In 2016, while embroiled in fights with both the legislature and national press, then-Governor Paul LePage declined to deliver a State of the State address and instead sent lawmakers a letter decrying his opponents as “socialist politicians.” The abrupt refusal to deliver the traditional address came as LePage simultaneously faced national criticism for a series of racist comments and an impeachment effort focused on his usage of public funds to intimidate government and charitable organizations in the state.
“The State of the State address is an important opportunity for the Governor to show leadership and let Mainers know about their plans for the upcoming year,” said Drew Gattine, Chair of the Maine Democratic Party. “Paul LePage’s 2016 refusal to deliver the State of the State was just another example of how the chaos he caused prevented him from demonstrating any leadership whatsoever. I’m thankful every day that Governor Mills has brought leadership back to the Blaine House.”
On Thursday evening, Governor Mills will deliver her third State of the State address, the first in person since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She will speak about the challenges Maine currently faces, the actions her administration is taking to address those challenges, and her vision for Maine’s future.
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