Janet Mills in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Tax credit for new business will diversify economy
To foster innovation, my Administration will also support increased funding for the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit.
By helping new businesses take root and grow, we will create jobs and diversify our economy.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
On Education:
Restore budget cuts to higher education
This year, I ask this Legislature to fully fund the second year of the higher education budget which was cut last spring. These institutions of higher learning cannot withstand rising costs without the prospects of higher tuition. And higher tuition is
the last thing our students need.Our CTEs [Career and Technical Education] are more important than ever; yet they have not received significant funds for equipment since 1998. I ask this body to fund equipment upgrades for our CTEs so that teachers
are able to provide our 8,000 CTE students with the skills that we desperately need them to have.
We need to simplify debt relief programs like the Educational Opportunity Tax Credit to help more graduates retire their debt.
And we must boost the Educators for Maine Loan Forgiveness Program to incentivize young teachers to work in the underserved areas which desperately need them.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Bring back wind platforms to Maine
This spring I will visit Scotland to see the offshore wind platforms they are using to supply that country with clean renewable energy. I am determined that the business we once lost to them,
we will bring back to Maine. We have great potential. And in the coming weeks, my administration will be taking steps forward to unleash it. Stay tuned.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
On Jobs:
Scholarships & boosted retirement benefits for firefighters
I will create a scholarship fund for young people to train in fire suppression, with the first contribution coming from my contingent account as Governor. Maine needs more firefighters, particularly in rural Maine, and to that same end, I am proud
to support legislation to fund the Maine Length of Service Program to boost retirement benefits to firefighters and EMS workers to compensate them for their service. We can do this. Because we are not Washington, we are Maine.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
On Principles & Values:
We are not Washington; we are Maine
Tariffs and trade wars, threats of terrorism and partisan fighting paralyze the nation's capital. But here in Maine, we are doing what Mainers have done for more than two centuries:
putting our shoulder to the wheel and working across the aisle to get things done for Maine people. Because we are not Washington. We are Maine.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
On Technology:
Proposes $15 million to expand broadband
High-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Increasing access to high speed internet will allow our businesses to expand and allow all people to connect with schools, health care providers and markets around the country and around
the world. This session, I propose that the Legislature fund $15 million to expand broadband for Maine people and businesses. We can no longer afford to wait.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
Build nearly 1000 more affordable homes over 8 years
Assistant Majority Leader Ryan Fecteau has proposed a Maine Affordable Housing Tax Credit program, similar to the Maine Historic Tax Credit program which helped boost the economy in recent years.
This proposal would create nearly 1,000 additional affordable homes over eight years, increasing Maine's current rate of production by 50 percent. Send that bill to my desk. I will sign it.
Source: 2020 Maine State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021