In light of changes announced at the federal level this week, the Mills Administration today said it will expand the pool of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations to include Mainers 70 years of age and older, as well as people with “high-risk” medical conditions. Gov. Janet Mills’ statement also said immediate efforts will include those who work for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, firefighters, police officers and corrections officers. Maine vaccination efforts are under way. These new groups of people will be part of current vaccination plans and those extending through February.

The National League of Cities today issued a summary of the provisions in the Consolidation Appropriations Act of 2021 (budget), which provides for emergency coronavirus relief and authorizes other items. President Trump signed the measure on Dec. 27, 2020 . The budget’s COVID-related items affect municipalities throughout the U.S.

MMA’s Kate Dufour, director of State & Federal Relations, issued a summary today of the most salient municipal programs and funding levels in Gov. Janet Mills’ proposed FY 22 – FY 23 General Fund budget. A detailed examination will be included in MMA’s first Legislative Bulletin of 2021, which will come out on Friday, Jan. 15.

The state Office of Marijuana Policy today released preliminary draft rules meant to bring the state’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program regulations into congruence with state law. Administrative rulemaking is a standard process within government and, in this case, is needed due to significant changes that have been made to state law since rules were last revised, in February 2018. In addition to better reflecting the structure of Maine’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program, one notable change is the introduction of a process by which medical marijuana establishments are regulated at the local level prior to state review, as is currently mandated by law.

On Dec. 28, 2020, the Maine Revisor of Statutes published the list of bill titles submitted by state agencies and members of the 130^th Maine State Legislature. That list can be found at the link below.  Although one cannot evaluate the impacts of the proposals on the basis of a title, the list provides insight into legislative priorities for 2021 and 2022.  As soon as bills are printed, MMA’s State & Federal Relations staff will publish an LD list summarizing legislation of municipal interest.  Each Friday, an updated LD list is posted on the website and a link is emailed to Legislative Bulletin subscribers.  MMA’s first 2021 Legislative Bulletin will be published on Friday, Jan. 15. If you are interested in receiving LD List updates, please contact Laura Ellis at: lellis@memun.org.

We all know that COVID-19 threw a wrench into Maine’s plans to celebrate birthday number 200 last year. The Maine Bicentennial Commission is looking ahead. Events are scheduled to begin as early as this spring, with many getting into gear in the summer of 2021.

The State of Maine is reminding everyone that mental health resources are available to help during times of stress and uncertainty, including over the holidays. The demands of the holiday season can lead to an increase in stress, depression and other behavioral health challenges. This year, adjustments to holiday plans and other changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic are taking an added emotional toll on people.

Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWD) and MMA have teamed up to help communities with the state Department of Protection’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System regulatory requirements meet their permit obligations to educate boards and elected officers on the program obligations in Current MS4 permit. A series of Zoom meetings on the topic are scheduled, starting on Jan. 26, 2021.

Maine Municipal Association just updated our Hometown Careers municipal employment website, providing new emphasis on training programs and opportunities for mid-career job seekers. Launched in 2018, Hometown Careers offers a comprehensive look at careers in local government, including current positions that are open throughout Maine.

Efficiency Maine is  increasing the rebate amount for Maine government entities and Tribal governments to $12,000 for eligible battery electric vehicles and $5,000 for eligible plug-in hybrid electric vehicles purchased at participating dealers. The process for requesting the enhanced rebate remains the same. If you manage a government entity that has received an EV rebate, you are eligible to receive a mail-in rebate of up to $500 per plug for a Level 2 charger to help expand your fleet’s charging capacity.