Letter to the Editor Toolkit
Want to shape how your community thinks about a policy issue? Letters to the Editor (LTE) are a terrific way to do that! They make your voice heard, educate your neighbors, and can drive real change in your town, Augusta, and D.C. Your words and opinions matter; folks are much more likely to listen to a community member than a talking head! Here are some tips to improve the chances of getting your LTE published and your message heard.
Toolkit Table of Contents
9 Tips for Writing a Good Letter 2
Talking Points for Letters 3
Week of December 15, 2024 3
Week of June 24, 2024 4
Week of April 15, 2024 5
How to Submit Your Letter 6
Major Publication LTE Guidelines 6
Sample Letters to the Editor 6
Sample LTE #1 6
Sample LTE #2 7
Older Talking Points 8
9 Tips for Writing a Good Letter
- Keep it to one subject you care about and check your local paper’s LTE word count to make sure your letter is within it (usually 250-300 words, often less for candidate endorsements).
- Use a personalized opener; e.g. “I’ve known CANDIDATE X for Y years…” It helps to establish your credibility. Or if you’re responding to a specific article in the paper, make that clear in your opening line.
- Stick to short sentences, short paragraphs, and simple, short words!
- Be yourself, no need for jargon or acronyms. Readers resonate more with an authentic voice.
- A personal story that illustrates the issue you’re writing about can make the issue real for readers; if you have an anecdote, consider using it!
- If you have unique insight or credibility on the subject, mention it (e.g. you’re writing about school funding and you’re a retired teacher).
- Use facts and stick to them: no hearsay, overstating or exaggerating a point.
- Be positive, respectful, and offer solutions/ideas whenever possible! No insulting or smearing opponents or opposing views.
- End with a call to action, e.g. “Be sure to vote for…” or “To find out more, go to this website…”
Talking Points for Letters
Week of December 15, 2024
The Big Picture
- 2024 Maine Democratic Party year in review:
- Maine Democrats added a full-time Local Organizing Director position!
- Democrats caucused in record numbers in communities across Maine!
- Maine Democrats invested in offices and staff in every county!
- Maine Democrats delivered 3 electoral votes for Kamala Harris& Tim Walz!
- Mainers re-elected both of our Democratic members of Congress!
- Maine Democrats retained our State House & Senate majorities!
- Senate President Mattie Daughtry & House Speaker Ryan Fecteau were elected legislative leaders!
- Democrats were elected to Maine’s four constitutional officer seats!
The State House Scoop
- Republicans look to defund Maine’s new paid leave program: During the previous legislature, Maine Democrats fought for and secured huge wins for working Mainers and their families including making childcare more accessible and affordable, investing in education and apprenticeship programs, and creating a Paid Family & Medical Leave program beginning in 2026. These policies will help grow Maine’s workforce by preparing young Mainers for careers here at home, keeping Maine parents in the workforce, and providing working Mainers flexibility to care for children, parents, or personal illness without automatically losing their jobs. Now, these critical programs are under attack from Maine Republicans. Rep. Joshua Morris, R-Turner has introduced a bill to gut Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program, removing support from hundreds of thousands of working Mainers. Maine Democrats will continue to stand up and fight for working families to keep our economy and communities strong.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Sen. Susan Collins should reject Trump’s unqualified nominees: As Donald Trump has rushed to announce his nominees in the weeks since the election, it has become clear that the only criteria to earn some of the most powerful and trusted positions in any administration is their unwavering loyalty and support for the president-elect. So far Trump’s picks have been so unqualified and unfit that they have prompted Sen. Susan Collins to be “shocked,” “alarmed,” and “concerned.” For decades, Susan Collins has stylized herself as a “moderate” voice in the Republican caucus while avoiding strong stances that would force the rest of her party to moderate their policies and positions. Sen. Collins must act now to stand up and speak out against Trump’s nominees to protect Mainers from the potentially dangerous consequences of putting unqualified individuals in these positions of power.
Week of June 24, 2024
The Big Picture
- Shared Values, Popular Policies: Even in the current polarized political environment, Mainers and Americans broadly still hold many of the same shared values regarding our rights and freedoms, building better opportunities for our families and communities, and protecting our friends and neighbors including Maine’s children and seniors, Mainers with disabilities, Mainers of color, and LGBTQ+ Mainers. Democratic Party policies that speak to these values are popular even with many Republicans and Independents including the freedom to choose, free community college, and capping the cost of healthcare.
The State House Scoop
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Jobs Up, Crime Down: Thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan which invested $15 billion in public safety nationwide, crime is down across the board including incidents of violent crime which were down 6% percent. Murders were down 13% between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Donald Trump oversaw the greatest 1-year jump in murders ever between 2019 and 2020, when it rose nearly 30%. The US economy added another 272,000 jobs in May, meaning President Biden has created 15 million jobs since he entered office, including an additional 6 million jobs on top of those that were recovered from before the pandemic. Due to Trump’s disastrous handling of the economy, Americans held 9.8 million fewer jobs at the end of 2020 than before the pandemic began and almost 3 million fewer jobs than at the start of his presidency.
Week of April 15, 2024
The Big Picture
- Reproductive Rights Are on the Ballot, Again: Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Republican judges and politicians have moved to strip Americans of their reproductive rights at every opportunity. These deeply personal decisions about our bodies and families should not be left up to the whims of politicians. We’ve worked hard to elect Democratic leaders who have fought to make sure that these choices stay between Mainers and their doctors without getting the government involved. Unfortunately, every Maine Republican in Augusta voted to keep the choice to protect fertility treatments, contraceptives, and abortion access out of the hands of the Maine people. At the same time, House Republicans have signed onto a bill that would ban all three nationwide. We won’t stop fighting to protect reproductive rights in Maine, which means we need to work together to elect Democrats at all levels from the State House, to the US House, to the White House.
The State House Scoop
- Mainers Deserve Better: Last week, you may have seen this video of a Republican member of the state legislature blaming his fellow lawmakers for invoking God’s wrath and causing the October 25, 2023 shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Rep. Michael Lemelin’s comments were seconded by Rep. Shelley Rudnicki, and both were unanimously censured without objection by the Maine State House. Rep. Lemelin’s incredibly cruel remarks have no place in the Maine House and are an affront to the pain Mainers are still suffering as a result of this tragedy. Mainers expect and deserve compassionate, principled leadership from our elected officials. These lawmakers' constituents will remember the callousness with which they spoke about one of the darkest days in Maine history when they go to the ballot box this fall.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Taking on Corporations, Lowering Costs: Donald Trump promised that he would cut a deal with Big Pharma to bring down costs, but after four years in the White House, he failed to deliver. President Biden has successfully taken on Big Pharma to cap the cost of insulin and inhalers at $35 for Mainer seniors, and cap their out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000, plus allow Medicare to leverage its buying power to negotiate the costs of prescription drugs. In his next term, President Biden promises to deliver even more savings with a proposed plan to extend these caps into the commercial market to reduce costs for all Americans and to give taxpayers more protections against price gauging on the drugs that our tax dollars help to develop. President Biden is taking on corporations and delivering lower costs where Trump failed.
How to Submit Your Letter
- Find your local paper’s Letters to the Editor submission form or email address on their website and follow their instructions.
- Many newspapers will require that LTE writers submit contact information with their letter. Phone numbers won't be published; it is just to verify that you are the author.
- Only submit your letter to one paper at a time; if it doesn’t get accepted there, try another.
- If your LTE gets published, please send it to us! comms@mainedems.org
Major Publication LTE Guidelines
Portland – Portland Press Herald
Lewiston – Sun Journal
Bangor – Bangor Daily News
Augusta – Kennebec Journal
Click here for a list of publications throughout the state!
Note: A non-political letter is required if you are sending your LTE to a Turner Publishing newspaper (Auburn Highlights, Country Connection, Country Courier, Franklin Focus, Good News Gazette, Greater Lisbon Ledger, Kennebec Current, Lewiston Leader, Moose Prints, Mountain Messenger, Oxford Hills Observer, Somerset Express, Two Cent Times, Western Maine Foothills).
Sample Letters to the Editor
Sample LTE #1
CANDIDATE X brings good experience to town council
I have known CANDIDATE X for a number of years. I was thrilled to learn she is running for Town Council. Her experience as a business owner will bring an important perspective to the council. As a business owner myself, I respect her responsible approach to finances and balancing a budget. We both know what it means to make a payroll and how to work through challenging times.
Knowing CANDIDATE X’S passion for our community, it doesn't surprise me that she is willing to take on this important position in addition to the responsibilities of raising a family and running a business. I support her for Town Council, because she brings a much needed business perspective and a focus on creating more economic opportunities for our town.
YOUR NAME, YOUR TOWN
Sample LTE #2
Democrats are fighting hard for schools
In response to the article “Democrats Don’t Care About Education” published on January 21, I would like to correct the record. As a long-time educator and lifelong Democrat, I know that this party cares deeply about our schools.
