Governor Janet Mills

06/01/2026

Schools should be places for learning and making friends, not for endless scrolling. That's why we're getting cell phones out of the classroom.

Last week at Westbrook High School, I was proud to ceremonially sign our new statewide "Bell to Bell, No Cell" phone ban. I thank legislators for approving my proposal -- included in the supplemental budget -- which will reduce classroom distractions and disruptions and help students stay focused on learning.

05/29/2026

It was great to join Maine Audubon for the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Native Plants Education Center in Falmouth this week. The center will serve as an education and habitat restoration hub, helping protect Maine's great outdoors for generations to come.

📸: Maine Audubon

05/25/2026

This morning, I had the privilege of participating in the Town of Gouldsboro's Memorial Day ceremony. I'm pictured here with Major Robert Pike, U.S. Army, Retired, whose distinguished military and civilian service with the United States Army spanned 40 years.

As America prepares to mark 250 years since its founding, we remember the generations of American men and women whose sacrifice has preserved our free and undivided republic. I invite all Maine people to join me in honoring their sacrifice, remembering their families, and renewing our gratitude for the freedoms they died to defend.

05/20/2026

Few Americans have brought about change that impacted the lives of so many people as Barney Frank. Astute, candid, and armed with a sharp sense of humor, Barney worked throughout his life to break down barriers and make our country more just.

In his final weeks -- the author of the landmark Dodd-Frank Act, which protects Americans from "too big to fail" banks and from predatory financial practices -- cautioned members of our party against absolutism and political litmus tests for those seeking public office. He argued instead for civil dialogue, for persuasion over platitudes, for thoughtful analysis and dialogue instead of loud and angry words. His message was that real progress takes work, not mere words. Among other things, as the first sitting member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay, Barney Frank sent a powerful message that sexual orientation should have no bearing on public service.

In retirement, Barney made Maine his home, and he and his husband, Jim, became my friends. I count myself deeply fortunate to have had the opportunity to say goodbye just a few weeks ago.

On behalf of all Maine people, I extend my sincere condolences to Jim and Barney's family, and to all who knew and loved him.

05/19/2026

Yesterday, Robbins Lumber Company shared publicly that brothers James and Alden Robbins, along with Alden’s daughter, Lily, were injured in the fire in Searsmont and are receiving care at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Another Robbins Lumber employee and several injured first responders continue to receive care in Maine.

I want to recognize the heroic efforts of all the volunteer firefighters, ambulance crews and the staff at Pen Bay Hospital, Waldo Hospital, LifeFlight and Maine Medical Center, all of whom responded immediately to this mass injury event with great professionalism and with both medical and humanitarian aid, as well as the Portland Fire Department who have been assisting with food and housing for the family of the injured.

We hold the Robbins family and staff, especially those now receiving care at Mass General, in our hearts and hope for their full recovery as well as the full recovery of the fire and EMT personnel receiving care.

My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Andrew Cross. He died a hero.

As I told first responders, emergency management leaders, and state and federal officials on Friday during my visit to Searsmont, my Administration and the people of Maine will stand with the Robbins family and all those impacted in the days ahead.

05/15/2026

This afternoon, I visited Searsmont to thank the first responders on scene at Robbins Lumber. For five generations, Robbins Lumber has been a cornerstone of the community and a mainstay of the forest products industry. I told the Robbins family that Maine people will have their back as they face the challenge ahead.

I ask Maine people to keep the Robbins family, their employees, first responders, and the people of Searsmont and Waldo County in their thoughts and prayers.

05/15/2026

I have been briefed on the situation unfolding in Searsmont. I urge folks to stay clear of the area, follow the instructions of law enforcement, and allow emergency personnel to respond.

I ask Maine people to join me in keeping all those affected in their thoughts.

05/12/2026

I have been briefed on the tragic plane crash in Avon that claimed the life of a Maine Game Warden. My heart is with the warden’s family and loved ones, their colleagues at the Maine Warden Service, and all affected by this tragedy. MDIFW will provide updates as more information becomes available.

05/11/2026

I was privileged to know Gerry Talbot as a lawmaker, as a history maker, and as a great Mainer. But, more than that, it was his humility, his civility and his always present smile which made you feel you were the only one in the room and which exuded joy in all endeavors.

I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Anita, his family and friends, and to all people Gerry Talbot inspired during his extraordinary life.

04/28/2026

Today, on National Workers Memorial Day, I joined labor leaders and members of the community for a ceremony honoring those who lost their lives while on the job last year.

My heart goes out to their families and loved ones.

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