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Good jobs. Secure Families. Strong Communities.
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Dear Friend,
 As of October 13, Maine entered Stage 4 of the Restarting Maine's Economy plan. The major changes you might notice are an increase of the limits on indoor seating and, as of November 2, the reopening of bars and tasting rooms for indoor service. Every step of the way, Maine has focused the health and well-being of our people and our businesses, and this latest move follows suit. You can see the full guidance regarding Stage 4 here.
Additionally, the State has strengthened our face covering mandate by requiring that a broader set of entities adhere to this critical health measure and that enforcement of this mandate occurs statewide. Face coverings have been proven to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 and as we enter the winter months, when more people are likely to gather inside, they remain an essential tool.
Maine’s pandemic response, adjusted for population, includes some of the lowest numbers of hospitalizations, new case numbers, and deaths in the country. Collectively, all of us who have changed the way we work, socialize or go about our regular activities are responsible for this result. I also want to recognize our RSU 5 teachers, administrators and staff for their remarkable work opening our schools and supporting our kids. Their dedication and commitment to education lifts up our entire community.
We must remain vigilant and remember that we're all in this together.
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MAINE'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM ACCEPTING PHASE 2 APPLICATIONS
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 At the end of August, the State launched the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program to support our businesses and nonprofits as they continue to struggle with economic hardships caused by COVID-19. The program, backed by $200 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, provides financial relief for businesses and nonprofit organizations that incurred business disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and was a recommendation of Maine's Economic Recovery Committee.
Applications for Phase 2 of this program are open until October 23, with an estimated additional 3,000 Maine organizations now eligible. While the money available for these grants cannot wholly replace or repair the economic damage caused by the pandemic, each dollar awared will have a direct impact on supporting our businesses, our nonprofits and our economy. Please visit this site for more information.
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 Election Day is November 3! This year, perhaps more than ever due to COVID-19 concerns, it’s important to plan how you’ll cast your vote. The safest way to vote this year is by absentee ballot. You can request your ballot at this website or through your local clerk’s office. Ballots must be requested by 5pm on Thursday, October 29 and returned by 8pm on Election Day, November 3. The Maine Secretary of State's Office launched a new service that will allow you track the status of your request, and of the ballot itself, online. Learn more here.
You can also vote early at your municipal office until 5pm on Friday, October 30. In Freeport, that's at 30 Main Street, and in Pownal at 429 Hallowell Road. If you reside in any other part of Maine, visit this website to find your polling location and see a sample ballot. For folks who prefer to vote in-person on Election Day, be sure to bring a face covering, keep your distance and allot a little extra time.
For more detailed information, visit the Secretary of State's website. Voting is an essential part of our democracy and, as I always have, I encourage you to make your voice heard.
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As always, thank you for all you are doing to keep yourself and your neighbors healthy and to support our Maine economy through this time. If there is anything I can do to help you, please reach out.
Sending you best wishes for your health and safety,
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