Letter to Lawmakers

Dear Policymaker,

As we collectively navigate the ongoing challenges exposed by the pandemic, rising costs, and a housing crisis, it is evident that many Mainers are struggling to maintain stability. In 2020, a diverse coalition coalesced to address the stark inequities exacerbated by these crises, culminating in the establishment of a shared Vision for an Equitable Maine. Today, we unite once more to advocate for policies that will foster equitable systems and uplift all people in Maine, particularly those who have withstood and continue to face marginalization, discrimination, and oppression.

We commend the Legislature for its recent passage of paid family medical leave last year—a significant step forward in supporting Maine families. This achievement underscores the power of collaborative policymaking in addressing pressing societal needs.

However, we recognize that substantial challenges persist. Therefore, we urge your continued support for the following legislative priorities:

Housing Affordability: The housing crisis continues to affect individuals and families across Maine as we see a growing number of evictions and more Mainers becoming unhoused. While it has been important to address the need for more housing stock, we also must address ongoing affordability, so that the housing that is developed is affordable for people with the lowest incomes who are most at risk of homelessness. And, we must develop housing in a way that is climate resilient, structurally diversified to serve individuals and large families, and meets the needs of people across their lifespan. When creating new housing options, priority should be given to projects incorporating universal design, to accommodate people with disabilities and obviate the costly renovations that would be needed to make the units accessible in the future. We also must ensure adequate access to low-barrier and emergency shelters throughout the state for people facing homelessness. By increasing access to shelter and bolstering housing availability, accessibility, AND affordability, we can ensure that all Mainers have a safe place to shelter and call home.

Tribal Self-Determination: It is imperative to rectify centuries of injustices experienced by the Wabanaki Nations in Maine. We stand in solidarity with Wabanaki leaders and the Wabanaki Alliance in advocating for the modernization of the 1980 Settlement Act to ensure equal rights and self determination for tribes in Maine. We urge passage of LD 2007 to take important steps forward toward rectifying these historic injustices.

Access to Healthcare: Our state’s experience with a mass shooting has renewed attention on barriers to accessing mental health treatment and community supports. We encourage you to fund the Mental Health Resiliency Package to bolster gaps in our mental health system. Additionally, health equity remains a paramount concern, particularly regarding immigrant communities. We continue to urge you to remove exclusions in the MaineCare program that hinder immigrant access to healthcare. Immigrants are integral members of our communities and deserve equitable access to healthcare services.

Last year the Legislature expanded access to the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help address inequities many older Mainers have experienced across their lives resulting in financial challenges as they age. We urge you to reject a proposal in the Supplemental Budget to make cuts to those advances so that more members of our communities can afford to get needed health care while also putting food on their tables and keeping a roof over their heads.

It is important that our laws protect providers of safe, legal health care, including those who provide essential reproductive and gender-affirming care. People must be able to make decisions for their health with a trusted medical provider without politicians getting in the way. As some states have put in place bans on necessary care, some have also sought to criminalize providers in states like Maine for practicing medicine in line with the standards of care. We urge support for LD 227 to protect providers of medical care and their patients from harmful laws in other states.

Demographic Data to Inform Policy Making: Understanding the demographics of those who will be impacted by bills before the Legislature is essential for policymakers to address systemic inequities. We urge your support for LD 1432, which seeks to provide additional staff support in OPLA to ensure lawmakers have data to make informed decisions that promote equity and justice.

Together, we have the power to cultivate a more equitable Maine—one where every resident can thrive. By prioritizing these initiatives, we can navigate the current challenges with resilience and emerge stronger than ever before.

Thank you for your dedication to serving the people of Maine and for your commitment to advancing equity and justice.

Sincerely,

  • African women and Development
  • Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine
  • Black Owned Maine
  • Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
  • Community Housing of Maine
  • Consumer Council System of Maine
  • Consumers for Affordable Health Care
  • Disability Rights Maine
  • Frannie Peabody Center
  • Furniture Friends
  • Gateway Community Services, Maine
  • GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
  • Hope Acts
  • Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
  • League of Women Voters of Maine
  • Legal Services for Maine Elders
  • Maine Center for Economic Policy
  • Maine Children's Alliance
  • Maine Community Action Partnership
  • Maine Conservation Voters
  • Homeless Voices for Justice
  • Maine Council of Churches
  • Maine Council on Aging
  • Maine Education Association
  • Maine Episcopal Public Policy Network
  • Maine Equal Justice
  • Maine Family Planning
  • Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition
  • Maine People's Alliance
  • Maine Philanthropy Center
  • Maine Public Health Association
  • Maine Service Employees Association SEIU Local 1989
  • Maine Unitarian Universalist State Advocacy Network
  • Maine Women's Lobby
  • Midcoast New Mainers Group
  • Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
  • Preble Street
  • ProsperityME
  • Raise-Op Housing Cooperative
  • Sweetser
  • The OCL Group
  • Unified Asian Communities
  • VOA Northern New England
  • YWCA Central Maine