My latest newsletter

In case you missed my latest newsletter, here it is. If you would like to receive my newsletter regularly, please let me know and I can sign you up.

Take good care,

Sarah




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We will get through this, from the Weekly Packet

Apart yet Together

Rep. Nicole Grohoski (Ellsworth, Trenton) and I collaborated on a column for the Ellsworth American:

 Since Maine’s first case of COVID-19 was announced on March 12, people across our state have sprung into action. We’ve quickly adapted to protect public health, from temporarily closing schools and businesses to working remotely, practicing physical distancing, and more. We are both grateful and proud of our community for coming together.

While the second session of the Legislature generally runs through mid-April, we adjourned on March 17, to adhere to physical distancing guidelines and to protect our home communities from exposure by us.

Before adjourning, we passed emergency legislation to help Mainers through this crisis. We included provisions to: temporarily expand unemployment insurance benefits, allow certain school-day requirements to be waived and ensure students continue to receive meals while schools are closed, allow remote participation in municipal meetings, establish a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME to help Mainers access low- or no-interest loans, and authorize the Governor to prohibit utilities from terminating residential electric and water service. We additionally designated $11 million in state funding to further respond to COVID-19.

Because we rely on our small businesses, we want to stress a few resources available to our local companies and the folks they employ. The US Small Business Administration is offering Maine more access to Economic Impact Disaster Loans. Businesses can check eligibility and apply online. As part of our efforts to make unemployment insurance benefits more accessible, employers can use a Maine Department of Labor program called Workshare to make sure their employees get partial unemployment benefits if their hours are reduced. Plus, we’ve made more consumer loans available at low- or no- interest with the help of Maine lenders. We have both been impressed by the creative ways our small businesses have adapted and stand at the ready to help in any way we can. 

The future of our fishing industries are certainly a concern for us. We know that other self-employed people and business owners need help, too, so we contacted our federal delegation with specific requests for support. We’re pleased to see that the federal stimulus bill included an expansion of unemployment to self-employed workers and specific support for fishermen with lost income. As needs arise during this crisis, we will keep advocating for you, for our community, and the state of Maine. 

We want to remind you that physical distancing does not mean social isolation, and it does not mean staying inside. We are so lucky to live in a part of our state with so many things to do outdoors. We encourage you to be outside, while still staying six feet apart from those around you. Visit one of Maine’s many trails -- Blue Hill Mountain is a favorite of Sarah’s (try mainetrailfinder.com), take a walk on the beach, be like Nicole and get your canoe out, or go fishing! Until April 30, the state has waived the recreational fishing license requirement for Maine’s inland waters. Expired registrations for boats, all-terrain vehicles, and cars have also been extended until 30 days after this public health crisis ends. We hope these actions will help you get around and get outside.         

Finally, if you have questions or concerns, the Maine CDC has set up a hotline that is available by calling 211 or 866-811-5695, by texting your zip code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org. Maine Equal Justice has compiled resources for folks with concerns about health care, food security, evictions, court proceedings and other issues during this time. And of course, please use us as a resource. While the Legislature has adjourned, we are still here to serve you. As Dr. Shah, from the Maine CDC, said, “Even if we can’t be there with you, we can be here for you.” Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at either nicole.grohoski@legislature.maine.gov or sarah.pebworth@legislature.maine.gov if there is anything we can do to help.  

Reps. Nicole Grohoski and Sarah Pebworth are both serving their first terms in the Maine House of Representatives. Grohoski represents Ellsworth and Trenton. Pebworth represents Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Sedgwick, and Surry.

Updates and resources regarding COVID-19

Greetings!

I’m sure you, like me, have been watching the news regarding the COVID-19 situation in Maine  with growing concern. In response, across the state, we have been adapting to protect public health, from temporarily closing schools and businesses to moving to remote work, practicing social distancing, and more. These steps leave us worried about our families and our finances. I want you to know that the actions you are taking to prioritize the health of our community are much appreciated, and that your government is taking action to support you through this challenging time.

 

I've sent out an email update full of resources which you can access here. 

 

If you would like to sign up to receive my email newsletter regularly, please sign up here. 

 

Please take care of you and your loved ones.

 

All the best,

Sarah

 

                                 Take care of yourself or others

The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are still:   ●   Physical Distancing: I urge you to follow the current guideline of avoiding group gatherings of more than 10 people, limiting physical contact such as handshakes (staying 6 feet away is recommended), and if you’re an employer and haven’t already, consider instituting work from home or paid time off options to the fullest extent possible. ●   Avoid Travel: Postpone any unnecessary out-of-state travel. ●   Keep Healthy: Practice the same good hygiene you would to prevent catching a cold--wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well. ●   Call Your Doctor: If you are exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, call your medical provider.

COVID-19 informational resources

We are also offering a variety of trusted resources to make sure you are aware of any changes in the coronavirus status or in the state’s response, including:

 

●    211 Maine: Get answers at any time by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.

