WHEREAS, workplaces across our state that are welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are critical to healthy communities and a strong economy; and

WHEREAS, people with disabilities nationally and in Maine have achieved record-breaking labor force participation since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people make the most of technological advances, remote access, and job opportunities during a time of low unemployment rates; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine Office of Information Technology plays a vital role in identifying, protecting, and responding to evolving cyber threats that can significantly impact the State's information systems and our collective safety, security, and privacy; and

WHEREAS, technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives and provides crucial support for critical infrastructure sectors, such that the rise in malicious cyber-attacks, ransomware and other cybercrimes have a serious impact on our state and national security; and

When you walk into the voting booth this November 7th, there will be a whopping eight referendum questions for your consideration – and a few of them have enormously high stakes for Maine and for our future.

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

Now I don’t feel the need to weigh in on every question, but there is at least one that I am pretty concerned about – Question 3, An Act to Create the so-called Pine Tree Power Company.

In its simplest terms, Question 3 would force CMP and Versant to sell their assets to a new public power authority, called Pine Tree Power, through eminent domain.

Proponents of Question 3 use slick slogans like “Maine, not Spain” and poll-tested talking points about returning power to the people.

Sounds good, right? Well, journalist H.L. Mencken once said, “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.”

And that’s how I feel about Question 3.

Here are my three main concerns:

First, the cost. Question 3 will cost Maine people as much as $13.5 billion in borrowed money. That’s more than the entire biennial budget for the State of Maine. And can you imagine the interest payments on $13.5 billion? The cost alone leaves me very concerned that we are proposing to mortgage the future of our children who are going to have to foot this bill years down the road.

And would it lead to lower electricity costs? Well, the Office of the Public Advocate has said there is no guarantee that the price of electricity would come down in the long run under Question 3. And independent analyses indicate that the cost of electricity would likely increase in the short-term and another increase in rates is not what we need.

Second, the structure. Question 3 creates a governing board of elected individuals – in other words, politicians, with no particular credentials. Electing people only injects a level of politics and partisanship into the delivery of our electricity. That’s the last thing we need, and, hey, I’m talking as a politician.

And what would this governing board of politicians be in charge of? Well, they would be required to contract with an operator to run the transmission and utility’s assets. An operator that has “familiarity with the systems to be administered.” So, somebody who looks a lot like CMP and Versant.

So, what we are really talking about here is adding a layer of bureaucracy and politics and partisanship over the existing structure of CMP and Versant and I just don’t see how this improves anything.

Third, the setbacks. Because Question 3 is a hostile take-over of our utilities with eminent domain, we are guaranteed to go to court and to be tied up in litigation for years, if not decades. That leaves our utilities in a dangerous state of limbo when we can least afford it. It also threatens to set back the progress we are making in modernizing the electric grid to achieve clean energy goals and address climate change.

Look, I strongly believe that Maine consumers deserve high quality, reliable, and competent service. That’s why two years ago, over the strenuous objections of the utilities, I introduced and signed into law legislation that sets minimum standards for service, increases penalties, and strengthens oversight of our utilities.

That’s what we should be doing – holding them accountable and improving their service, not launching a hostile take-over that will cost billions of dollars to Maine ratepayers, and inject partisanship into the delivery of our power, and delay the progress we’ve been making.

Like H.L. Mencken said, “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” Question 3 presents a rosy solution, but, in reality, I just don’t see how it will improve our utilities or the services they provide. In fact, I fear it might just make things worse.

The stakes are high. And if you have doubts as I do, let’s not gamble with Maine’s future – please vote no on Question 3.

This is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.

WHEREAS, the Justice Assistance Act of 1984 created the Justice Assistance Grant program and encouraged each state to establish a broad-based policy board to serve as a forum for communication and coordination in the development of a statewide justice assistance strategy; and

WHEREAS, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (collectively, “the federal Acts”), similarly require statewide planning and coordination; and

WHEREAS, on September 14, 2023, I proclaimed an Emergency under 37-B M.R.S. §§ 703(2) & 742(l)(A), 37-B M.R.S. Ch. 13, sub-ch. II., and 22 M.R.S. §§ 801(4-A) & 802(2-A) because of the threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life and property resulting from the storm known as Hurricane Lee; and

WHEREAS, the Proclamation of Emergency facilitated preparation efforts led by the Maine Emergency Management Agency; and

WHEREAS, the storm conditions have exited the State of Maine;

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.