Just this past year, Democrats in the Statehouse voted to increase funding by X amount. This increase would support A, B, and C. This is just one example of how Democrats are fighting for quality education.
This election season, I hope you will join me in voting Democrat. A vote for them is a vote for our schools, our teachers, our children, and our future.
YOUR NAME, YOUR TOWN
Older Talking Points
Week of March 18, 2024
The Big Picture
- Maine’s Democratic Women Make History: Maine’s Democratic women have a long history of making history. Some notable firsts include Maine’s Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member who served as Secretary of Labor for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and former state legislator Libby Mitchell, the only woman to have served as both Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. Maine’s Democratic women continue to make history and fight for the freedoms and rights of all Mainers.
Over the past few election cycles, we are proud to have helped elect the first female Governor of Maine, Governor Janet Mills, and State House majorities where women make up more than half of our Democratic caucus. These majorities voted to appoint Maine’s first female Secretary of State, Secretary Shenna Bellows, and are headed by the amazing women of our legislative leadership teams; Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, House Majority Leader Mo Terry, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mattie Daughtry, and Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier.
The State House Scoop
- Support Our Legislative Candidates: Last Friday was the deadline for legislative candidates to submit their petitions to appear on the party primary ballots in June! We’re proud to announce that Senate Democrats are running candidates for every single Maine Senate seat and that House Democrats are running candidates in 148 out of 151 districts. By comparison, House Republicans are only running in 142 districts.
This is an enormous feat and would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of volunteers across the state! So many of our most fundamental freedoms are governed at the state level, from reproductive rights to voting rights, and so much more. We need your help to support our candidates and keep our State House majorities. Volunteer or give a clean election contribution to help Maine Democrats hold the House & Senate!
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
Our Democratic officials in Maine have fought hard to preserve Mainers’ access to reproductive healthcare and secure our reproductive rights and freedoms, but this year’s federal elections could reverse it all. Maine has a critical role in helping to take back the US House and send President Biden back to the White House this November, and Maine Democrats are ready to work to make it happen.
Week of February 19, 2024
The Big Picture
- Celebrating Maine Trailblazers: February is Black History Month, and on MDP social media pages, we are continuing to celebrate the achievements of eight Maine Trailblazers who are shaping the history of our state. These leaders; Gerald Talbot, Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, Sen. Jill Duson, John Jenkins, Dr. Richard Evans, Sen. Craig Hickman, Rep. Deqa Dhalac, and Rep. Mana Abdi, stand out for their advocacy, civic engagement, & public service, and are a part of the many contributions & long history of black Mainers. You can visit our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to see and share their stories!
The State House Scoop
- Budgets & Values: Last spring, Governor Mills signed a historic budget directing support to Maine’s people and businesses and earlier this year, she announced her plans to continue making progress on the issues that matter most to Mainers. Her supplemental budget plan includes investments to address homelessness and build more housing, improve child safety, address the opioid epidemic, support K-12 education, attract and retain healthcare workers, and more! We must keep electing Democratic leaders to Augusta who will work with the Governor to confront these challenges head-on.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
Week of January 22, 2024
The Big Picture
- Opportunity, Resiliency, & Climate Change: In the past year, we have all felt the effects of the powerful storms and extreme weather that battered our state, and communities across Maine were disrupted by the impacts of the world’s changing climate. While reducing emissions and confronting climate change still present big challenges, President Biden, Governor Mills, and Democrats in Congress & the State House are making record investments in smart climate solutions including clean energy, domestic manufacturing, and resilient infrastructure. The Mills and Biden-Harris administrations are also supporting innovation and investments in Maine’s bioproducts industry, which has huge potential to help reduce reliance on plastics. These measures help to address climate change while also strengthening the economy and creating jobs and opportunities for Mainers.
The State House Scoop
- Plans for Mills’ Maine Office of New Americans: Last Friday, the Governor’s office released its plan to establish an Office of New Americans within the Maine state government. Representative Deqa Dhalac has introduced the bill to create the new agency, which has been championed by both immigration advocates and business groups as a critical step to help support the civic and economic integration of immigrants in Maine. Many Maine businesses have faced labor shortages, even during a year in which the state’s unemployment rate reached record lows. The new office will help New Mainers through their transition to life in Maine and connect them to educational and employment opportunities in their new communities.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- On the Right to Choose, the Choice is Clear: Yesterday was the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which found that women have a constitutional right to choose, and to make their own private healthcare decisions free from political interference. Now, thanks to Donald Trump’s Supreme Court justices overturning nearly 50 years of judicial precedent, reproductive rights are under attack all across the country. While Democrats in Maine are working to protect reproductive rights by enshrining them in the Maine Constitution, the threat to our reproductive freedoms is far from over. Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have said that they want to see anti-abortion legislation passed at the federal level. We need to put a Democrat back in the Oval Office who would veto any national abortion ban and do our part to help take back the US House and codify access to reproductive healthcare into federal law.
Week of December 4, 2023
The Big Picture
- Election Year is Here: For the past few months, candidates for President have been collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot. Last week, we got official confirmation that Republicans Doug Bergum, Ryan Binkley, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Donald Trump have all qualified for the ballot here in Maine. Quite simply, none of these candidates is a good choice for Maine. Over the next eleven months, we’ll be connecting with Mainers about their values and votes - and we’ll need your help to engage your friends, neighbors, and community members. Take the first step by signing our volunteer interest form!
The State House Scoop
- Tackling Maine’s Climate Goals: The Maine Climate Council just released its 2023 report measuring Maine’s progress on our state’s climate goals under Governor Janet Mills’ administration. Maine is on its way to meeting our environmental goals while increasing energy supply, creating jobs, lowering heating costs, and more! In 2023, Maine reached 51% renewable energy, with a goal of 80% by 2030. We currently have 15,019 clean energy jobs, over half of the way to our goal of 30,000 by 2030. Maine has already passed its heat pump installation goal of 100,000 heat pumps which was set for 2025, and a new goal has been set to install 175,000 heat pumps by 2027. We are also well on our way to meeting home weatherization goals, making it easier and cheaper for Mainers to heat their homes.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Anniversary: November 15 marked the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) championed by President Biden which is making historic investments in American infrastructure. In addition to roads, bridges, and airports, the BIL includes funding for Broadband expansion, Safe Streets programs to increase roadway safety, Clean Bus programs to reduce or eliminate emissions, and more. You can see a map of the projects in Maine that are taking place as part of President Biden’s investing in America policies at Invest.gov
Week of October 30, 2023
The Big Picture
- Holding Each Other Close: Maine is a truly special place to live. The beauty of our state lies not only in its varied landscapes, unique wildlife, and historic communities, but also in its people. There’s an often repeated saying that Maine is one big small town. Our close-knit and connected communities are no accident. Above almost all else, Mainers are caring. We are always there to lend a helping hand. That’s part of what makes this loss so incredibly painful to so many of us. But Mainers are also strong. We won’t let the pain turn our caring into apathy, in fact, we must care more. For the victims, survivors, and their families, for the City of Lewiston and its people, and for ourselves and our friends, our families, and our neighbors. We will come together, hold each other close, grieve, cry, heal – and then we will get to work.
The State House Scoop
- Leadership & Accountability: Governor Mills has announced that she is working with the Attorney General to establish a completely independent commission to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the Lewiston shootings, including the timeline of events leading up to the tragedy, and the police response. Governor Mills stated that knowing the truth of what occurred is, “a cornerstone of the ability to heal.” The commission is intended to be comprised of “ independent experts with legal, investigative, and mental health backgrounds” who are well equipped to determine the “full and impartial facts”, “including any failures.” Governor Mills' leadership in forming this commission will help to provide transparency and accountability, as well as help lawmakers move forward with any potential reforms.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
Week of October 9, 2023
The Big Picture
- Only One Party Works for Working Mainers: The Maine AFL-CIO has released its legislative scorecards for the 2023 legislative session, and the takeaway is clear: only one Party works for working Mainers. Out of the 81 Republican legislators in the State House & Senate, 65 of them received a score of zero on the issues that are most important to working Mainers. Across all 81 Republican Senators and Representatives, the highest score was a 50. Meanwhile, out of the 102 Democrats in the State House & Senate, 70 of them received a perfect score of 100 on workers’ issues. In the White House, President Biden is keeping his promise to be the most pro-Union and pro-worker President in U.S. history as he works to grow the middle-class economy, rebuild American infrastructure, and harness the opportunity to create good-paying Union jobs as we combat the effects of climate change.
