Governor Janet T. Mills (D) of Maine.

Governor Janet T. Mills (D) has warned that Maine people and businesses will pay more for heating oil, gasoline, food and other everday essentials if President Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods goes into effect, tomorrow, March 4, 2025.

In a press release issued this morning, the Governor pointed out that Maine’s economy is deeply intertwined with Canada, and that last year, the state traded more than $6 billion goods with its northern neighbor.  Maine is the most heating oil dependent state in the country — and more than 80% of Maine’s heating fuel and gasoline is imported from Canada.

“When Maine businesses have to pay higher tariffs to import materials they need, building supplies or other things, or pay to export their finished products, they will be forced to pass these costs along to Maine consumers at a tme when they can least afford it.  These tariffs clearly will result in higher prices on everything from fruits and vegetables, flat screen tvs and auto parts and building supplies.  This will cost more than $1,200. annually in purchase power for the typical US household.  I would estimate more for Maine households given our interrelationship with Canada,” said Governor Mills.

“I can’t be clear enough:  the president’s broad tariffs on Canada as well as China and Mexico will increase costs on Maine families and Maine businesses who can ill afford them and they will cause great harm to our state’s economy,” the Governor’s statement concluded.

This blogger called the White House in Washington, DC to express concern about the placement of tariffs suppoed to take affect tomorrow, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.  However, the White House comment line is closed on Monday and will be open tomorrow Tuesday, March 4 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.  The phone number for the White House comment line is 202 456-1111.  This blogger has tried to reach numerous Republicans in Washington, DC, including Senator Susan Collins (R) of Maine.  However, none of them are currently accepting phone calls from the public.  One switchboard operator admitted: “We are Swamped.”    The switchboard number for Congress is:  202 – 224-3121 if you want to try to get in touch with a Republican member of Congress to give them your opinion!  Let Senator Collins know your opinion on her voting in support of the nomination of RFK, Jr to be Secretary of Health!

Also, please ask the Senator’s staffer when is her town hall scheduled and where in Maine will it be held?  Mainers have not received notification of that event yet!