PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2020
Contact: Jacob Posik
Director of Communications
Office: 207.321.2550
Cell: 207.240.7064

Maine Policy Institute delivers petition with more than 5,400
signatures, calls on Governor Mills to revise her reopening plan

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Policy Institute delivered to Governor Janet Mills today a petition with an accompanying 5,476 signatures from Maine citizens urging the governor and her administration to revise their phased plan to reopen Maine’s economy.

Governor Mills on April 28 released a multi-phase plan to reopen Maine’s economy that sets arbitrary and unscientific dates for the reopening of some businesses, putting the livelihoods of thousands of Maine business owners and their employees in jeopardy.

The extension of the 14-day quarantine for individuals reentering or traveling to Maine, coupled with decision to prevent restaurants and lodging businesses from opening until later in the summer, has been heavily scrutinized by Maine’s hospitality and tourism industries. If they are unable to open sooner under necessary health and safety guidelines, many of these beloved Maine businesses will permanently disappear.

“Mainers need a plan that actually balances public health with the need to get our economy running again,” said chief executive officer Matthew Gagnon. “Moving forward with the governor’s plan will cause irreparable long-term damage to Maine’s economy.”

Included with the petition is Maine Policy Institute’s plan and recommendations for reopening Maine, which call for Maine state government to give businesses the flexibility to keep their doors open while following Maine CDC guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19, and trusting Maine people to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their neighbors.

The petition was also delivered to labor commissioner Laura Fortman, health and human services commissioner Jeanne Lambrew, economic development commissioner Heather Johnson, and Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah. 

Maine Policy Institute began circulating the petition on April 28. The full document delivered to Governor Mills can be found here. 

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Maine Policy Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts detailed and timely research to educate the public, the media, and lawmakers about public policy solutions that advance economic freedom and individual liberty in Maine. Learn more about our work at www.mainepolicy.org.