The State House Scoop
- Combatting the Housing Crunch: A report was recently released by MaineHousing, the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, and the Department of Economic and Community Development evaluating Maine’s current and future housing needs. According to the report, we’re already making progress. The number of units being planned or constructed went from 1,672 in 2021 to 3,715 in 2023, including an increase from 1,537 affordable units to 3,280. While there is still more work to be done, Governor Mills and Democrats in the legislature have passed a number of short-term and long-term solutions that are working to address this need. One example is the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program which will incentivise developers to make new housing available and help address worker shortages caused by lack of housing. Lawmakers also passed L.D. 2003 which will increase housing density & allow for the building of accessory dwelling units such as in-law apartments, and are looking at additional zoning, land use, and tax reforms to increase Maine’s housing stock.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- House Republicans in Chaos: Last week, after again failing to make good on the budget deal reached early this summer between House Republicans and President Biden’s administration, the Republican caucus voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House – a first in United States history. In a repeat of the chaos from January, we have now entered the second week without a new Speaker as Republicans struggle to rally the votes of their own Party members to support their candidate, Steve Scalise, who once attended a white supremacist rally, has refused to say that President Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, and called himself “David Duke without the baggage”. As we approach yet another budget deadline at the hands of Republicans, they’ve once again proven themselves to be unfit to govern as their members would rather stake out their extreme and unpopular agendas than work to serve the American people.
Week of Sep 11, 2023
The Big Picture
- Racist groups shouldn’t be downplayed or dismissed: While we are in the midst of grappling with the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and racists attempting to disrupt and divide our communities, most Mainers, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, have been united in speaking out and standing together against hate. However, that has not stopped some in the Maine GOP from spreading baseless lies, making false equivalencies, and downplaying Nazism in an attempt to score a few political points. It is up to us to hold these individuals accountable. Please take a moment to read this op-ed from former Democratic State Rep. Scott Cuddy in which he does just that. We encourage you to help amplify the statements from our elected leaders, and to make your own voice heard by writing a Letter to the Editor.
The State House Scoop
- Maine Ranks #1 for Women’s Political Empowerment: Maine has just ranked 1st in the nation for women’s political empowerment, and 3rd overall in Wallethub’s annual Women’s Equality Index. We are so proud of the Democratic women leading our state forward, including Governor Janet Mills, and the women in leadership of both our Democratic House & Senate caucuses. This year Maine passed laws that protected reproductive healthcare, made childcare easier to access and afford, and created a Paid Family Medical Leave program. These accomplishments would likely not have been possible without Democratic women leading the way, and we won't stop here! Maine Dems are committed to continue recruiting & supporting candidates who accurately reflect & represent all Maine people.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Why Drug Price Negotiation is a Big Deal: At the end of last month, President Biden’s administration announced the first 10 drugs to be negotiated under Medicare. Allowing Medicare the ability to engage in drug price negotiations was a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, which not a single Senate Republican supported. The drugs announced for negotiations are used by over 40,000 Mainers to treat conditions such as blood clots, diabetes, arthritis, and heart failure, among others, and the average out-of-pocket costs range from $89 to a whopping $4,994. President Biden is working to bring down the costs of those medications, and his policies placing a $35 out-of-pocket cap on insulin and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs are set to save seniors even more money at the doctor’s office and drug counter. In 2016, Donald Trump ran on promising to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, but even with control of both houses on Congress, Republicans proved that they would rather deliver tax breaks for the wealthy than relief for America’s seniors.
Week of August 21, 2023
The Big Picture
- Democratic Leaders Speak Up Against Hate: In response to the neo-Nazi demonstration that took place in Augusta on August 12th, Democratic leaders released statements condemning their attempts to spread intolerance and intimidate Mainers of color. We must all speak up, and keep speaking up to make it clear that hatred is not welcome in Maine.



The State House Scoop
- Maine Dems Deliver for Workers: Democrats passed a number of bills this session to support Maine workers and Union laborers including the following provisions:
- Protecting workers from retaliation & surveillance.
- Banning anti-union captive audience meetings.
- Providing scholarships for apprenticeships & pre-apprenticeships.
- Using Union labor to help meet Maine’s Green Energy goals.
These measures will protect Maine workers against exploitation, and help expand Maine’s skilled trades workforce.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Not So Great Debate: Last night was the first 2024 Republican primary debate, and there was one clear winner: President Biden. The participants seemed to be competing over who could have the most extreme (and unpopular) position on every policy issue. From national abortion bans to calling climate change a “hoax” to election denialism, it was clear that every candidate onstage is out of touch with the American people, who have affirmed their positions at the ballot box over and over again. Luckily, we have President Biden in office, who will veto any perspective national abortion ban, whose policies have done more to address climate change than any previous administration, and who was elected with more votes than any other President in history.
Week of Jul 31, 2023
The Big Picture
The State House Scoop
- Dems Deliver Progress on Housing Crisis: The budget passed by Democratic legislators and Governor Mills is directly addressing Maine’s housing and homelessness crisis. The budget includes funding for both short-term and long-term housing solutions including:
- Establishing a new Housing First program to assist homeless Mainers.
- Building new rural affordable rental housing.
- Housing tax credits & home energy assistance for low-income Mainers.
- The Emergency Housing Relief Fund.
These programs will work to help both urban and rural communities and reduce the strain caused by the current lack of affordable housing in Maine.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
Week of July 10, 2023
The Big Picture
- The Consequences of Elections: The Supreme Court has once again turned its back on settled law to issue more radical and out of touch opinions regarding race-conscious college admissions and laws protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. These rulings come as state legislatures across the country work to ban teaching about race and our nation’s history, and roll back the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. The politicization of our Nation’s highest court is a direct result of Senate Republicans gaming the judicial confirmation process , and a powerful reminder that the negative consequences of elections disproportionately affect communities that are already structurally disadvantaged, such as communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and others.
The State House Scoop
- Dems Deliver for Maine Families, Workers: Democratic lawmakers are investing in Maine’s future through policies that support Maine families and make our workforce more resilient, including:
- Establishing a new Paid Family Leave Program.
- Expanding stipends for childcare workers and childcare subsidies for Maine working families.
- Implementing a new Maine Dependent Tax Credit.
These policies will reduce the burden on Maine workers and families; allowing them to better care for themselves, their children, or their elderly parents during a family emergency, and allow more people to keep their jobs; increasing the strength, flexibility, and stability of our workforce.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Bidenomics 101: Bidenomics is about growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out, not the top down. President Biden's economic vision is centered around three key pillars: making smart public investments, empowering and educating workers to grow the middle class, and promoting competition to lower costs and help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive. This includes new investments to bring affordable, high-speed internet access to all 50 states and territories by 2030, starting with underserved and rural areas. Maine will receive $272 million in federal funds to bring broadband to 94,000 homes and businesses, and expand high speed internet across the state.
Week of June 19, 2023
The Big Picture
- Dobbs Decision Anniversary: Saturday, June 24, will mark one year since the Supreme Court ignored decades of precedent to overturn Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood. Across the country Republican governors and state legislatures have passed and enacted cruel laws to outlaw abortion, threaten doctors with prison time, and put women’s lives at risk. Thankfully in Maine, we have worked hard to elect a Democratic governor and state legislators that have stood up to defend Mainers’ reproductive rights and rejected Republicans’ extreme and unpopular bills that attempt to restrict access and spread dangerous medical misinformation.
The State House Scoop
- Democrats Defend LGBT Healthcare: This week, legislative Democrats in both the House and Senate voted to protect healthcare for transgender Mainers including services such as hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery and mental health counseling. Governor Mills’ administration implemented rules to cover these treatments under MaineCare in 2019, and L.D. 1040 will codify those provisions into law to ensure better protections to transgender Mainers under any future administrations.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Pres. Biden Delivers on the Economy: The economy added 10.7 million jobs under President Biden in the first two years of his administration, which is 1.2 million higher than before the pandemic began. This includes 789,000 manufacturing jobs. Legislation championed by President Biden such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have made significant investments in creating good-paying union jobs within manufacturing, infrastructure, and clean energy. The Biden-Harris administration has repeatedly demonstrated that they are committed to growing the middle class and rebuilding the American economy from the bottom up and middle out.
Week of June 6, 2023
The Big Picture
- Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride in Maine: This month, Pride events will be taking place in communities big and small across our great state. Meanwhile, Republican politicians in states across the country continue their assault on the rights of LGBTQ+ people, and especially on members of the trans community. As Democrats, we believe that everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation, or their gender identity should be able to find a home here in Maine, and we are committed to defending the rights of all Maine citizens and families.
The State House Scoop
- Governor Mills’ Balanced Budget: Last week, Maine received strong credit ratings from two major credit-rating agencies, both of which cited Governor Mill’s budget as a major factor. S&P Global Ratings mentioned “good financial policies and budgetary management”, while Moody’s Investors Services said “the biennial budget for fiscal years 2024-2025 is structurally sound.” Governor Mills' balanced budget is a record investment in Maine people and services, while at the same time making sure that we can more easily attract investors to Maine.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- President Biden’s Debt Deal: This weekend, President Biden signed a bipartisan bill to raise the debt ceiling limit into law and averted a potentially catastrophic default on our national debt. Despite congressional Republicans' threats to tank the economy, jeopardize the retirements of millions of Americans, cost eight million Americans their jobs, and destroy our national credit, Pres. Biden was able to lead the way to a bipartisan deal which will cut the deficit by more than $1 trillion, and prevented Republicans’ proposed cuts which would have had huge impacts on Medicaid and VA healthcare.