●    Maine CDC Coronavirus Website: Sign up for email updates, learn more about the coronavirus, and get the latest status in Maine here. 

●    U.S. CDC Coronavirus Website: Get nationwide and global updates and learn more about the coronavirus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

 

Pebworth Running for Re-Election to Maine House

BLUE HILL—State Rep. Sarah Pebworth (D-Blue Hill) announced she is seeking re-election for Maine House of Representative in District 133, comprised of Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Sedgwick, and Surry. 
 

“In 2018 I ran promising that I would serve as a bridge to Augusta. Communication and transparency are keystones of an effective government. I have hosted informational meet and greets, written newspaper columns and letters to the editors, kept up a website and a Facebook page, and sent newsletters, electronic and paper, to help citizens stay aware of what’s happening at the State House,” Pebworth said. 

Pebworth was appointed to the State and Local Government Committee, which has worked on legislation supporting Maine’s towns and cities as they adapt to 21st century challenges like sea level rise and housing shortages. 

“When I knocked on doors and then took the oath of office to serve as state representative, I promised to push for legislation that would expand health care coverage, lift up working Maine families, support schools, improve broadband access, and provide meaningful property tax relief. There is so much more to do but I’m really proud of the work the 129th Legislature has accomplished,” she said. 

“In my time as a freshman legislator, I’ve attended many trainings and informational sessions on topics ranging from negotiation to early childhood education to aquaculture. Voters trusted me to use my two-year term wisely and I have. Now I’m asking them to let their investment in me pay off,” Pebworth noted in a press release.

Address to the Dem Caucus on March 8

Dear, dear Democrats, 

When I knocked on doors and then took the oath of office to serve as your representative, I promised to push for legislation that would expand health care coverage, lift up working Maine families, support our schools, improve broadband access, and provide meaningful property tax relief. There is so much more to do but I’m really proud of the work the 129th Legislature has accomplished. Please see below for some specifics. 

I vowed to be the bridge to Augusta and have hosted informational meet and greets, written newspaper columns and letters to the editors, kept up a website and a Facebook page, and sent newsletters, electronic and paper, to help you stay aware of what’s happening at the State House. 

I am honored to serve as a Democrat and eager to keep getting our work done. I ask for your support again. You have invested in me and I hope I am re-elected so that you can see a bigger return on your investment. I’ve taken advantage of many trainings, educational trips, and informational sessions offered, working hard to be the best representative I can for you.
I am again running a Clean Elections campaign. If you are able, please support this program and donate $5 to endorse my candidacy. This is the commitment we make to keeping elections ours—to keeping democracy in the hands of the people, not wealthy donors or agenda-filled lobbyists. 

If you would like me to speak to a gathering or meet your neighbors, if you have questions I can get answered, if you have comments about what’s happening in Augusta, please let me know. 

Most sincerely,
Sarah Pebworth 

I am especially proud of elected officials working together and:

• Raising state share of education funding to nearly 51%, which includes $115 million in new state support for local education and increasing revenue sharing to 3% in 2020 and 3.75% in 2021.
  
• Eliminating single-use plastic bags and prohibiting the use of some disposable food containers.
  
• Putting federal Affordable Care Act protections into state law and expanding Medicaid/MaineCare.
  
• Closing a corporate tax loophole to allow funding for an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit, a credit that puts money in the pockets of low-income workers, and expanding the Homestead
  Exemption Act and Property Tax Fairness Credit.
  
• Supporting initiatives to feed more hungry school children with a program that eliminates the
  reduced-price lunch category and includes those children in the free-lunch category.
  
• Establishing the Climate Change Council to assist in mitigating, preparing for, and adapting to climate change—experts and leaders are planning concrete ways to meet ambitious new statutory goals, e.g., increasing Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today, and a goal of 100% by 2050.   
  Setting solar prices in a way that incentivizes increased distributed generation in Maine and resetting the solar metering policy to ensure consumers who produce electricity from solar will be fairly compensated for supplying excess energy back to the grid.

• Preventing discrimination in insurance for women in Maine by requiring public and private insurers that cover prenatal care to cover the complete range of pregnancy care, including abortion.
  
• Ensuring health policies provide coverage for the purchase of hearing aids.
  
• Passing the pharmaceutical bill package.
  
• Establishing the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee, which
  worked to create a 10-year strategic plan for economic growth in Maine and instituted ways to
  address the state’s workforce shortage.
  
• Supporting healthy workplaces and families by providing earned paid sick leave to more employees.
  
• Recognizing the contributions of tribal communities by changing Columbus Day to Indigenous
  People’s Day.
  
• Prohibiting the use of handheld phones and devices while operating a motor vehicle.
  
• Establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission to modernize the way Maine funds transportation
  infrastructure in the state.
  
• Establishing a way, beginning in 2022, of automatically registering eligible individuals to vote.
  
