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The Daily Edition for Monday, May 18, 2020 |
To view this Daily Impact online, click here. |
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Welcome to your Daily Impact newsletter! |
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As a valued member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, we plan to stay in touch with you every afternoon, through emails like this one and on Facebook and Twitter, until the pandemic passes. We intend to provide you with the latest state and federal information, as well as highlighting the creativity and innovation that is occuring here in Maine during this unpredictable and rapidly changing time. To assist you in navigating the uncertainties ahead, we have created a diverse and comprehensive collection of web-based resources to help you take care of yourself and your family, your employees, your business, and your community. |
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Do you have a question? ASK THE EXPERTS. |
We are here to help in any way we can! |
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Maine Eliminates Testing Prioritization; Expands Testing to Anyone Suspected of Having COVID-19 |
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Governor Janet Mills announced today that the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has eliminated its testing prioritization system and is now allowing health care providers in Maine to seek testing for anyone they suspect of having COVID-19. The elimination of the system is primarily driven by the Mills Administration's agreement with IDEXX that more than triples the State's texting capacity. That expansion is now operational, allowing Maine CDC to notify health care providers today of significantly increased access to in-state testing for anyone suspected of having the disease, which includes people with symptoms as well as those who have had significant, close contact with a person with COVID-19, such as a spouse. "The elimination of the testing prioritization system, driven largely by our expanded testing capacity in partnership with IDEXX, is a welcome step forward for Maine," said Governor Janet Mills. "As a result, more Maine people will have access to testing and we can begin to implement spot-check testing protocols being developed by the Maine CDC. My Administration will continue to work to expand testing capacity in the coming weeks." This change stems primarily from the Administration's agreement with IDEXX to purchase enough of its FDA-authorized test kits to run at least 5,000 tests per week for the foreseeable future. Taken in combination with Maine CDC's prior capacity of 2,000 tests per week and additional work to expand testing capacity, the partnership with IDEXX more than triples the State of Maine's testing capacity. These tests are in addition to those conducted for Maine residents by nongovernmental labs in and outside of the state. Additionally, IDEXX has lent a testing instrument to the Maine CDC's laboratory to help accommodate the higher testing volume and has generously donated enough test kits to conduct 3,500 tests. The tests are being run at Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory in Augusta. The Mills Administration is continuing its efforts to secure more testing as part of its ongoing commitment to Maine's public health. Additionally, the Mills Administration continues to press the Federal government to ensure that health care providers have a reliable and adequate supply of materials, such as personal protective equipment and swabs to collect samples from patients for testing. |
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Please Join Us For The Maine State Chamber's Regional Breakfast Series, A Virtual Update The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, together with local and regional chambers of commerce, invites you to our Regional Breakfast Meetings, held virtually on Zoom. As a local business leader, your valuable insight is instrumental to this open dialogue about issues that affect your business, your community and your state. We need your expertise and input to make recommendations and to identify opportunities for moving Maine's economic future in a positive direction. |
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Normally, attending one of our annual statewide breakfast series meetings is an ideal way for you, the Maine business leader, to interact with business associates, new and prospective Maine State Chamber members, and state representatives in a relaxed setting. This year, due to the COVID-19 situation, we will be hosting this event online as a coffee hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., so grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation from the comfort of your own home. |
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THANK YOU TO OUR SERIES SPONSORS: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; Central Maine Power Company; Maine Department of Economic & Community Development; Northeast Delta Dental; Versant Power; VHB |
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TOMORROW! Lewiston Area
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. |
THIS WEEK! Bangor Area
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce |
NEXT WEEK! Presque Isle Area
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. |
COMING SOON! Augusta Area Wednesday, June 3 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. with the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce |
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This morning, nearly 100 people joined us for our Portland Area Regional Breakfast, the first in our virtual update series. The Chamber's Advocacy team reviewed the work of the session, prior to its abrupt adjournment in mid-March, as well as making a few predictions about a possible special session, the coming election season, and even how the 2021 session might look given the pandemic. Thank you, again, to the sponsors of this morning's Coffee Hour: our Presenting Sponsors, MaineHealth and Texas Instruments, and our Official Sponsors, Hannaford Supermarkets and MEMIC. |
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To reserve your banner ad in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau |
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Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group Introducing Bill to Provide $500 Billion to State and Local Governments |
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Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of six Senators in introducing a bipartisan bill to deliver critical federal resources to states and communities on the front lines of the COVID-19 response to offset plummeting revenues resulting from the coronavirus. The State and Municipal Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Act would provide $500 billion in emergency funding to every state, county, and community in the country, while prioritizing assistance to the areas with the greatest need. The State of Maine would receive at least $2 billion from the SMART Act, with at least $333 million going to counties and $333 million going to local governments. Moreover, the $1.25 billion allocated to Maine from the CARES Act would be made more flexible - including being eligible to address revenue shortfalls under the SMART Act. "In addition to its tragic health effects, COVID-19 has devastated communities and slammed Maine's economy. The impact on Maine's revenues could be among the worst in the nation," said Senator Collins. "Dramatic revenue shortfalls will force state and local governments to either increase taxes or slash or suspend important services in health care, education, and transportation construction, which are needed now more than ever in the midst of this crisis. The SMART Act would help avoid the worst of these consequences by providing Maine's state and local governments with flexible funding that can be used to directly offset some of their plummeting revenues. Congress must act now to protect vital services and to prevent widespread furloughs of state and local public servants, including police, firefighters, medical professionals, and educators." |
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Governor Mills, Maine Congressional Delegation Convene Call on COVID-19 All pledge to work together in support of more Federal support for State and local governments |
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Today, Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden convened a Zoom conference call to discuss the State's response to COVID-19 and the Congressional Delegation's work in Congress to support the State's efforts. The Governor and Congressional Delegation specifically discussed the need for Federal aid to State and local governments. The conference call follows a recent letter from Governor Mills to the Congressional Delegation outlining the impact that COVID-19 is expected to have on State and local government and the services they provide to the people of Maine. "I am grateful to have a close working relationship with Maine's Congressional Delegation and am thankful for their ongoing efforts to support the State through their work in Congress," said Governor Janet Mills. "Today, we discussed the need for additional direct Federal support to State and local governments, as well as flexibility for the funding already authorized. My Administration worked with the Legislature to take steps to safeguard Maine's economy, but with all states facing reductions in revenue as a result of this virus, a strong Federal partnership will help Maine continue to protect public health and safety and spearhead an economic recovery. I look forward to continuing our constructive work in the weeks ahead to support Maine people and our economy." "Maine's Congressional Delegation stands united in our effort to advocate for the interests of Maine people in Washington as we face the largest public health challenge in a century," said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. "The coronavirus pandemic is an extreme and unexpected threat to our state's health, economy, and government services, and we must work together to overcome these obstacles. During this crisis, the Delegation and the Governor are in close contact to ensure we are working together to address Maine's most urgent needs. As Congress continues to map out top priorities in this recovery effort, our delegation will speak with one voice to make sure Maine people receive the resources they need to weather this storm." |
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SAVE THE DATE! 2020 Maine State Chamber Health Care Reform Wednesday, May 27 | 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. |
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A confirmation of event details will be available shortly. The 2020 Maine State Chamber Health Care Forum will focus on the changing nature of coverage in Maine; both through legislation and through innovation. The program will be virtual, and roughly an hour in length. We will begin with a presentation by Denise McDonough, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Her presentation will focus on innovation in the marketplace, and cost saving initiatives being undertaken by Anthem. After that, there will be a panel discussion that includes Kristine Ossenfort, Senior Government Relations Director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, and the Maine Superintendent of Insurance Eric Cioppa, to discuss the legislative events of this past session, and the policy changes that were enacted by lawmakers that are likely to impact the individual and small group markets, both in terms of policies, coverage and price. Join us for what promises to be an interesting and informative session. |
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Use the Maine State Chamber's blog and Daily Impact to tell your story! |
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Numerous Maine companies are stepping up or pivoting nimbly, as Maine people resourcefully address the challenges of this pandemic. Share your perspective and experience with us and with the rest of the business community. How are you facing and overcoming the challenges posed by this pandemic? What are you and your employees doing in this dramatically different economy? Tell us about the innovations your company or employees are making or ways you have adapted your company to meet your customers' needs. Each blog entry should be 300 to 500 words. Join us in creating a written history of the business community's resilience and innovation during this extraordinary time. Please submit your entries to [email protected]. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing [email protected] or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109. |
