Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives
The Latest from the State House Regarding
Covid-19 Response
 Dear Friend,

I hope this note finds you well - safe and healthy.  These are extraordinary times that we are experiencing  and the challenges we face are immense.  Thank you to everyone of you who continues to do your part in facing this pandemic and taking care of the people around you. We will get through this together. 

Last week, Maine’s Commissioner of Education recommended that all our schools remain in distance learning for the rest of the school year. Our schools in RSU 5 are following that guidance and the last day of remote learning will be June 19. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the teachers and administration who transitioned kids to remote learning with unbelievable speed and efficiency, but also with tremendous care and constant adjustments to meet kids needs.  

Also last week, Gov. Mills announced that the date of our spring primary election will be moved from June 9 to July 14. The change provides more time for Mainers to request absentee ballots and more time for the Secretary of State to develop guidelines and help municipalities conduct in-person voting in as safe a manner as possible.

Both of these updates signal that we are not yet near the end of this COVID-19 crisis. But there are some bright spots. Many of our local businesses are stepping up in a big way. Maine Beer Company is following their "Do What's Right" motto and helping to make hand sanitizer. Maine Craft Distilling has also made a shift to hand sanitizer production and has channeled 4,000 quarts in a matter of weeks, and raised more than $15,000 for several nonprofits. LL Bean has shifted to making personal protective equipment and working with Good Shepherd Food Bank to accelerate food access. And North Sails in South Freeport has been shipping face masks all across the country.  

It’s hard to feel lucky right now, but stories like these remind me that I’m lucky to be facing this pandemic in a state where people step up for each other.

 
CONNECTING MAINERS TO RESOURCES
So much has been changing at such a rapid pace here in Maine and across the country as a result of COVID-19. Folks desperately need help and aren't sure where to turn. Small businesses are struggling and federal guidance and programs are changing rapidly. Much of the work my office has been doing is connecting people to resources and providing much needed assistance.

Many of these requests are related to questions about Unemployment Insurance and the Department of Labor. In a little over one month, about 89,500 Mainers have filed for unemployment benefits - more than double initial claims for all of 2019. This dramatic increase coupled with changes from the federal government has created backlogs in processing claims. We must continue to improve these systems and get Mainers the help they need. 

As I announced in this video, in order to distribute information more broadly, I’ll be sharing information about some of the most frequently asked questions on my website www.speakergideon.com.

You can find the most recent update about unemployment insurance here. There's an update with common health care questions here. We're also compiling the latest guidance for small businesses and will post as soon as possible. My office will continue to be here for you as we face this crisis together and will be updating as new information is available. Please respond to this email or send a message to [email protected] with a topic you'd like to see covered.
FREEPORT COMMUNITY RESOURCES
There are a number of resources for nutritious and healthy food available for our community. For families with children 18 and under, you can contact the RSU 5 schools at 865-0928 x 223 or email [email protected].  Others needing assistance can contact the Freeport Community Services Food Pantry at 865-3985 x 205 or email [email protected]. There is also the Freeport Grocery Buddy Program for shopping and delivery of food for elders who don't feel safe going to store.

From access to food to business assistance to miscellaneous urgent needs, we are here for each other. You can find a contact list for available services here.
HEALTH CARE TOWN HALL

Even though we have been physically distanced, I've been staying connected in many different forums. I was thrilled to participate in a digital town hall that was focused on health care access and prescription drug affordability. Every single Mainer should have access to affordable, quality health care. The recent public health crisis only increased the urgency of that very real need. 

If you missed it live, you can check out the full town hall here. 

I hope these updates and resources are getting you the information you need most. Please reach out to let me know if there is anything else I can be sharing or doing to help you and our community though this time.

Sending you best wishes for your health and safety,
(207) 287-1300 | [email protected]
#2 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

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Speaker Sara Gideon · #2 State House Station · Augusta, Maine 04330 · USA