MAINE, USA — Here are some stories to keep an eye on this week.
Monday, February 22
Small business owners in Portland can get free personal protective equipment Monday. City officials will give out things like masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant. Most businesses with fewer than 30 employees will be eligible. This is the third PPE giveaway through the Keep Maine Healthy program.
The U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee is set to discuss amendments to the proposed coronavirus relief bill Monday. The $1.9 trillion plan includes money for stimulus checks and a bump in the minimum wage. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she hopes the package will pass by the end of the week. From there it would move on to the Senate.
Tuesday, February 23
Governor Janet Mills will give a State of the Budget address on Tuesday. Governor Mills is expected to focus on the pandemic, and its impact on Maine's economy. The address will be virtual and starts at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, February 24
On Wednesday, border patrol agents will hand out about a thousand boxes of food as part of the "Truck to Trunk" program. The goal is to help people living in rural areas get access to fresh food. It's happening at 9 a.m. at Saint Mary's Church in Houlton. The boxes will have things like fruit, veggies and milk.
Thursday, February 25
There's a similar donation happening in Old Orchard Beach on Thursday. It will run from 10 a.m. until noon at the ballpark. Both food drives are drive-thru style.