• Implementing a presidential primary.
  All of this and more was done within a budget that included increasing the rainy day account. 
  
  Legislation we are working on this session includes:
  

• Ensuring oversight and accountability of the potential transmission corridor project.
  
• Passing a bond that will help fund broadband and bring affordable, equitable access to high-speed
  internet to more Mainers.
  
• Exploring local ownership and control of Maine's power delivery systems (replacing CMP and Emera with a consumer-owned utility in order to refinance and control the electrical grid).
• Adding access to comprehensive medically necessary dental care to the limited dental services
  currently available to MaineCare members 21 years of age and older.
  
• Continuing to address workforce shortages and wage inequity.
  
• Continuing to address tribal relations and judicial concerns.,
  
• Passing the Patient First bills. 
  
  How cool is this?!?
  
  • The Maine House Democratic caucus is now 55% women, the first time in history that women have been the majority of any caucus in the Maine Legislature, and women in the House now chair 50% of the legislative committees.
    
  • With 12 women in the Senate, Maine has the most women legislators ever, the seventh highest number nationally.
  • Under the leadership of Governor Mills, Maine’s first female governor,
    
    • Women outnumber men in her cabinet, 8 to 7, for the first time ever and
      
    • Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife all have female commissioners for the first time.

Maine's Coronavirus Response

 

 

Governor Mills Convenes Coronavirus Response Team

March 2, 2020

 

Response team met today to build on Maine CDC’s work in coordinating coronavirus preparation and response to protect public health

Governor Janet Mills today convened her Coronavirus Response Team charged with coordinating State government’s response across departments and local agencies and health authorities to the potential spread of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Maine CDC continues comprehensive planning to ensure Maine is ready should the virus affect people here and encourages Maine people to protect themselves by taking the same preventive measures that help to avoid catching a cold. These measures include:

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water and use an alcohol-based sanitizer in between washings.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Staying home if you are sick.
• Taking care of your health overall by staying current on your vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, eating well, getting a good night’s sleep, and exercising.

The response team, led by Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah, briefed Governor Mills and the Cabinet regarding measures to protect public health and safety and to prevent spread of the virus should it occur in Maine. The response team will meet regularly to share information and coordinate coronavirus preparation and response across State government. Governor Mills also participated in a briefing today by Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and other federal officials for the nation’s governors about the federal government’s response to coronavirus.

Maine has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. As Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) previously reported, one individual in Maine who met federal requirements to be tested for the virus tested negative. 

“While there are no cases of coronavirus in Maine as of today, and the risk to our state remains low, the State must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential cases in Maine,” said Governor Mills. “The Coronavirus Response Team, led by Dr. Shah, will build on our preparation and response efforts, coordinate across state government and ensure that we are taking every precaution necessary in partnership with local health officials, hospitals, school districts, municipalities and others to make sure Maine is fully prepared and to fully inform and protect all Maine people.”

“The Maine CDC has been monitoring and preparing for COVID-19 since the virus was first identified in China in December 2019,” said Dr. Shah. “Since then, more than 30 Maine CDC staff members have been focused on protecting the health of Maine people by updating safety protocols, upgrading the state lab so that testing can soon be performed here, and working closely with hospitals, medical providers, EMS, and other partners. As we keep working to minimize the risk of community spread, the best thing Maine people can do is take common sense steps to stay healthy, such as frequent hand washing.”

In addition to Dr. Shah, the response team consists of commissioners of the Departments of Health and Human Services; Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management; Public Safety; Education; Corrections; Labor; Transportation; and Administrative and Financial Affairs. It also includes the Acting Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency. Additional department and agency heads will participate as needed.

Maine CDC began preparedness and response efforts for COVID-19 in December 2019. The response team builds on the work that has already been done by the Maine CDC to prepare for potential cases of COVID-19. Maine CDC, which has been strengthened and revitalized over the past year under the Mills Administration, has dedicated dozens of staff to working on coronavirus preparedness and response, including:

• adjusting emergency response protocols to adapt to COVID-19;
• reviewing readiness plans to ensure state government maintains continuity of operations and services if COVID-19 impacts agency operations;
• hosting educational webinars for clinicians, infection control staff, and other health care professionals;
• 24-7 consultations with partners such as schools and public health departments to ensure they have information and resources;
• working closely with Maine’s health care systems as they scale up preparedness efforts;
• communicating closely with school officials including recommending that they convene their school safety teams to review and update their Emergency Operations Plans responsive to pandemic flu and reminding schools that their plans should also include provisions to ensure continuity of education in the unlikely event of a closure;
• ensuring that potential cases will be rapidly identified and investigated and that isolation procedures are in place, if needed;
• increasing supplies of personal protective equipment for health care workers and first responders;
• updating lab equipment to enable testing for the coronavirus and engaging public health nurses as part of our emergency preparedness team, among other measures.

More information about COVID-19 can be found can be found on the Maine CDC’s coronavirus website, which will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.