It’s hard to believe, but June is here. The past several months have been difficult, and I know we are all feeling the strain of our businesses being closed or operating in a limited capacity for so long. June in Maine usually brings with it days at camp, visits to the beach, hikes, bonfires and lobster dinners. Many of these activities we can all still enjoy, but I know it won’t be the same, and I know folks are impatient. I am also eager to get back to work. But we must remember, if we open the doors too quickly, it will only result in a prolonged and painful shuttering, once again. As Mainers, we are gritty. I know we can do this.

As of June 1, Maine has entered Stage 2 of the Governor’s plan to reopen the economy. You are still asked to stay six feet apart from people outside of your household and to wear a mask in places that are more populated or where it is difficult to maintain distance. When you visit retail establishments, there will still be limits on how many people can be in the space, so you’ll still be waiting in lines. However, more establishments will be allowed to open up, and those industries have received guidance from Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development about how to open safely.

There will also be more flexibility for groups of up to 50 people to be in one space, again presuming it’s a space where people can be six feet apart.

That means you could have a barbecue in your backyard if space allows or enjoy an outdoor dining experience at a restaurant in town. I hope these changes instill some normalcy in our lives and provide some support for our economy, but we must continue to be vigilant about protecting public health.

I recognize that it is hard to enjoy the natural beauties of our state when you’re worried about paying rent or putting food on the table. The lag in unemployment benefits has been crushing. We are all frustrated. The extraordinary volume of fraudulent activity in unemployment applications has caused further delays for many folks. The fraud is being perpetuated across the country and has caused delays in unemployment benefits in several states. The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is working quickly to investigate all fraudulent claims and has begun releasing payments once again. If your payment was put on hold for this reason, you should expect to see payments resume shortly. If you are still struggling to navigate the unemployment system or just haven’t heard back, please feel free to reach out to me. Additionally, MDOL has an unemployment fact sheet and a COVID-19 webpage with many helpful resources for those seeking unemployment insurance benefits. CEI has also put together a useful website with tips for self-employed and other workers applying for PUA.

I am excited that we have reached a new stage in the economic reopening plan because it means more folks can get back to work, but I recognize it won’t be business as usual. This means there will likely still be revenue shortfalls, so I want to remind you of some resources that are still available for businesses and individuals. The COVID-19 Relief Interim SBA Finance Loan Program provides direct loans of up to $100,000 to eligible borrowers who provide proof of commitment for SBA financing. The FAME loan would be provided to the business owner until such time as SBA loan is funded. The COVID-19 Relief Consumer Loan Program is also available and provides no- to low-interest consumer loans through a loan guarantee program involving Maine’s banks, credit unions, and FAME.

In the days of sunshine ahead, I hope you are able to get outside and remember that, while times are hard, we’re moving in the right direction. If there’s anything I can do to help you, whether related to the pandemic or not, I am available. It is an honor to serve our community.

Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves on the Taxation Committee.

(207) 712- 9735 | (800) 423-2900 | maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov