Mainers deserve stability, predictability, and good governance. Last month, with the passage of part one of the biennial budget, that’s exactly what Maine Democrats delivered. And we aren’t going to stop there.

In the continuing services budget, we maintained funding for local communities and supported property tax relief programs. We fulfilled the state’s commitment to students, property taxpayers, and teachers by funding 55% of K-12 public education costs, and we delivered for our kids by ensuring that free breakfast and lunch will continue to be available to all students. We also bolstered the state’s childcare workforce by maintaining salary supplements for early childhood educators. Additionally, we made sure Mainers can plan their budgets without fear of a government shutdown.

Fulfilling these basic promises is essential. Over the last few years, the pandemic laid bare inequities that for too long have gone unchecked. Maine Democrats are committed to addressing those inequities. Our priorities include tackling challenges in economic development, education, the care economy, health care, and housing, along with protecting Maine’s cherished national resources.

In the Legislature, we’re committed to supporting Mainers in every corner of the state. That’s why we have introduced several bills to help bring services and economic development opportunities to rural Maine. One bill would increase access to children’s behavioral health services. Another would expand an existing loan forgiveness program to bring dental care staff to underserved communities. I have introduced legislation to further incentivize broadband expansion to areas that lack internet access – we know all too well that the internet is vital for work, school, and connecting with loved ones.

We are also working to reduce inequities in educational opportunities that hold too many Mainers back. One measure that is now law expands access to postsecondary education for low-income parents through Maine’s Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment, or HOPE, program. While higher education can often act as a pathway out of poverty, it isn’t an option for many. The expanded access will make this path more available to more Mainers.

My colleagues Sen. Mattie Daughtry and Rep. Kristen Cloutier are working to pass a paid family and medical leave policy. Currently, most Mainers don’t have access to any paid leave, meaning they must choose between losing income and taking care of themselves or a loved one. Too often, this burden falls on women, particularly when paying for child care is so costly. That’s why I’ve also submitted legislation to establish a child tax credit that would put money back into the pockets of working parents.

Deciding to have a family is a profoundly consequential decision, particularly for women. Democrats believe women should have access to health care that allows them to make their own choices about their bodies and their pregnancies. Women further deserve to be seen as equal under our state Constitution, a fight Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt continues to lead.

Safe and secure housing is a basic need for all people. To thrive and succeed as members of our communities, we each first need a safe place to call home. That’s why we established a special select committee to tackle Maine’s housing crisis. We’re taking a comprehensive approach, paired with a substantial investment, to level the playing field and help Mainers struggling with housing insecurity.

Access to food is another issue affecting too many Mainers. That’s why we have introduced bills to support the efforts of Preble Street, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, and Good Shepherd Food Bank in their work to make sure no one in Maine goes hungry. To have access to food, we also need to protect the lands and waters that provide for us.

Through these efforts and more, we’re paving the way toward a more just and equitable future for all Mainers. We are proud that part one of the budget fulfilled our promises of good governance and stability. Now, it’s time to get to work on part two.

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