Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Well, there are a lot of things on people's minds these days. One of those things, obviously, is the cost of health care and the cost of health insurance -- but I want to talk about oral health care in particular today.

Despite how very important dental care is, some people in our state still cannot afford to go to the dentist -- and that includes some of our veterans, unfortunately. I've heard many stories in recent years. I've heard about a veteran who was twice-decorated with a Purple Heart, who needed teeth extracted and needed dentures, but couldn't afford them. I heard about a veteran with an amputated limb who had worn down his teeth by using them to assist with daily activities. And I heard about a veteran who had a broken and abscessed tooth -- very dangerous to your health -- who was in extreme pain and who needed help.

Well, as someone who grew up in a military family, I want to make sure that those who served us in uniform have access to health care. So that's why in 2021, my administration launched the Maine Veterans Dental Network in partnership with Northeast Delta Dental and with clinics around the state to provide dental services to Maine veterans who could not afford them.

Since that time, Northeast Delta Dental has extended the program with $1,285,000 in grants total. With that funding, and thanks to all those organizations and the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, I'm pleased to say that our Veterans Dental Network has helped more than 1,500 veterans see a dentist or dental hygienist, including those three veterans I described earlier.

This year, thanks to an additional generous grant of $350,000 dollars from Northeast Delta Dental, the Maine Veterans Dental Network will keep providing services for veterans in need. This new funding is available on a first come, first serve basis for any Maine resident who is a veteran and who lacks dental insurance and can't afford to pay for dental care out of pocket. With this year's additional funding, eligible veterans may now receive grants of up to $3,000 towards dental care, and that's up from $1,000 last year.

The Veterans Dental Network has 23 locations from Portland to Princeton and Eastport, and Aroostook and Penobscot Counties, places where veterans can get care. You may apply online by visiting maine.gov/governor/mills/veteransdental.

If you or a veteran you know doesn't have access to the internet, please call (207) 287-6836. That's 287-6836 during normal business hours. If you're a veteran, please visit our website or call that number to see if you're eligible for services through the Veterans Dental Network.

I want to thank Northeast Delta Dental and the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, and the many participating clinics across the state who keep making our nationally-recognized program possible.

And I thank again, all Maine veterans for their service on behalf of our State and on behalf of our nation. This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting the state; and

WHEREAS, Community Risk Reduction is a proactive and comprehensive approach to identify, assess and mitigate risks such as fires, falls, car accidents and more; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s 207 area code has become a well-recognized aspect of our state's collective identity and is a source of pride; and

WHEREAS, in celebration of Maine’s unique status as one of only 11 states with a single area code, Portland Downtown launched 2-0-7 Day in 2022 to promote Portland’s small business community and provide a new exciting event for residents during a traditionally slower time in Maine’s economy; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture, food production, and sustaining rural economies worldwide; and

WHEREAS, this designation provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the essential contributions of women in agriculture, raise awareness about the challenges they face – including access to land, credit, training, and technology – and encourage policies and investments that empower women farmers; and

WHEREAS, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp; and

WHEREAS, this is a day of remembrance for the six million Jews who were murdered by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945; and

WHEREAS, on this anniversary, the State of Maine recommits itself to combatting the global rise in anti-Semitism; and

WHEREAS, for over 250 years, the Portland Fire Department has protected the City and its residents by fighting fires, responding to accidents, assisting with medical emergencies, and much more; and

WHEREAS, Portland firefighters display immense courage and bravery daily as they run toward danger to protect residents and help them in their times of need; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine continues to experience a prolonged period of below-average cold temperatures, which has significantly increased heating demand for residences and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the increased heating demand has resulted in delivery backlogs by heating fuel delivery crews statewide; and

WHEREAS, rail deliveries of propane into Maine have been delayed due to shorter work weeks over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays; and