Governor-elect Hannah Pingree Plans Winter Relief and Transition

Governor-elect Hannah Pingree met with Governor Janet Mills in Augusta on Friday to coordinate the transition of power scheduled for January 6. Pingree, who will be the second woman elected as Maine's governor, discussed the state's fiscal challenges, including the phase-out of federal COVID-19 relief and anticipated cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

A primary immediate concern is the cost of heating oil, which has exceeded $6 per gallon. Pingree stated that if federal relief does not materialize, she will seek a bipartisan emergency relief plan to assist middle- and low-income residents. To address broader needs, Pingree intends to use a $764 million surplus in the budget stabilization fund for housing initiatives and to offset social service funding cuts.

To manage the transition, Pingree appointed former state Senator Roger Katz and former Penobscot ambassador Maulian Bryant as co-chairs of her transition committee to identify cabinet candidates. Professional co-direction will be provided by Scott Ogden and Karen Geraghty. Governor Mills pledged her administration's full cooperation to ensure the governor-elect can hit the ground running upon taking office.