As the years have gone by I’ve seen the average age of Maine residents rise to a point where we are now one of the oldest, if not the oldest per capita State in the Union.

Our young people, the generation we are relying on to carry on the great state of Maine tradition are leaving the State, they simply can’t afford to live here. Some are working two perhaps, three part-time jobs mainly so their employers don’t have to provide benefits like health insurance. These same young people are barely making ends meet, and unable to afford medical insurance gambling that they will stay healthy.

Passing the expansion seems to be the most intelligent thing our Legislature and Governor could do. The young, the elderly, even our veterans would all benefit from this. They could, and should be encouraged to find a primary care provider, have regular visits, and catch potential health problems before they become expensive emergency room visits.

This would be a plus for the whole state, whether they are well-to-do or struggling to make ends meet. It would create a happy, healthier, more productive population, create jobs that would that would boost the capabilities of our citizens who are living on the edge now.

As voters we have that option. Please remember this as you head to the polls in less than a month.

Dale E. Whitmore
Freeport