Week of May 22, 2023
The Big Picture
- There’s No Place for Hate in Maine: Last week, at least two Maine Democratic county committees received a mailing containing white nationalist literature. As Democrats, we believe that everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation, or their gender identity should be able to find a home here in Maine, free of fear and persecution (read our full statement).
The State House Scoop
- Governor Mills Proposes Legislation to Tackle the Housing Crunch, Homelessness, and Workforce Development: Earlier this month, Governor Mills released a proposal using Maine’s surplus and projected revenues to tackle Maine’s housing shortage, to fund food services and emergency shelters to address homelessness, and to strengthen Maine’s system of emergency medical services. The legislation will be subject to additional debates and votes in the legislature (read more).
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Biden-Harris Administration is Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure: The Biden-Harris administration is rebuilding our roads and bridges, replacing lead pipes to provide clean water, cleaning up legacy pollution, expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet, and ushering in a new era of clean energy. To date, the administration has announced over $220 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including over 32,000 specific projects and awards, across over 4,500 communities.
Week of May 8, 2023
The Big Picture
- Governor Mills Elected Co-Chair of U.S. Climate Alliance: Since taking office in 2019, Governor Mills has prioritized action against climate change in Maine through reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and making Maine communities more resilient to climate effects. With bipartisan support of the Legislature, the state in 2019 enacted laws setting ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The State House Scoop
- Maine Republicans Propose Extreme Legislation: Last week, Maine Republican legislators presented a series of extreme, unpopular bills. If passed into law, their bills would restrict access to abortion, ban books from school libraries, and make it harder for needy Mainers to access temporary assistance benefits.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Thanks to President Biden, Job Growth Remains Strong: Last week’s jobs report shows that 253,000 jobs were created last month, marking 12.7 million jobs created since President Biden took office. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the American economy has reclaimed all of the jobs lost during the pandemic, and the unemployment rate is at 3.4%, matching the lowest unemployment rate since 1969.
Week of April 24, 2023
The Big Picture
- Maine Republicans are on the Wrong Side of History: Maine Republicans are continuing to spread misinformation about Democrats’ efforts to protect abortion access. As a reminder, last year many Republican candidates refused to even answer questions publicly about abortion. However, in a closed Zoom meeting with members of the extreme right-wing Christian Civic League, Republicans revealed their extreme stance on this issue – some even opposing abortion in situations where the mothers’ life is in danger or likening abortion to the holocaust.
Every Year is an Election Year
- Waldoboro-Area Special Election is Heating Up: Two candidates are vying for a District 45 seat, which includes the towns of Friendship, Washington, Bremen, Waldoboro, and the Louds Island Township. The Democratic nominee, Wendy Pieh, is an experienced former state legislator and community leader. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13. Learn more here!
The State House Scoop
- State Leaders Take a Stand for Mainers’ Abortion Rights: Earlier this month, Attorney General Aaron Frey joined a lawsuit to block a ruling that would have restricted Mainers’ access to mifepristone, better known as the “abortion pill.” Mifepristone, has been used safely for over 20 years, is the most common abortion method in the United States.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- President Biden’s Job Plan is Boosting State Economies: Last week, President Biden spoke at a union training facility in Accokeek, Maryland on the contrast between his economic plans and those of MAGA Republicans. The President is focused on growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out, not the top down – while MAGA Republicans are pushing more tax giveaways that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations (read more).
Week of April 10, 2023
The Big Picture
- Planned Parenthood Will Continue to Offer Medication Abortion in Maine: At least until April 14, mifepristone remains safe, legal, and available throughout the country. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England health centers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will continue to offer medication abortion using the mifepristone protocol until further notice. Mabel Wadsworth Center and Maine Family Planning will do the same at their clinics in Maine. (read more).
Every Year is an Election Year
- Democrats Flip Wisconsin Supreme Court: Last week, Democrats in Wisconsin flipped control of the state’s Supreme Court from conservative to liberal control for the first time in fifteen years. Justice-elect Janet Protasiewicz will be a key vote in upcoming decisions on abortion rights, gerrymandered political maps, and voting rights issues (read more).
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Investing in America Tour Continues: Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris was in Georgia to celebrate the largest-ever investment in U.S. clean energy manufacturing. The $2.5 billion investment is expected to create 2,500 new jobs, and highlights how President Biden and Vice President Harris’s economic agenda is helping power our clean energy economy, while bringing supply chains back to the United States, and creating good-paying jobs (read more).
State Budget Talking Points - March 30, 2023
This year, the Chairs of the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee have once again decided to take a two-part approach to Maine’s biennial budget. Part 1 of the budget, which is expected to pass later today deals with deals only with current services. New initiatives will be reviewed and acted upon in part 2 of the budget, which will be negotiated and voted on later this spring. This breakdown reflects how state lawmakers approached the state budget in the 90s and early 2000s.
Topline Talking Points
- A “continuing services” or “current services” budget is exactly what it sounds like — a baseline budget with funding for all services currently enacted in law. This includes initiatives from the 130th Maine Legislature — many of which passed with strong, bipartisan support.
- This is a budget that pays the bills and ensures the state can fulfill its obligations to Maine people. It honors the state’s ongoing commitments to education, child care, hospitals, behavioral health, long-term care, property tax relief and more. Though these are not new initiatives, they are transformational investments in the health and well-being of Maine families, communities and local economies.
- By passing a current services budget before the end of March, we can remove the threat of a government shutdown and give state employees and school districts some certainty to plan for the future.
We support the Democrats’ plan to pass a continuing services budget. A government shutdown would be disastrous to Maine families and workers. Passing a two-part budget eliminates that possibility. There will still be plenty of opportunity to negotiate on remaining issues and programs before the end of the legislative session.
Opportunities to Respond
- Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart appeared on WVOM this morning, falsely claiming that Republicans are being cut out of the negotiation process. Write a letter in support of the current budget process!
- The Bangor Daily News editorial board penned an article in support of the two-part process. In their words: “This ensures that current services are funded, which gives towns, schools, providers and others that rely on state spending some certainty as they prepare their own spending plans. It also moves discussions of tax cuts and spending increases to a time when the stakes are lower should there be a failure to reach agreement.”
What’s Included in this Budget Bill?
- Revenue-sharing - This continuing services budget respectsMaine’s commitment to cities, towns, and municipalities by maintaining the revenue-sharing program at 5 percent. This will continue to stabilize property taxes by providing municipalities with the funds to cover law enforcement, snow removal and other essential services. This is the first two-year budget to fully restore the revenue-sharing program since it was eliminated in 2015.
- Property Tax Fairness Credit - The budget protects the property tax fairness credit, providing eligible working families and older Mainers some much-needed relief on property tax or rent. The maximum benefit is $1,000 each year for those under 65 and $1,500 for those over 65.
- Homestead Exemption Program - The continuing services budget upholds Maine’s Homestead Exemption Program, which exempts $25,000 off the value of a Maine resident’s home from property taxes. This provision reimburses municipalities for more than 75 percent of the lost revenue.
- Tax Breaks for Maine Retirees - During the 130th Maine Legislature, lawmakers increased the annual income tax pension deduction to $25,000 — a $15,000 increase — to help retired Mainers with rising costs. Part 1 of the biennial budget supports this increased exemption.
- School Funding - Making good on the state’s commitment to fund education at 55 percent. The budget fulfills the state’s commitment to Maine schools, municipalities and teachers by funding 55 percent of K-12 public education.
- School Meals - No child should be expected to go to school, pay attention in
- class, and earn good marks on an empty stomach. This continuing services budget ensures that Maine can continue to offer school meals at no charge to any student that wants or needs them.
- And more! - The budget will also boost the wages of Maine’s child care workers, fund state retirement programs, provide health care coverage for children and families, maintain funding for nursing homes, invest in Maine’s Commission on Indigent Legal Services, help farmers, and more!
Week of March 27, 2023
The Big Picture
- Our Organizing Plans for 2023 and Beyond: The Maine Democratic Party is committed to organizing locally, supporting municipal candidates running on Democratic values, and building a bench of qualified, compassionate leaders who can one day run for higher office. In her op-ed in last week’s Bangor Daily News, our Chair, Bev Uhlenhake, highlighted Democrats’ success reaching voters last year, the importance of year-round organizing, and our plans to build on progress in 2023, 2024, and beyond.
Every Year is an Election Year
- Waldoboro Area Special Election: Governor Janet Mills and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced that a special election will be held on Tuesday, June 13 to fill the vacant House District 45 seat, which includes the towns of Friendship, Washington, Bremen, Waldoboro, and Louds Island Township. On Sunday, Democrats nominated former state legislator Wendy Pieh. Republicans will hold a nominating caucus for their candidate on Wednesday, March 29.
