcement that he will delay tariffs on Canada and Mexico until April:

Duguay, an experienced Maine business leader, is currently Executive Director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville

Governor Janet Mills today announced the nomination of Michael Duguay, an experienced economic development and business innovation leader in Maine, to serve as the next Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD).

Governor warns that maple sugar industry would be negatively impacted by tariffs on Canadian goods

Governor Janet Mills and Maine Maple Producers Association President Alan Greene today tapped the Maple Tree at the Blaine House today, just weeks ahead of the 42nd annual Maine Maple Sunday Weekend.

In case you missed it, in her Radio Address this weekend, Governor Janet Mills warned that Maine people and businesses will pay more for heating oil, gasoline, food, and other everyday essentials if President Trump's plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods goes into effect tomorrow.

Governor also announces nominations to Superior Court and District Court

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has nominated the Honorable Julia Lipez to serve as an Associate Justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Justice Lipez has served on the Maine Superior Court since 2022.

A 26-year veteran of the DMR and the agency's long-time lead lobster biologist, Wilson would replace Commissioner Patrick Keliher following his retirement

Governor Janet Mills announced today that she will nominate Carl Wilson, a highly regarded fisheries scientist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources for the last 26 years, to serve as the department's next commissioner.

Washington, D.C. – Governor Janet Mills released the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Education notifying the Maine Department of Education that it has been directed to initiate an investigation into the State of Maine over alleged Title IX violations:

“I have spent my career – as a District Attorney, as Attorney General, and now as Governor – standing up for the rule of law in Maine and America. To me, that is fundamentally what is at stake here: the rule of law in our country.

Washington D.C. -- Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today regarding the President's threat to withhold Federal education funding from Maine:

"If the President attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of Federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides. The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President's threats."

The longest-serving commissioner in DMR history, Keliher leaves a legacy of powerful advocacy and support for Maine's marine industries and environment

Governor Janet Mills today announced that Patrick Keliher, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), will retire from his position on March 14, 2025

With snow, sleet, and ice forecast to make for hazardous driving conditions across the entire state, Governor Janet Mills has directed all State of Maine offices closed tomorrow, February 13, 2025.

"I urge Maine people to plan ahead for the winter storm forecast for tomorrow," said Governor Janet Mills. "Please check on elderly neighbors who might need help shoveling snow, and if you need to drive, always give room to first responders and plow truck drivers working to keep Maine people safe."

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement today on the Legislature's consideration of the supplemental budget: