Dear Editor:

Last week my husband and I received our $850 relief checks from the State of Maine. And what a relief it was! Like a lot of Maine families, we’ve been squeezed by the pandemic and high prices, and needed a boost. We’ll be spending our relief checks on some new windows and other materials for a much needed kitchen remodel. We’ve hired a local contractor and can’t wait to get started. That’s money into the pockets of regular Maine families, and into the local economy.

What’s especially great about this money, is that it comes from a state budget surplus. Under Governor Mills’ leadership our state economy has done well despite the pandemic. We have the largest rainy day fund ever, and have been upgraded from our low credit rating during the LePage administration to one of the highest credit ratings among all the states. Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature made the right decision to return this budget surplus directly to the taxpayers. Money talks, and this money says our state is moving in the right direction!

April Thibodeau

Westport Island