State House Scoop
- Democrats to Pass State Budget: Last week, Democrats advanced a “baseline budget” to avert a risk of a government shutdown. The budget bill is expected to be signed into law later this week. With at least $400 million still unallocated, bipartisan negotiations are planned to continue later this spring.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- White House Announces “Investing In America” Tour: Today President Biden kicked off an “Investing in America” tour with a visit to a chips manufacturer in North Carolina. Over the course of the next three weeks, President Biden and White House officials will barnstorm to over 20 states to highlight the impact the administration’s economic agenda is having on communities across the country.
Week of March 13, 2023
The Big Picture
- Mainers Support Strong Abortion Protections: According to a recent poll by the University of New Hampshire, 67% of Mainers support strengthening Maine’s abortion laws. Additionally, 78% of 18-34 years-old Mainers support strong abortion protections, as do 57% of Maine women and 46% of Maine men
State House Scoop
- Heating Relief Checks are in the Mail: According to the Mills administration, as of this week, all $450 heating relief checks are in the mail. Over 876,000 eligible Maine taxpayers received checks as part of the heating aid bill signed by Gov. Janet Mills in early January.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- President Biden Proposes FY24 Budget Last week, President Biden released his budget to invest in America, lower costs for families, protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade by make the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share and cut wasteful spending on Big Pharma and Big Oil. And no one earning less than $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in new taxes (read more).
- House Republicans Introduce Plan to Cut Health Care, Explode Deficit And Allow Tax Giveaways to Ultra-Wealthy: The House Freedom Caucus’s latest proposal released last week makes House Republicans’ plans clear: they want to make devastating cuts to programs working families rely on, as well as our national security and community safety, kill American manufacturing jobs, and with no deficit reduction – all so the ultra-wealthy can avoid paying their fair share (read more).
Week of February 27, 2023
The Big Picture
- Maine Republicans Are More Extreme Than Ever: In two recent opinion pieces, columnist Amy Fried and Bangor Daily News opinion editor Susan Young lambasted the Maine GOP for its extreme, unpopular, out-of-touch platform and leadership. From spreading COVID-19 conspiracy theories, fighting to ban books, and pushing for laws to make it harder for eligible Mainers to vote, Maine Republicans are increasingly out of step with the vast majority of Mainers.
Election Spotlight
- The Question That 2024 Republicans Can’t Answer: The 2024 GOP primary field is refusing to break Donald Trump’s hold on the party as they compete for the MAGA base. Even as they compete against Trump for the Republican nomination, GOP hopefuls like Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, and Tim Scott again this weekend, are embracing Trump’s MAGA agenda and can’t name a single policy difference between themselves and Trump (read more).
State House Scoop
- Governor Mills Announces $15 Million to Expand Career and Technical Education in Maine: Yesterday, at Oxford Hills Technical School in South Paris, Governor Janet Mills announced that four Career and Technical Education (CTEs) schools in Maine will receive $15 million in grant funding to expand hands on, real-world programs for Maine students in plumbing, electrical, building construction, culinary and hospitality, EMT, welding, and more. Under Governor Mills, CTE enrollment has grown by nearly 11%.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- President Biden’s Historic Visit to Ukraine: Last week, President Biden made an unprecedented trip to Ukraine to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. It was logistically challenging and required careful planning for a sitting president to visit an active warzone, given the U.S. does not have a military presence on the ground. But this was a risk President Biden wanted to take. He sent a clear and important message that the United States will continue to support Ukraine — for as long as it takes.
Week of February 13, 2023
The Big Picture
- Democrats Seek Common Sense Solutions to Maine’s Challenges: In this year’s proposed budget, legislative leaders will consider continuing free community college for another two years, expanding pre-K, building more housing, and strengthening Maine’s health care system. The proposal also makes an historic investment in infrastructure to unlock vast new sources of Federal funding to fix Maine’s multimodal transportation system.
Election Spotlight
- 2024 Republican Hopefuls are Coming for Medicare and Social Security: Potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates have repeatedly demonstrated they are hellbent on gutting Social Security and Medicare. Every single 2024 Republican – including Trump, whose budgets sought to cut Medicare and Social Security programs each year they were in office – will have to answer to American voters. (read more).
State House Scoop
- Get Involved in the Legislative Process: The Maine Legislature is in full swing! Every day committees are holding public hearings, work sessions, and more. Check out the State House calendar for more information!
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- In State of the Union, President Biden Says We Must Finish the Job: The reviews are in, and last week President Biden gave one of the best speeches of his presidency. During the State of the Union, President Biden spoke directly to the American people and outlined the historic progress we have made over the past two years and his agenda for the future.
Week of January 16, 2023
The Big Picture
- Dr. Shah to Take #2 Spot at the U.S CDC: Maine’s own Dr. Nirav Shah has been tapped to serve as principal deputy director at the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Leading the Maine CDC through the pandemic, Dr. Shah was known for his love of data, dry humor, and thoughtful leadership. And we’ll never forget the time he Rickrolled us.
State House Scoop
- Governor Mills Announces Biennial Budget Proposal: Last week, Governor Janet Mills unveiled a 2024-2025 budget proposal. While the plan will almost certainly be amended by the legislature in the months to come, her initial plan includes continuing her free community college initiative for another two years, expanding pre-K, building more housing, strengthening Maine’s health care system, and more (details here).
Election Spotlight
- Two Paris School Board Member Recalled: In a disturbing turn of events, voters have recalled two MSAD 17 school board members for supporting a now-tabled policy aimed at supporting LGTBQ+ youth. The policy would have allowed students to choose how they want to identify.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- President Biden’s Economic Plan is Working: A Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released last week shows that annual inflation has come down for six months in a row. The report also showed gas and airfare prices are down and food price increases are slowing. The national unemployment rate is also near the lowest it's ever been.
Week of November 21, 2022
The Big Picture
- Democrats Sweep Maine Elections: On November 8th, Democratic candidates triumphed up and down the ballot. Not only did Governor Janet Mills defeat Republican Paul LePage by a whopping 12 percent, but Democrats maintained our historic majority in the Maine Senate and slightly expanded our majority in the Maine House. What’s more? Both our congressional leaders - Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden - won resounding victories and will be headed back to Washington D.C. for another term.
Election Spotlight
- Record-Breaking Turnout for Midterms: According to data collected by the U.S. Elections Project, Maine experienced the second-highest second-highest voter turnout of any state in 2022, only trailing Minnesota. The Elections Project estimated that nearly 675k voters cast ballots, a number roughly equal to 60.9 percent of Maine voters: the highest turnout ever recorded for a midterm election.
The State House Scoop
- Maine Legislature Selects New Leadership: This past week, legislators in the Maine Senate and House new nominated party leaders in advance of the start of the 131st legislative session.
- In the Senate, it looks like Democratic leadership will remain the same with Troy Jackson as Senate President and Eloise Vitelli and Mattie Daughtry as Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader respectively. Republicans have selected Aroostook County Senator Trey Stewart as Minority Leader and Lisa Keim of Dixfield as Assistant Minority Leader.
- Meanwhile in the House, term-limited Speaker Ryan Fecteau will be passing the gavel to Rachel Talbot Ross, who will make history as the first Black Speaker of the House in Maine history. Democrats also nominated Maureen Terry of Gorham to serve as Majority Leader and Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston as Assistant Majority Leader. On the Republican side, Billy Bob Faulkingham will serve as Minority Leader and Amy Arata as Assistant Minority Leader
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- One Year Anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Last week marked the one year anniversary of President Biden doing what Trump and his Republican Congress promised for years but couldn’t accomplish – signing a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is making once-in-a-generation investments in our nation’s roads, bridges, railroads, ports, airports, water systems, and high-speed internet.
- Donald Trump is Running for President AGAIN: With Donald Trump’s announcement last week that he intends to run for yet another term as President, here’s a quick reminder about his failed record in office: the worst job growth since the Great Depression, massive tax giveaways to the ultra-rich and to corporations, a new right-wing Supreme Court majority that overturned Roe, unprecedented attacks on democracy, and even a violent insurrection at the Capitol. We’ve said it once, we’ll say it again: we won’t go back.
Week of October 3, 2022
The Big Picture
- Mills & LePage Meet on the Debate Stage: This week, Governor Mills and Paul LePage finally met on the debate stage. The wildest moment of the night was when Governor Mills pressed LePage on his abortion position. The former governor stumbled and tripped over his words as he fumbled for a reply. Both the Washington Post and New York Times shared stories about the moment. If Paul LePage can't handle basic questions about our rights, then we certainly can't trust him to protect them.
Election Spotlight
- LePage Can’t Stop Lying: LePage continued spreading lies this week, leading multiple news outlets to fact check his claims. The Maine Democratic Party highlighted some of his egregious lies in a new video. Here are links to other fact checks:
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Next Steps for Dobbs: Yesterday, President Biden and Vice President Harris convened the second meeting of the President's Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access since the Dobbs decision. In the 100 days since Dobbs, we’ve seen a wave of Republican officials taking radical steps at the national and state level that jeopardize women’s health and rights. As a result, millions of women cannot access critical health care and doctors and nurses are facing criminal penalties – including being thrown in jail – for providing health care.
