FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*|DATE:F j, Y|*
Contact: Jacob Posik
Director of Communications
Office: 207.321.2550
Maine Policy Institute Statement on Governor Janet Mills’
Proposed Economic Reopening Plan
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Policy Institute CEO Matthew Gagnon released the following statement Friday in response to Governor Janet Mills’ proposed reopening plan of Maine’s economy and relaxed travel restrictions:
“Maine Policy welcomes the Mills administration refocusing its attention on the state economy and what businesses need to foster a successful tourist season, but it still doesn’t add up why the governor is unilaterally making these decisions without the input of the Maine Legislature or the people of Maine.
“The governor has wielded unprecedented power in this state for nearly one year, and it’s time the people of Maine dictate the state’s virus response through their elected representatives.
“Emergencies don’t last forever. Emergency power exists to allow the chief executive to immediately respond to an imminent threat. It does not exist to allow one person to unilaterally control state government for a year or more.
“Maine people deserve a voice in the decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods. No single person was ever meant to wield this much power, and it’s time elected officials in Maine put an end to it.”
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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.