📝 E-Newsletter from Representative Beth O'Connor

Maine Immunization Program

The Maine Immunization Program (MIP) strives to ensure full protection of all Maine children and adults from vaccine-preventable disease. Through cooperative partnerships with public and private health practitioners and community members, the MIP provides vaccine, comprehensive education and technical assistance, vaccine-preventable disease tracking and outbreak control, accessible population-based management tools, and compassionate support services that link individuals into comprehensive health care systems. Learn more here.

2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Would you like to be recognized for your efforts to be a veteran-ready employer? If your business has implemented veteran-inclusive hiring policies and veteran assistance programs, you can apply for the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award!

Before you apply, visit HIREVets.gov for program information and resources like the award criteria table and sample applications. You can also head to the HIRE Vets news page for stories about award recipients and videos from employers about what the HIRE Vets Medallion means to their business.

You can create an account, or log in to your existing account, at HIREVets.gov and begin your application today. But don’t wait – the deadline to apply is April 30!

Emergency Rent Relief Program

Maine has $200 million in rent relief funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This program will provide rental and utility relief payments to help eligible renters maintain housing stability. Maine’s Community Action Agencies will review applications, check eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households.

MaineHousing will launch the program in the near future. In the meantime, they have confirmed several program details that can help tenants and landlords gather the information needed to apply when the program opens.

Visit MaineHousing for landlord and tenant FAQs.

Insurance Bureau Conducts 450 Investigations for Consumers in 2020, Resulting in Close to $1.4 Million Recovered on Behalf of Mainers; Lost Life Policy Matches Add Additional $800,000

The Insurance Superintendent announced that nearly $1.4 million was recovered for Maine consumers through investigations conducted by the Insurance Bureau's consumer divisions in 2020. Additionally, policies valued at $818,000 were matched to Mainers through the Life Insurance Policy Locator, managed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), of which Maine is a member.

Consumers with questions about insurance matters can obtain information and assistance from the Maine Bureau of Insurance by visiting www.maine.gov/insurance, calling 800-300-5000 (TTY call Maine Relay 711), or e-mailing Insurance.PFR@maine.gov.