Quick side note: Maine Policy Institute, formerly known as The Maine Heritage Policy Center, formally changed its name to Maine Policy Institute in early March.

In preparation for the coronavirus outbreak reaching Maine, Maine Policy Institute penned a letter of policy recommendations to Governor Janet Mills outlining steps the state could take to enhance its coronavirus response.

These recommendations included relaxing occupational licensing regulations by implementing universal recognition of medical licenses issued by other states, as well as eliminating red tape surrounding telehealth services. MPI also called on Governor Mills to postpone the state’s income tax filing deadline and consider implementing a sales tax holiday when social distancing policies are rescinded to help jump-start the Maine economy.

Since that time, Governor Mills has taken emergency action to loosen occupational licensing and telehealth rules in line with MPI’s recommendations, and also delayed the state’s income tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020, the same date set by the federal government.

In addition, Maine Policy Institute is focusing on being a resource for families that are grappling with homeschooling and distance learning now that schools in Maine are closed for the remainder of the academic year. Maine Policy Institute hosted a virtual townhall on April 9, 2020 with a panel of state and national homeschooling and distance learning experts who will answer parents’ questions and offer guidance to help them navigate this new reality.