Week of September 19, 2022
The Big Picture
- National Voter Registration Day: Today the Maine Democratic Party is celebrating National Voter Registration by inviting all eligible Mainers to become involved in our civic discourse by registering to vote and making a plan to cast a ballot in our fall elections. This year, we are making a push to register as many eligible voters as possible. We’ve made detailed written and video instructions on how to register and we invite any Mainer who has questions about how to register to vote or cast a ballot to email us at voting@mainedems.org, visit our voter information website (voteinmaine.com), or call our Voter Assistance Hotline at (833) 336-8683.
Election Spotlight
- Same Old LePage: Earlier this month we rolled out a website that compares LePage's recent statements to his words and deeds as Governor, focusing on several areas: temperament, economy, health care, abortion, education, and environment. Read more at: sameoldlepage.com
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Republicans Introduce National Abortion Ban: Following on the heels of extreme abortion bans across the country, many of which have no exceptions for rape or incest, last week, Republicans introduced legislation to create a national abortion ban. As Senator Lindsey Graham said: “If we take back the House and the Senate, I can assure you we’ll have a vote on our bill” to ban abortion nationwide.
Week of September 5, 2022
The Big Picture
- Honoring Maine’s Workforce: Maine’s workforce is the backbone of our state’s economy. As Democrats we believe every individual has the right to equal pay for equal work, a living wage and benefits that allow them to thrive, a safe workplace, and freedom from discrimination and harassment. In the last few years, Governor Mills and Democrats in the legislature have cracked down on wage theft, child labor, and hour violations, and lowered costs and made health care and child care access easier for Maine’s working families.
Election Spotlight
- MECEP Action Unveils New Website – Maine Behind the Numbers: MECEP Action, the political and advocacy arm of Maine Center for Economic Policy released a new website last week that provides new up-to-date analysis and offers side-by-side comparisons of Gov. Janet Mills and Paul LePage on eight issues: economy, education, environment, health care, jobs, older Mainers, poverty, and taxes. Check out Maine Behind the Numbers here!
The State House Scoop
- Senate Democrats’ Top 10 Accomplishments: Last week, the Maine Senate Democrats released a video detailing some of their most exciting achievements – from boosting Maine’s career and technical education programs to delivering relief for those struggling with energy costs. Watch the full video here.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Nationwide Job Growth in August: In August, the economy created 315,000 jobs - that’s nearly 10 million jobs since President Biden took office, which is the fastest job growth in history. The bottom line: jobs are up, wages are up, people are back to work, and we are seeing some hopeful signs that inflation may be beginning to ease – gas prices have fallen for 80 straight days, down $1.20/gallon since summer started.
Week of August 22, 2022
The Big Picture
- Protecting Maine’s Elections: At a recent campaign event in Mt. Vernon, Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul LePage again cast doubt on Maine’s elections, claiming towns with more than 1,000 voters are unable to maintain election security. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows pushed back on LePage’s claim stating that, “Lies about elections are at the root of the rise in violence against election officials. It needs to stop.”
Election Spotlight
The State House Scoop
- Unemployment Hits Record Low: According to the latest jobs report, Maine’s unemployment rate has dropped to 2.8% – the lowest since the beginning of the pandemic. Maine’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average and is nearing the record low set in spring of 2019.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- The Inflation Reduction Act will Reduce Mainers’ Healthcare Costs The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will cap prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of Maine Medicare beneficiaries, reduce health insurance premiums for tens of thousands of Mainers by hundreds of dollars per year on average while expanding coverage to about 14,000 Mainers, cap insulin co-payments for the thousands of Maine Medicare beneficiaries that use insulin, and more.
Week of August 8, 2022
The Big Picture
- Kansas Voters Upheld State Abortion Protections: Last week’s resounding victory in Kansas to protect legal access to abortion proved what polling has shown for months: the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is deeply unpopular with Americans across the political spectrum and is mobilizing voters to turn out. Kansas saw historic primary turnout to protect reproductive freedom.
Election Spotlight
- Governor Mills Releases First Campaign Ads: In case you missed it, the Janet Mills campaign launched two new television and digital ads highlighting Governor Mills’ historic achievements and her ability to bring Democrats, Republicans, and Independents together to achieve progress for Maine people. Watch the ads: “Family” and “Maine First” here.
- LePage Can’t Stop Lying: LePage’s latest inability to tell the truth – a prominent feature of his two terms as Governor – was on display last week when LePage delivered remarks at the Bangor Rotary Club, where he continued to get basic facts wrong and lie to Maine people. See our response here.
The State House Scoop
- Good News! Maine Uninsured Rate Down: A new report on Medicaid expansion showed that since Governor Mills expanded MaineCare in 2019, Maine’s uninsured rate among those eligible for Medicaid dropped by 5 points, the nation’s third largest decline between 2018 and 2020. During that time, the overall uninsured rate in Maine has also dropped significantly, and more than 95,000 Maine people have used the MaineCare expansion to finally access health insurance, after having that access blocked for eight long years by Governor Paul LePage.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
Week of July 25, 2022
The Big Picture
- 5 Year Anniversary of 2017 Government Shutdown: In last week’s Bangor Daily News, MSEA-SEIU President Dean Staffieri blasted Paul LePage for his role in causing the 2017 government shutdown. Staffieri makes clear that a return to LePage in 2022 would be a return to that exact kind of chaotic governance, saying “There’s no doubt that if he wins, he’ll pull Maine backward to the chaos and dysfunction that caused the government shutdown of 2017.”
Election Spotlight
- Maine Press Calls Out GOP Lies: This past week, the Maine GOP installed signs in Aroostook County that falsely claimed that Senate President Troy Jackson supports cutting funding for police. The Republicans’ tactics were called out by the Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News, News Center Maine, among other outlets.
The State House Scoop
- Automatic Voter Registration (AVR): Last week, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows held ribbon cutting events to celebrate the launch of Maine’s new automatic voter registration system. Voters will now be able to register to vote while completing a usual transaction at the BMV like updating an address or obtaining a state ID without needing to complete extra paperwork. The launch is the culmination of legislative efforts that began before 2019.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Republicans STILL Oppose Marriage Equality: Last week, 157 House Republicans voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine marriage equality in federal law, repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provide additional protections for marriage equality.
Week of July 11, 2022
The Big Picture
- Maine Republicans Reveal Where They ACTUALLY Stand on Abortion: Last week, we released a new video highlighting that while Paul LePage has spent the last 2+ weeks refusing to share his plans to take away abortion rights in Maine, his GOP friends running for the state legislature have given away the game.
The State House Scoop
- Governor Mills Has Kept Maine in Stellar Financial Shape: Both Moody’s and Standard & Poors have affirmed Maine’s strong credit rating – the third year in a row where the rating agencies have recognized the state’s solid economic performance under Governor Mills. When LePage was governor, his economic mismanagement led to a state credit rating downgrade.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- President Biden Acts to Protect Reproductive Health Care Services: Last week, the President signed an Executive Order to protect individuals exercising their right to travel out of state for medical care; promote the safety and security of patients, providers, and clinics; and ensure medication abortion, emergency contraception, long-acting contraception is as widely available as possible.
Week of June 13, 2022
The Big Picture
Election Spotlight
- Democrats Won Big in the June 14 Election: Last week, Democrat Nicole Grohoski won a decisive victory in the hotly contested Senate District 7 special election, earning 64% of the vote, despite efforts by the ME GOP to distort and lie about her record. Democrats also won seats on local school boards in cities and towns across the state, including Augusta, Kennebunk, Limington, New Gloucester, Portland, Skowhegan, and more!
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Operation Fly Formula Update: Nine flights were scheduled for last week, projecting to import over 4 million 8-ounce bottles of infant formula. This means by this Sunday, Operation Fly Formula will have imported nearly 12 million bottles of infant formula to the U.S.
- Stopping Online Harassment: Last week, President Biden signed a presidential memorandum establishing the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse, responding to the need for government leadership to address online harms, which disproportionately affect women, girls, people of color, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
Week of June 6, 2022
The Big Picture
The State House Scoop
- Investing in Our Students & Workforce: Last week, Governor Janet Mills visited Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor to promote her recently-passed plan to provide two years of free community college to pandemic impacted students. Overall, the Governor’s Jobs Plan includes some $300 million in workforce investments, including $105 million for programs at Maine schools, community colleges, and universities; $50 million for affordable and workforce housing; $20 million to expand Pre-K and childcare infrastructure, and more.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Our Economic Recovery Continues: In May, our economy added 390,000 jobs – coming on top of the over eight million jobs already created on President Biden’s watch. The Biden administration remains committed to addressing rising costs and transitioning our economy to stable steady growth. Read President Biden’s op-ed here.
Week of May 16, 2022
The Big Picture
Election Spotlight
- Republican Conspiracy Theories: Last week, the Portland Press Herald editorial board called out Republicans for embracing extremist conspiracy theories such as “Great Replacement Theory,” which has been claimed as motivation by a number of racist mass shooters. The editorial pointed out that the Maine GOP has welcomed a number of adherents of “replacement theory” —including former US Senate nominee Eric Brakey, former state party vice chair and Waterville mayor Nick Isgro, and former state Rep. Larry Lockman.
The State House Scoop
- How to Get Your $850 Check: Starting in June, all Maine who filed a 2021 tax return and earned less than $100,000 will receive a check in the mail. Residents have until October 31 to file. More information available online. The AARP is also extending its annual tax preparation services to assist Mainers who are filing this year to be eligible for the $850 relief payment.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Baby Formula Shortage: Last week, President Biden took two new steps to increase baby formula supply: The president invoked the Defense Production Act to increase domestic production and launched Operation Fly Formula to use federal planes to fly formula in from abroad.
- US Economic Gains: A new independent analysis projected that, for the first time since 1976, the U.S. economy is poised to grow at a higher average annual rate than the Chinese economy in 2022. This is the result of President Biden’s economic strategy to make more in America and create good-paying jobs here at home.
Week of May 9, 2022
The Big Picture
- Roe v Wade at Risk: The draft opinion from conservative justices would be a devastating blow to reproductive rights and Americans’ fundamental freedom to make their own health care decisions. Remember, Republicans’ agenda is wildly out of touch and unpopular with the American people.
- By about a 2-1 margin, Americans say Roe v. Wade should be upheld.
- A Washington Post-ABC poll finds that 75% of people say decisions on abortion should be left to the woman and her doctor, including 95% of Democrats, 81% of independents and 53% of Republicans.
- A Gallup poll finds that over 80% of the American public thinks abortion should be legal in at least some circumstances.
Election Spotlight
- Maine’s Primary is June 14: Maine’s 2022 primary election is just a little over a month away! The full list of candidates on the ballot can be found here. June 14 is also the date for the Senate District 7 special election Democrat Nicole Grohoski is running against Republican Brian Langley for a seat vacated by Louis Luchini. Visit Nicole’s website to volunteer.
The State House Scoop
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
Week of May 2, 2022
Abortion Rights Under Attack: On Monday night, Politico published a leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion. The document indicates what all of us have been anticipating for some time: the Supreme Court plans to permanently overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade precedent and effectively turn over the authority on all abortion issues back to the states. While deeply disturbing, there are two important things to keep in mind:
- Roe v. Wade is still the law of the land. The leaked opinion was a draft opinion. No formal court decision has been made, although one is expected in the next couple of months. In Maine, abortion rights have already been codified into law and no immediate changes to abortion access are expected if Roe v Wade is overturned.
- Reelecting Governor Mills and defending our Democratic majorities in the Maine House and Senate is the best short-term tactic to protecting abortion rights in Maine. In a statement late last night, Governor Mills pledged to safeguard abortion rights declaring, "I do not consider the rights of women to be dispensable."
Here are some specific articles to respond to:
Week of April 16, 2022
The Big Picture
- Democrats Continue to Deliver for Maine People: Last Wednesday Governor Janet Mills signed the 2022-2023 supplemental budget into law. The budget, which garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature, addresses rising costs for Maine people including $850 direct relief checks for Maine people, includes funding for new Democrat-led initiatives such as two years of free community college for high school impacted by the pandemic, increasing pay for child care workers, funding for free school meals, and more!
Election Spotlight
The State House Scoop
- What to Know About the $850 Relief Checks: Relief checks are coming to all Mainers earning less than $100,000 annually (and couples earning less than $200,000). Residents MUST file an income tax return to be eligible and checks could hit mailboxes as soon as June 1. More information available here.
- LGBTQ Protections: This past month, Governor Mills signed into law a series of bills to protect LGBTQ+ Mainers, including LD 1900, a bill to protect trans Mainers from being forced to publicly out themselves when they legally change their name. Maine legislators and Governor Mills' support for Maine’s LGBTQ+ community comes as Republicans around the country are escalating attacks on gay and trans people.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.
- Earth Day Executive Order to Protect Forests: On Earth Day, President Biden signed an Executive Order to protect against wildfire threats, safeguard mature and old-growth forests on federal lands, combat global deforestation and enlist nature to address the climate crisis.
- Republican Plan Would Put Mainers’ Medicare and Social Security at Risk: Despite Medicare and Social Security being some of the most popular programs in the country, Republicans are headed into the 2022 midterms with a plan that would sunset all federal legislation, including Medicare and Social Security, after five years - putting at risk the millions of Americans who rely on the services these crucial programs provide.
Week of March 14, 2022
The New Republic: You’d Forgotten All About Paul LePage. Don’t. He Could Be Maine Governor Again.
Former Maine Governor Paul LePage has called people of color and “people of Hispanic origin” the “enemy right now” in his war on crime. He’s said drug dealers come from states like New York and Connecticut, sell heroin, and “impregnate a young, white girl before they leave.” He’s threatened a state Democratic lawmaker for whom he left a voicemail calling him a “socialist cocksucker.” One of his first policy moves as governor was to dramatically weaken the state’s environmental laws. After leaving office he opted to move to Florida.
And it’s entirely possible that LePage could become governor again in 2022.
Week of March 7, 2022
Accomplishments of Governor Mills’ First Term
In the past three years, Governor Mills has led Maine through a public health crisis, achieving some of the best results in the nation, working with the Legislature, has made historic progress on behalf of Maine, including:
Republican Plan Would Raise Taxes, Take Away Affordable Health Care
According to new data released on March 7, Republicans’ economic agenda – which they have promised to pass if successful in this year’s midterm elections – would raise taxes on 34.4 percent of Mainers
The same day, Republican Senator Ron Johnson confirmed that Republicans still want to repeal the Affordable Care Act. That would mean that more than 100 million Americans with pre-existing conditions will lose insurance protections, Americans with private insurance could see their premiums skyrocket, and 21 million Americans would lose their insurance.
State of the Union Fact Sheets
Week of February 14, 2022
State of the State Recap
On February 10, Janet Mills delivered her first in-person State of the State address since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring that, “the state of our state is strong, and it is growing stronger.” The speech not only outlined the progress the Governor and Democrats in the legislature have made over the last year, but also included a number of landmark policy proposals.
Week of January 31, 2022
- Black History Month: February is Black History Month. 2022’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. This theme honors not only Black doctors and medical professionals, but also more nontraditional health leaders like herbalists and midwives. It’s also an opportunity to honor the sometimes neglected accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history. Here are some resources to check out as we kick off February:
Week of January 10, 2022
Week of January 3, 2022
- Letter: LePage Offers the Absence of Leadership on COVID: “When it comes to protecting children from COVID-19, LePage’s stated goal is for most Maine children to get the virus and to let the chips fall where they may.”
- Letter: Collins Refuses to Act on Issues of the Day: “Brandishing her avowed pro-choice stance, and her “moderate” reputation, she actively supported raising Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. The result is that the rights women have had to control their own bodies for the last 50 years, as encoded in Roe v. Wade, hang by a thread.”
- The Hill: Seven most Vulnerable Governors Facing Reelection in 2022: “The former governor said earlier this month that he would get rid of Mills’s vaccine mandate on ‘day one’ if elected, though he has strongly encouraged individuals to get the coronavirus vaccine. However, his critics are quick to point out that he appeared at an anti-mask rally.”
- Rep. Michelle Dunphy: Democrats are Standing with Maine workers: “This year in Augusta, Democrats in the Legislature have stood strong with Maine workers. We have sponsored and passed dozens of bills to put more money into the pockets of everyday Mainers and empower workers to organize. Just in 2021, we passed bills to raise MaineCare wage rates for direct care workers, provide financial support to family caregivers and strengthen nurse training programs by setting up a loan repayment program for nursing educators.”
- COVID-19 Death Rates are Three Times Higher in Maine’s Less Vaccinated Counties: “The widest difference in death rates is a low of 2.23 COVID-19 deaths per 10,000 population in Sagadahoc County, compared with 8.94 deaths per 10,000 population in Franklin County. That’s about four times more deaths per capita in Franklin compared with Sagadahoc.”
Week of December 13, 2021
- Maine Showing Economic Growth Despite Pandemic: “...while the state’s economy still has some key challenges to navigate, the state’s gross domestic product — the total value of finished goods and services produced — has recovered to exceed pre-pandemic levels after taking a steep dive in 2020.”
- LePage Rooted for the Climate Crisis and Now It’s Here: During his eight years as governor, LePage not only did little to prepare Maine for the climate crisis now unfolding before our eyes, but in fact took a series of actions to make it worse. The Mills administration has done a 180 on LePage’s harmful record. Since taking office, Governor Janet Mills has worked overtime to prepare the state for the effects of the climate crisis.
