WHEREAS, Maine's median age makes it the oldest state in the country; and
WHEREAS, all Mainers should have the choice to remain in and contribute to their communities as they age, with access to the services and supports they need, including health care, home care, long-term care, modernized residential options, nutrition, energy, socialization, broadband connectivity, safety and transportation; and
WHEREAS, older Mainers contribute to the economic health and strength of our State by raising and mentoring children, providing care and support to family members and friends, and engaging in their communities through employment and volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to supporting respectful, inclusive communities, free from ageism and other biases, where people of all ages and backgrounds are celebrated for their accomplishments and contributions; and
WHEREAS, Maine's workforce must be strengthened to meet the growing demand for longterm services and supports, health, and the technology-enabled solutions that are expanding rapidly to help meet these needs; and
WHEREAS, the demographic shift occurring in our State creates a need for greater policy coordination within State government and collaboration with local communities and the private sector; and
WHEREAS, Maine has established interdepartmental plans including the Age-Friendly State Plan, the Elder Justice Roadmap and the Aging and LTSS1 Reform Plan, and implementation of these plans will be accelerated through communication, coordination and the elimination of silos across State government;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to authority granted by Me. Const. Art. V, Pt. First, Secs. 1 and 12, do hereby Order and direct the following.
I. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE
The Cabinet on Aging is established to eliminate silos across State government, enhance communication, and accelerate actions and improved coordination to help every person in Maine age safely, affordably, in ways and settings that best serve their needs, including examining new modes of long-term care.
II. MEMBERSHIP
The Governor shall convene a cabinet that consists of:
- The Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services;
- The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development;
- The Commissioner of Health and Human Services;
- The Commissioner of Labor;
- The Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation;
- The Commissioner of Public Safety;
- The Commissioner of Transportation; and
- The Director of the Maine State Housing Authority.
III. CHAIR
The Governor shall appoint two members serving pursuant to section II to serve as cochairs of the cabinet. The term of the co-chairs is one year and will be extended unless the Governor names new co-chairs.
IV. MEETINGS AND STAFFING
The cabinet shall meet at least 4 times per year. The chair will preside at, set the agenda for, and schedule cabinet meetings. To the extent practicable, all meetings shall be open to the public and held in locations determined by the cabinet or will be held virtually, but the proceedings of the cabinet are not otherwise "public proceedings" within the meaning of 1 M.R.S. § 402(2)(F). The Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future will provide staffing support for the Cabinet and Chair, within available resources.
1 Long-Term Services and Supports.
