In State of the State Address, Gov. Janet Mills Outlines “Sweeping, Once-in-a-Lifetime Investments” that Deliver on Kitchen Table Issues

In her State of the State Address, Gov. Janet Mills addressed the biggest challenges facing the state and outlined a comprehensive agenda to take them on. Gov. Mills announced  what reporting is calling “major policy initiatives to help working families” and “​​sweeping, once-in-a-lifetime investments in education, child care and health care.”

Among the proposals, Gov. Mills announced a bipartisan proposal to send checks of roughly $500 straight to more than 800,000 people. Funding for the direct payments comes from the $822 million budget surplus. The governor also announced plans to improve access to affordable, quality education at all levels — from pre-k to college. Her bold proposals include funding for two free years of community college, universal free school meals, and making anyone who lives and works in Maine eligible for $25,000 in student loan debt relief. Gov. Mills also announced a proposal of $12 million to increase the pay of childcare workers

Read what people are saying about Gov. Mills’ State of the State address: 

• WGME, Gov. Mills proposes sweeping investments in education, health care during annual address: “Governor Janet Mills used the State of State Address Thursday night to announce sweeping, once-in-a-lifetime investments in education, child care and health care, while also promising to provide $500 checks to Maine taxpayers…there were strong words and major policy announcements from Mills.”

• Portland Press Herald, Gov. Mills calls for $500 checks to Maine residents, investments in education and health care: “Gov. Janet Mills proposed sweeping investments in education, child care and health care, and announced a plan to provide $500 checks to 800,000 Maine taxpayers…Mills touted the economic gains and the state’s strong budgetary position.”

• NECN, Maine Gov. Janet Mills to Give $411M From Surplus Back to the People: “Delivering her State of the State address in person at the State House in Augusta for the first time in two years, the Democrat declared “it’s good to be back” as she promised a new approach to keeping people safe during the pandemic”

• News Center Maine, Gov. Mills holds first in-person State of the State in two years: “The big moment on Thursday night … when Gov. Janet Mills proposed giving half of the state’s $822 million surplus back to taxpayers. That would be about $500 per person back in the pocket of Mainers.”

• Portland Press Herald, Gov. Mills unveils $20 million plan for free tuition at Maine community colleges: “The free tuition proposal would be the latest investment in higher education for Mills, who previously allocated about $90 million in federal funding in the American Rescue Plan Act to community colleges, universities and technical education centers”