Senator Chipman bill to create memorial for COVID-19 victims becomes law

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, July 15, a bill sponsored by Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, to create a memorial on State House grounds for COVID-19 victims and first responders to the COVID-19 crisis became law without the signature of Gov. Janet Mills. 

“COVID-19 has impacted our daily lives in ways we would not have fathomed less than two years ago,” said Senator Chipman. “Our essential employees have worked around the clock and put themselves at risk to help all of us. It’s been an incredibly hard year. Because of COVID-19, so many people have undergone immeasurable hardship, isolation and traumatic loss. We must pay respect to the people who died after becoming infected with this deadly virus. As of July 17, 880 Mainers have died from COVID-19 complications. This once in a generation pandemic needs to be memorialized in Maine.” 

As amended, LD 1123 directs the Legislature’s Legislative Council to secure funding and carry out the construction of the memorial on exterior grounds of the State House and provide a progress update by January 2022 to the State and Local Government Committee.LD 1123 goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die. 

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