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May
22, 2020
Greetings!
For 10 weeks now I’ve been sending you regular updates
about the evolving COVID-19 situation in Maine. This week I’ve included
information about the Governor’s revised reopening plan and resources to
help you navigate the pandemic, but I also wanted to take some time to
focus on non-coronavirus updates.
From Teacher of the Year awards to information on how to
ward off browntail moths, it’s important to remember that, while COVID-19
has changed our lives a lot, many things have stayed the same.
Below you’ll find a number of items that I hope will be
helpful to you, and I want to remind you that, even in this time, I am
available to serve you in all the ways I normally do. Please never
hesitate to reach out with your questions, needs and concerns.
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COVID-19
UPDATES - REOPENING CHANGES AND EXPANDED TESTING
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Gov. Mills has announced that Maine residents may now enjoy
campgrounds beginning this Memorial Day weekend. She has also updated
guidance for all lodging providers to allow them to accept future
reservations for stays with an arrival date of June 1 and beyond for Maine
residents and for non-residents who comply with the State’s 14-day
quarantine requirement. However, it has also been announced that the full
reopening of gyms, fitness centers and nail salons has been delayed in
light of emerging research and experiences in other states of COVID-19
transmission linked to these establishments reopening. The latest details
of the reopening plan can be found at this website.
I’m also pleased to share that since our COVID-19 testing
capacity has tripled, thanks to the IDEXX partnership, testing
prioritization has been eliminated - meaning doctors are now able to order
tests for anyone they suspect needs one.
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CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE SAGADAHOC COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR!
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Bree Candland of Mt. Ararat High School is the 2020
Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year! Congratulations on this well-deserved
honor. And thank you to ALL the wonderful educators in our district.
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DOES
THE STATE OWE YOU MONEY?
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Each year, tens of millions of dollars go unclaimed in
Maine. These financial assets are turned over by national and local
businesses and organizations that lose contact with the rightful owners of
the funds. The State Treasurer holds these assets until claimed by the
owner or heir. Find out if any of these funds belong to you, your business,
your friends or your family by visiting: www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov.
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It’s browntail moth season.
These pests harm our trees and wood products and can be annoying or even
dangerous to humans in some cases. Clip and destroy any webs you see as
soon as possible to prevent increases in the browntail moth population.
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PROPERTY
TAX FAIRNESS CREDIT
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Eligible Maineå taxpayers may receive a portion of their
property tax or rent paid during the tax year on their Maine individual
income tax return whether they owe Maine income tax or not. Homeowners or
renters who meet certain income and property tax and/or rent paid limitations
during the tax year may qualify. Limits have increased, so if you were not
eligible before, you may be now. To learn more follow this link or
call Maine Revenue Services at (207) 626-8475.
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THIS
SUMMER, EXPLORE MAINE
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One of the best ways to pass the time during COVID-19 is to
get outside, while maintaining a six foot distance from others. While some
coastal state parks are closed until June 1, many others remain open, and
they are incredible places to visit. You can search for state parks based
on the region or activity you’re looking for at this link.
And you can find information on passes and fees here. If you
like to fish, check out this year’s fish stocking
report as you decide where to head out on the water.
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FREE
CLASSES FOR 2020 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
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Maine’s community colleges have provided our 2020 high
school graduates with an awesome gift, free summer courses! Students
interested in getting a head start on their college career will be eligible
to choose from online college-level classes in English, math, sciences,
languages, psychology, history, digital photography, creative writing and
more. More information and details on how to register are available
at this link.
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Each year the Maine Legislature recognizes one student from
each county who is currently pursuing or planning to pursue education at a
two- or four-year degree-granting Maine college or technical school with a
scholarship. This year's application deadline has been extended to June 1.
Learn more and apply at this link.
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FREQUENTLY
USED RESOURCES
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As always, here’s a set of resources to help with the most
common COVID-19 problems Mainers are facing:
· A statewide COVID-19 response
website that includes a directory of how each Maine
agency is responding, as well as resources for health care, small
businesses, education, family care and more.
· A website outlining Maine’s approach to restarting the economy.
· A COVID-19 Rental Relief
Program which allows households that meet certain
criteria to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to
be paid directly to their landlord.
· A Maine Department of Labor factsheet and COVID-19 webpage to
help navigate unemployment insurance benefits. CEI has also put together a
helpful website with tips for self-employed and
other workers applying for PUA.
· A compilation of resources,
updates and help created
by Maine Equal Justice for Mainers trying to manage health care, food
security, evictions, court proceedings and other issues during this time.
· The website for small businesses to apply for Economic Injury Disaster
Loans through the US Small Business Administration.
· A Paycheck Protection Program implemented
through the federal stimulus package. This program helps small businesses
and sole proprietors access loans with loan forgiveness when they keep
employees on their payroll.
· Detailed information on the FAME COVID-19 Consumer Loan
Guarantee Program offering low-or-no interest loans to
qualifying applicants.
· A resource to get answers any time by dialing 211 (or
1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211 or emailing info@211maine.org.
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