Democratic delegation from York County joins bipartisan effort to support Mainers during coronavirus pandemic

Posted: March 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

AUGUSTA — The Legislative delegation from part of York County voted in favor of a number of bills Tuesday that will help support Maine people and businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19. These bills received broad bipartisan support in both the Senate and House. 

Sens. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, and Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, released the following statement: 

“While no one could have anticipated the coronavirus, during this harrowing time the Legislature came together. We came together because we know how hard it is for so many families, seniors and those without health insurance to weather this pandemic. The bills the legislature passed on Tuesday will help Mainers during the time they need our help the most. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns at senate.democrats@legislature.maine.gov.” 

Reps. Chris Babbidge, D-Kennebunk, Donna Bailey, D-Saco, Diane Denk, D-Kennebunk, Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, Victoria Foley, D-Biddeford, Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, Maggie O’Neil, D-Saco, released the following statement: 

“We are in the midst of a public health crisis, and yesterday we took critical actions to address many of the hardships our friends and families will face as our local businesses adjust their services and as members of our community stay home to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measures we passed today will support Mainers, and we promise to keep pushing for any actions that will help us get through this pandemic.” 

Measures passed Tuesday include provisions to: 

·       Establish a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME, in partnership with financial institutions, to provide low- or no- interest loans for eligible people in Maine;

·       Authorize Gov. Mills to determine and direct the manner of the June 2020 elections; 

·       Temporarily expand eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19;

·       Increase the Department of Education’s ability to waive certain school-day requirements and to continue school lunch programs for all eligible children;

·       Authorizing Gov. Mills to adjust state, county and municipal government deadlines and to permit additional flexibility for municipal and school board budgets; 

·       Permitting all public entities to meet by remote participation;

·       Expand the ability of Maine Emergency Medical Services’ Board and staff to take actions more promptly;

·       Authorize Gov. Mills to prohibit utilities from terminating residential electric and water service. The consumer loan program goes through local banks and credit unions, with loans backed by the state. Mainers who have been economically impacted by the pandemic can obtain zero interest personal loans, of up to $5,000 per month for up to three months. 

In addition, Gov. Janet Mills has declared an insurance emergency and a state of civil emergency to help state agencies respond to the public health crisis quickly and effectively.  

The insurance emergency ensures that all health insurance plans will cover 100% of the cost of testing for COVID-19, with absolutely no cost sharing to the consumer. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has released guidelines to help Mainers without insurance get tested at low or no cost. Those guidelines can be found here.  

On Sunday, Governor Janet Mills declared a state of civil emergency, and outlined four major recommendations that will help slow the spread of the coronavirus in Maine. Those recommendations, which were updated on Wednesday, include: 

·        Ending classroom instruction in all public schools as soon as reasonably practical.

·        Postponing all non-urgent medical procedures, elective surgeries, and appointments at hospitals and health care providers across the state.

·        Restricting visitors and all non-essential health care personnel to long-term care facilities except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life.

·        Banning all events with 10 or more people.

·        Stopping dine-in service for restaurants and bars, beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, until March 31. Take-out and delivery options may continue.

·        Urging non-essential businesses such as gyms, hair salons, theatres, casinos and shopping malls to close for two weeks. 

The Governor’s recommendations are in effect until further notice.  

At the end of Tuesday, the Maine Legislature adjourned sine die, until further notice. To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the State House will be closed to the public until March 30.