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Help Build Maine's STEM Workforce |
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Applications are now being accepted through June 30, 2020, for up to $60,000 in student loan debt relief for professionals who live in or relocate to Maine and are employed by a Maine-based business in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) related fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The program, funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation and administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), is known as Alfond Leaders. It assists Maine employers in attracting and retaining talented STEM professionals by providing student loan repayment assistance of up to $60,000 per recipient. Payment of the debt relief award is made directly to a recipient's student loan servicer. Payments are made once at the end of three years of qualifying residency and employment and again at the end of a subsequent three-year period of qualifying residency and employment. New in 2020, students who will complete their degree or certificate before September 1, 2020, are welcome to apply. Awards made to graduating students, will be finalized once they have begun a STEM position in Maine and, if new to Maine, have relocated to the state. Selected awardees who have recently graduated will have until July 1, 2021, to relocate to Maine and begin their STEM employment for a Maine-based employer. An applicant must have a higher education degree or certificate, or be graduating by September 1, 2020, in order to apply during this current application collection period. |
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Applicants are being sought from across the nation, and current Maine residents are eligible and being encouraged to apply. Applicants can learn more and apply by visiting AlfondLeaders.org. |
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Wednesday, May 20 | 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance implements this collaborative model to bring educators, researchers, and businesses together This spring has been one for the record books. In all aspects of American life, we are innovating, evolving, and re-thinking how we move forward. Solutions to the very real problems facing all of us are emerging from unique partnerships and collaborations. |
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The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, funded through their National Science Foundation's "integrate-2-innovate" (i2i) project, is utilizing this collaborative model to bring educators, researchers, and business representatives together. For the past year, the i2i research to practice partnership has been focused on finding ways to integrate computer science practices and principles into the rural elementary classroom. This project was strengthened by the unique structure of the research-to-practice partnership (RPP) - and powerful discoveries were made - by partnering with Educate Maine at the statewide level and local Maine businesses in participating school districts' communities. Teachers were able to learn where computer science exists in local businesses to help ground their lessons in the reality of their communities. Business representatives were able to discover what computer science skills and practices they most need in their emerging workforce. RPP members are now hosting a four-part series, sharing their work and advancing the conversation between educators and business representatives to help shape Maine educational initiatives in the years to come. To ensure that we have a robust conversation - we need your voice! Please join us on Wednesday, May 20, for the third session in our series from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to learn more about how can we connect computer science to our local communities and businesses and the skills and practices inherent in CS education that are also present in the local job market and/or will be needed in the future workforce. |
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Helping Maine's struggling child care providers as employees return to work |
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The Maine State Chamber's partners at Educate Maine, Maine AEYC, and MaineSpark have come together to provide support to an important industry, one that is more important now than ever before. Many of Maine's childcare centers have remained open during the pandemic to take care of the children of essential workers. Unfortunately, they are struggling to find needed and essential cleaning supplies at local stores due to the low supply. Their needs include disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, paper products, gloves, thermometers, alcohol wipes, and related materials. We are hoping our members might be able to help so that these centers can continue to provide safe care to Maine's children. Do you have supplies that are not being used now that employees are working from home? Are you able to order supplies through a vendor? Items on the request list include disinfecting wipes (the most requested item); hand sanitizer; hand soap; paper towels; toilet paper; rubber gloves; bleach; disinfectant spray; non-contact thermometers; face masks (cloth is ok); and, alcohol wipes. Organizers have surveyed child care providers and are tracking their supply requests. If you are able to donate supplies, please send them directly to the provider. In addition, please email Kate Leveille with your donation so we can adequately track supplies or if you have any questions. Thank you for any support you can offer. We are all in this together. |
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To join these advertisers in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau |
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