PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 30, 2020
The tourism industry is the backbone of our Maine economy. Every year, tens of millions of people cross our border to look at the lighthouses on our coast, to fish in our lakes, to eat our lobster and blueberries and to take in all that Maine has to offer. As the COVID-19 crisis carries on, it is becoming a major threat to our summer tourism industry. We have put in place to support the tourist economy, the Maine Tourism Relief Fund, but at grants of $1,000 per small business and $500 per employee, it’s not enough to address the downturn that may come. From deeper conversation at the local level, to further action from Gov. Mills and a push for funds in the next federal stimulus package, now is the time to make a plan for our tourism industry. ~ Reps. Lydia Blume of York and Dan Hobbs of Wells