Governor of Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of Maine |
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Seal of the governor
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| Government of Maine | |
| Style | The Honorable |
| Residence | The Blaine House |
| Seat | Augusta, Maine |
| Appointer | Popular vote |
| Term length | 4 years, renewable once consecutively |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Maine |
| Precursor | Governor of Massachusetts (District of Maine) |
| Inaugural holder | William King |
| Formation | March 15, 1820 |
| Salary | $70,000 (2022) |
The governor of Maine is like the top leader for the U.S. state of Maine. They are in charge of the state's government.
Before Maine became a state in 1820, it was part of Massachusetts. Back then, the leader was the governor of Massachusetts.
Today, the governor of Maine is Janet Mills. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Governor Mills started her job on January 2, 2019.
The governor of Maine earns a salary of $70,000 each year. As of 2022, this is the lowest salary for a state governor in the entire United States.
Contents
Who Can Be Governor?
To become the governor of Maine, a person needs to meet certain rules. These rules are found in the state's constitution.
- They must be at least 30 years old when they start the job.
- They must have been a U.S. citizen for 15 years.
- They must have lived in Maine for at least five years.
- The governor must continue to live in Maine during their time in office.
- They cannot hold any other government job while being governor.
How Governors Are Elected and Serve
Governors in Maine are chosen directly by the people through an election. They serve for a term of four years.
- A governor can be elected many times.
- However, they can only serve two terms in a row.
- If two people get the same number of votes, the state's lawmakers decide who becomes governor.
What Does the Governor Do?
The governor has many important jobs and powers in Maine. They lead the state's government.
- The governor is the commander-in-chief of Maine's military forces. This includes the Maine National Guard.
- They choose many important officials for the state. These include people for civil, military, and court jobs.
- These choices usually need to be approved by the state's lawmakers.
- The governor can also grant pardons. This means they can forgive someone for a crime. They can also reduce a punishment.
The Governor's Cabinet
The governor leads the executive branch of Maine's government. This branch includes all the state agencies.
The governor's cabinet is a group of important advisors. These advisors are usually called commissioners. They help the governor manage different parts of the state.
Key Cabinet Roles
The governor nominates these commissioners. The state's lawmakers then officially choose them. Here are a few examples of important cabinet roles:
- Commissioner of Administrative & Financial Services: Manages the state's money and operations.
- Commissioner of Education: Oversees schools and learning in Maine.
- Commissioner of Health & Human Services: Works on public health and support programs.
- Commissioner of Public Safety: Is in charge of state police and public safety.
- Commissioner of Transportation: Manages roads, bridges, and other travel systems.
Who Takes Over if the Governor Can't Serve?
Maine is one of a few states that does not have a lieutenant governor. A lieutenant governor usually takes over if the governor leaves office early.
In Maine, if the governor's office becomes empty, the leader of the Maine Senate becomes the new governor. As of late 2018, the Senate president was Troy Jackson.
The Governor's Home
The Blaine House in Augusta is the official home for Maine's governor. It is located across the street from the Maine State House, where the state's laws are made.
- The Blaine House became the official residence in 1919.
- It is named after James G. Blaine, who used to own the house.
- Captain James Hall built the house in 1833.
- In 1964, it was recognized as a special historic place.
Past Governors of Maine
