AUGUSTA, Maine — Governor-elect Hannah Pingree met with outgoing Governor Janet Mills on Friday at the State House and the Blaine House to begin planning the upcoming transition of power, tackling a range of pressing fiscal challenges and legislative priorities ahead of her inauguration.

Pingree will serve as Maine’s next governor and becomes the second woman elected to the state’s highest executive office, succeeding Mills, who served as the first.

Fiscal Outlook & Federal Shortfalls

During their meetings in the Governor’s Office and over lunch at the Blaine House, Mills expressed confidence in the administration’s legacy, pointing to a robust $764 million balance remaining in Maine’s Budget Stabilization Fund.

However, Governor-elect Pingree cautioned that state leaders face significant economic headwinds as federal COVID-19 relief funds phase out and federal reductions take effect across key social safety net programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), SNAP food assistance, and Medicaid.

Pingree indicated she plans to leverage portions of the budget surplus for targeted housing initiatives while actively preparing state agencies for impending federal budget cuts.

“Mainers don’t have time to waste and neither do I. Winter is coming,” Pingree said, adding that she has engaged with fellow governors nationwide to urge Congress to delay impending healthcare and assistance rollbacks.

Proposed Emergency Heating Relief

With regional home heating oil prices surpassing $6 per gallon and federal LIHEAP funding sharply reduced, Pingree stated that her incoming administration is actively preparing an emergency relief package. If federal intervention remains stall-bound, she signaled an intent to collaborate with lawmakers across the aisle when the legislature convenes in January to provide direct heating assistance to low- and middle-income residents.

Cabinet Appointments & Legislative Leadership

Pingree announced plans to conduct comprehensive interviews for all cabinet leadership positions across state departments to select top administrative personnel.

Meanwhile, Maine Republicans finalized their State House legislative leadership selections on Friday:

• Senate Minority Leader: Sen. Trey Stewart

• House Minority Leader: Rep. Ken Fredette