- Funding for Clean Water in Infrastructure Bill Crucial for Maine: The additional funding that Maine will be getting through the bipartisan infrastructure bill marks the first sweeping federal investment in wastewater work in decades, coming as those wastewater systems have to contend with more frequent heavy rainfall and resulting floods.
- The Infrastructure Bill is a Win-Win for Our Economy and the Environment: Congresswoman Chellie Pingree published an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald Wednesday breaking down how the recent infrastructure law will help Maine hit its climate goals as well as boosting our local economy.
Week of November 29, 2021
- Reproductive Rights are on the Ballot in 2022: LePage, who is challenging Mills in 2022, has opposed abortion rights, speaking regularly at anti-abortion rallies around the State House during his tenure. If it wasn't clear before, reproductive rights are on the ballot next year.
- Senator Collins’ Ugly Record on Abortion: Senator Collins' hypocrisy is on full display these days. While she claimed to support abortion rights, she famously defended Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings, foolishly trusting that Roe v Wade was “settled law.”
- One Year of Climate Progress: In the year since Governor Janet Mills unveiled her plan to fight the climate crisis and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, Maine has made significant progress and is on track to hit our goals. However, with climate denier Paul LePage running for governor in 2022, all that progress is at risk. If re-elected, he would put us in reverse and once again hold our state and its people hostage to the interests of oil and fossil fuel companies. For the sake of our children, grandchildren, and our beautiful state, we must continue to make progress in the fight against climate change and not allow Paul LePage to take us backward.
Week of November 15, 2021
- Governors May be the Last Line of Defense for Abortion Rights: On November 18, Teen Vogue wrote a piece highlighting Governor Janet Mills’ work to expand access to reproductive health care for Maine people, contrasting her efforts with the threat posed by her predecessor, Republican Paul LePage. In a state where a vast majority of people support access to reproductive health care services, LePage repeatedly advocated against Mainers’ rights, joining anti-abortion rallies and saying “let’s do it” if the Supreme Court could make the case to roll back Roe v. Wade.
- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in Now Law: On Monday, November 15, President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure legislation into law. This bill will deliver meaningful investments to Maine, including, but not limited to:
- A $1.3 billion investment in Maine’s roads and $225 million for bridges.
- A minimum of $300 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the 15% Mainers who currently lack it. Additionally, 310,000 or 23% of people in Maine will also be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
- A $390 million investment in clean drinking water that will eliminate toxic chemicals and replace outdated lead service lines.
- $19 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Maine will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
Week of November 8, 2021
- Democrats Make Good on Promise to Deliver Massive Investment in Maine’s Infrastructure: The Biden administration has made good on their promise to make common sense investments in roads, bridges, reliable high-speed internet, clean drinking water, and much more - a promise that Republicans failed to deliver on when they controlled the government just a few years ago.
- Honoring Maine Veterans: Maine Democrats have passed a slew of recent bills aimed at helping veterans and their families adjust to the transition to civilian life and make ends meet. Here are a few examples:
- Governor Mills Announces Disaster Relief Payments for Over a Half Million Mainers: On November 10, Gov. Mills announced that 524,754 Mainers who kept our state running during the pandemic will receive a Disaster Relief Payment of $285. These one-time payments are the result of a bipartisan budget deal signed into law by the Governor earlier this year.
Week of November 1, 2021
- Maine Republicans Who Ran on Critical Race Theory and Opposing Mask Mandates Lost Elections: “In Hampden, Ellsworth and Windham, candidates who either ran on similar platforms or received support from activists who loudly opposed mask mandates or teaching critical race theory all lost their races, according to unofficial results. The head of the state’s largest teachers’ union said such candidates were part of a ‘loud minority.’”
- Susan Collins Voted Against the John Lewis Voting Rights Act (Again): On November 3, Republicans once again blocked common sense voting rights reform by filibustering the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the only Republican who crossed party lines to support advancing the legislation.
- COVID-19 Vaccines Approved for Children Ages 5-11: Vaccines are safe and effective. “...the vaccine’s side effects in children are miniscule compared with what COVID-19 can do to the body,” said Dr. Nirav Shah. There’s no reason to wait to vaccinate our children.
- Democrats Flipped a Republican-Held State House Seat on Tuesday: “City Councilor Raegan LaRochelle flipped a Maine House of Representatives district representing the west side of the state capital in Tuesday’s special election, putting a seat long held by Republicans in the Democratic column.”
- The Supreme Court OK’d Maine’s Vaccine Mandate: On Friday, October 29, the US Supreme Court rejected an effort to appeal Maine’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. This bodes well for similar policies in other states as Maine’s mandate is among the strongest in the country. The mandate went to effect last week.
Week of October 26, 2021
- President Biden Announced New Build Back Better Framework: On October 28, President Biden announced a new framework for his Build Back Better plan, which he believes can pass through the slim margins in the House and Senate. Here’s a summary of the new proposal:
- Two years of free preschool for more than six million children per year. The last time America added years of free schooling was more than 100 years ago.
- Affordable child care so that no middle-income families pay more than 7% of their income on child care.
- Affordable, high-quality care for older Americans and people with disabilities in their homes, while supporting the workers who provide this care.
- Climate Action: The largest effort to combat climate change in history that will ensure that we can meet our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 50 and 52 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2030.
- A Middle Class Tax Cut: A historic tax cut for tens of millions of middle-class families, including giving more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the expanded Child Tax Credit and cutting taxes for 17 million low-wage workers by extending the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit.
- Affordable Health Care: The biggest expansion of affordable health care in a decade, reducing premiums for more than 9 million Americans by extending the expanded Premium Tax Credit, delivering health care coverage to up to 4 million uninsured people in states that have locked them out of Medicaid, and helping older Americans access affordable hearing care by expanding Medicare.
- More details here.
Week of October 18, 2021
- Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan: On October 18, Governor Janet Mills announced investments in Maine people, small businesses, and workforce, including $20 million for a new small business grant program, $39 million to help lower monthly health insurance premiums, and $80 million to replenish the Maine Unemployment Trust fund and mitigate tax hikes for small businesses.
- New Laws Taking Effect: A wide range of new Maine laws will be taking effect this week that will address racial justice and equity issues, work to connect homeless Mainers will services, eliminate the sale of products containing certain man-made toxic chemicals, and much more!
Week of October 11, 2021
Week of October 4, 2021
Week of July 5, 2021
Week of June 23, 2021
Week of June 13, 2021
Week of June 7
Week of May 24, 2021
Week of May 17, 2021
Week of May 10, 2021
Week of May 3, 2021
Week of April 27, 2021
- Since President Joe Biden came to the White House, over one million new jobs have been created. That’s more jobs in the first two months in office than ANY administration in history! Dems are delivering for Maine and America.
- Thanks to President Biden and the Democrats, 10,000 Maine kids are getting lifted out of poverty. Help is here and hope is here.
- Because of Governor Mills, Maine is one of the best in the nation for percentage of eligible population that is fully vaccinated!
- In his first 100 days in office, President Biden has gotten stimulus checks to 85% of American households, including 90% of Maine adults and 87% of Maine kids; gotten over 200 million vaccines administered, overseen an economic growth forecast of 6.4% for 2021, and nominated and got Senate-confirmation for the first Native American cabinet secretary: Deb Holland, member of the Pueblo of Laguna, as Secretary of the Interior.
Week of April 5, 2021
- Because of Gov. Mills & President Biden, EVERYONE in Maine 16 & older is eligible for a vaccine on April 7. Dems are delivering for Mainers!
- President Biden promised 100 million shots in his first 100 days. He did it in 58 days. Dems are delivering.
- Maine Dems passed a two-year state budget that supports Maine families, schools, communities, and businesses. The Dems state budget:
- Funds schools so they can safely open 5 days/week
- Funds rural hospitals, nursing homes & health clinics
- Allocates $5 million for domestic violence & sexual assault services
American Rescue Plan Talking Points
In early March, Dems passed President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. Here’s some of what it delivers to Maine:
- Stimulus checks of up to $1,400 for over 925,500 adults & 284,500 kids in Maine - that’s 90% of all adults & 87% of all kiddos in our state!
- Over $400 million for our K-12 schools.
- A Child Tax Credit that will lift 10,000 Maine children out of poverty.
- Jobless benefits extended through September.
- A total of $20 billion nationally for vaccine distribution.
Maine Legislature Talking Points
Dems in the Maine Legislature have been working hard for Mainers! The week of March 8th, they passed:
- A bipartisan supplemental budget that ensures 160,000 working-class Mainers won’t pay state taxes on their jobless benefits and 28,000+ businesses that got Paycheck Protection Program funds won’t pay state taxes on those funds.
- COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights that requires state-regulated health insurance companies to provide COVID-19 screening, testing and immunization for free!
- House Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross’ bill LD 2, a landmark piece of legislation that creates a process for racial impact statements to be part of legislative bill development. This is a huge step forward for racial justice.