Gov. Janet Mills Invests $139 Million in Revitalizing Maine’s Economy, Helping Small Businesses Hit Hardest by the Pandemic

Gov. Janet Mills is championing efforts to boost Maine’s economic success and uplift those hit hardest by the pandemic. Gov. Mills recently announced the first investments in her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, which includes $20 million for a new small business grant program, $39 million to help lower monthly health insurance premiums for businesses and employees, and $80 million to replenish and shore up Maine’s unemployment trust fund.

The combination of these bold initiatives will support Maine’s small businesses as they recover from the pandemic and are strategically targeted to aid the businesses affected most.

As part of the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the governor also announced additional steps to strengthen and expand Maine’s health care workforce, which will help increase access to quality care across the state. The investment includes providing tuition support for health care professionals and launching a recruitment effort dedicated to promoting the value of health care work and encouraging people to join the health care workforce.

Maine is especially well-positioned for economic success because of Gov. Mills’ aggressive efforts to get people vaccinated, which has resulted in the state having one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. Maine recently became the 4th state in the nation to achieve the milestone of having more than 70% of all residents vaccinated.

“Gov. Mills is setting a nationwide standard for economic success,” said DGA Senior Communications Advisor Christina Amestoy. “Because of her strategy to get shots in arms and her decisive investments in the state’s economic recovery, Maine is on the path towards an impressive economic rebound. Gov. Mills’ bold initiatives will make health care more affordable, keep small businesses open, and create a strong and sustainable workforce.”