WHEREAS, the United Nations, the World Federation of the Deaf, the National Association of the Deaf and 129 National Associations of the Deaf throughout the world simultaneously participate in the Deaf World Week Celebration; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine and its citizens observe the last full week of September as Deaf Culture Week in accordance with Sec. 1.1 MRSA §132; and

WHEREAS, Maine is committed to a clean energy future and enjoys abundant forms of renewable energy that power homes and businesses across the State; and

WHEREAS, Maine has a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires 80 percent renewable energy by 2030 and has a goal of 100 percent by 2050; and

WHEREAS, Maine leads New England in wind-powered generation; and

WHEREAS, thousands of adults in Maine are in need of assistance in order to qualify for better-paying or more fulfilling jobs, to achieve a post-secondary education, or to improve their English language skills; and

WHEREAS, success in these endeavors leads to these adults becoming more effective family members, citizens, and workers; and

WHEREAS, forecast confidence continues to increase that Hurricane Lee will make landfall on or near Maine’s coast; and

WHEREAS, there is a threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life and property resulting from this storm; and

WHEREAS, sustained high winds, pounding surf, and heavy rains could result in dangerous conditions, coastal storm warnings, flooding and other potential hazards which pose an imminent threat to public safety as well as damage to public and private property; and 

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

At the time of this recording, the National Weather Service is reporting that Maine will very likely experience impacts from a hurricane that is currently off the East Coast, and that we’ll feel those impacts Friday night into Saturday.

My Administration, led by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA, has closely monitored the path of Hurricane Lee. State public safety and transportation officials, Federal and local emergency management officials, and Maine’s utilities have been working together to prepare for this storm.

To make sure that we can respond to this storm with all state resources as quickly as possible, I have proclaimed a State of Emergency. I have also requested that President Biden issue a State of Emergency declaration to give our state access to federal resources and personnel. At the time of this recording, that request is pending, but I have spoken directly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, Deanne Criswell, and I have been assured that the Biden Administration is ready to deploy federal resources to help us weather this storm as quickly as possible.

So, we are doing all we can to prepare for this storm, but there are things that your family can do too to prepare for this storm or future storms as we enter into the hurricane season.

Before any significant storm:

• Check that your emergency kit includes supplies you need for several days without power, including food and water. Check that you have an adequate supply of any medications, pet food, or other necessities that your family needs.
• Get the latest emergency alerts on your smartphone by downloading the free FEMA app – that’s F-E-M-A app – or National Weather Service app.
• Speaking of your cell phone, charge your cell phone or other electronic devices. Have battery powered flashlights and alternative power sources to meet your needs if the power goes out – things like a portable charger or power bank.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• And make sure that any generators you own are properly installed, fueled, and in good working order. Remember, never use a generator indoors.

If you need help on these steps, you can visit the Maine Emergency Agency’s website at Maine.gov/mema. That’s Maine.gov/mema. Look for the section at the top of the website called “Maine Prepares.”

Now let’s talk about what to do during a storm itself.

For instance, Hurricane Lee is predicted to slowly weaken as it makes landfall, but we may still see significant flooding and strong winds.

If you lose power during the storm, keep your freezer and refrigerator closed. A closed refrigerator will keep food cold for four hours without electricity. A full freezer without power will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.

And remember, driving through puddles and flooded roads is very dangerous – be aware, and don’t drive into waters that you don’t know how deep they are.

And please, if you’re outdoors, watch out for downed power lines. Do not go near them.

Trees are going to fall, and the utilities, I’m sure, will be out there as soon as possible, restoring power where there are serious outages.

And after power is restored, you might be wondering what to do with storm damaged trees. Look online at Maine Forest Service, where they will offer helpful tips and guidance for those faced with questions about downed trees, limbs, and branches.

My Administration will keep track of the path of Hurricane Lee and coordinate with federal and local partners to prepare for its arrival and to respond to its impact here in Maine, just as we will during future storms this hurricane season.

As always, please be careful and take common-sense steps to ensure you have all you need to stay safe during and after this storm.

And reassure the children that storms do pass, and they will be safe. We will do all we can to keep you and your family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones safe.

This is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.

WHEREAS, first responders include firefighters, police officers, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical services personnel, 911 dispatchers, search and rescue teams, and members of other organizations in the public safety sector; and

WHEREAS, for 50 years, Maine Media Workshops + College has consistently demonstrated its dedication to education by offering a diverse range of public programs, workshops, technical courses, and degree programs that empower individuals to further their artistic ambitions and develop their skills in various media disciplines; and

WHEREAS, in the State of Maine, many children reside in formal and informal kinship care; and

WHEREAS, the children of Maine are key to the state's future success, prosperity, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine believes the health and safety of all children are of utmost importance; and

WHEREAS, kinship caregivers can provide the safety and stability that children need to reach their full and most positive potential; and

WHEREAS, up to 35 percent of all food produced in Maine is thrown away rather than eaten; and

WHEREAS, safe and nutritious food that is currently thrown away could instead help feed the 1 in 7 Maine children and 1 in 10 Maine adults who go hungry; and

WHEREAS, Maine can help our farmers and build our food system by recycling inedible food waste and returning the nutrients and energy to the soil as compost instead of trash; and

Each year, it’s my honor to recognize and pay tribute to Maine companies that are leading the way and investing in their employees, their communities, and our state through the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence.

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

The Governor’s Award for Business Excellence was first dedicated to Maine businesses by former Governor Jock McKernan more than thirty years ago. For decades, governors from both parties have kept this important tradition alive, paying tribute to the Maine companies that both excel in the business world and invest directly in their employees, their communities, and our state.

For this year’s Governor’s Award, I will be celebrating those businesses that strive for excellence even during global challenges.

I will be recognizing businesses in the following categories:

The Innovation Award, which celebrates and recognizes business excellence through entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Rural Revitalization Award, which recognizes contributions to the revitalization and growth of Maine’s rural regions.

The Heritage Industry Award, which recognizes business excellence in the agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, or marine sectors.

And fourthly, the Climate Leader Award. That one recognizes business leadership, innovation, or excellence in mitigating climate risks or developing new technologies to combat climate change.

You can submit an application for the Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence now through Friday, October 13 on our new online portal on the Department of Economic and Community Development’s website at Maine.gov/decd. That’s Maine.gov/decd.

In 2022, I celebrated Atlantic Sea Farms and MedRhythms, Central Maine Motors and Dirigo Solar as models for economic success at a ceremony at the Blaine House in Augusta.

This year, I am proud to continue the decades-long tradition of recognizing those exceptional Maine businesses, entrepreneurs, and employees who are working to make our state the best place to work, live, and raise a family.

If you are a business owner or you work for a business, I encourage you to apply for the 2023 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence by Friday, October 13th. Again, submit your application online at Maine.gov/decd.

You deserve credit for the work that you are doing to strengthen our economy and strengthen our state.

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.