RECAP: Maine’s First Gubernatorial Debate.

On Tuesday October 4, Maine Governor Janet Mills, former governor Paul LePage, and independent candidate Sam Hunkler faced off in the first of four televised debates scheduled to take place before the November 8 election.

The three candidates discussed their viewpoints on Maine’s economy, abortion rights, COVID inflation checks, affordable housing, and more.

On Reproductive Freedom and Women’s Right to Choose

Candidates were asked about what they would do if the State Legislature brought a law to their desk that had additional restrictions on abortion in Maine.

“I would not let such a law become effective. My veto pen will stand in the way of any restrictions on the right to abortion,” said Governor Mills.

“I would go to the medical professionals to tell me…I don’t know, I’m not sure I understand the question,” said former governor LePage. He later clarified with a “yes” when asked if he would veto new restrictions on abortion access.

“I would support and defend the current constitutional statute as it is,” said Sam Hunkler.

On COVID Inflation Checks And Taxes

Governor Mills was asked to respond to the minority of economists who are concerned that COVID relief checks might contribute to inflation.

“This was a wildly bipartisan move. It was actually proposed by Republicans. We enhanced it to $850…People are thankful for those checks. People know what they need to do individually with that money. It belongs to the people, it was right to give it back to them,” said Governor Mills.

Former governor LePage was asked about how he would pay for an income tax cut, which some have said may also worsen inflation.

“Putting more money in a heated economy is inflationary…I will tell you yes, a tax cut can be done by savings: one of the savings,” said LePage.

On Affordable Housing

All three candidates were asked what role the state should play in addressing the housing shortage.

“For residential homes I would like to see us greatly increase the mill rate on residential property taxes and at the same time greatly increase homestead exemptions,” said Sam Hunkler.

“This Legislature and I enacted measures to extend the Homestead Exemption to $25,000 and increase the property tax fairness credit...This year we enacted one of the most generous packages of housing reform ever in the history of Maine. With the help of the Legislature we re-enacted the Historic tax credit, affordable tax credit, ” said Governor Mills.

“What we need to do is take a look at our older buildings and schools and convert them to affordable housing and then consolidate our schools to lower the property tax section. Amongst the property taxes, the school portion, we lower that, we have affordable housing and we get these older buildings more productive,” said former governor LePage.

As we recently pointed out, it’s never been easier to vote in Maine. November 8 no-excuse absentee ballots are now available to all eligible voters willing to make their voices heard.

The next gubernatorial debate is scheduled for Tuesday October 27, 2022.

Watch the first debate in full here.

TUNE IN: Commission on Paid Family and Medical Leave Discusses Implementation Of A Statewide Program

On Monday, October 3rd, the Commission on Paid Family and Medical Leave will hold a meeting to discuss the preliminary findings of an actuarial report on implementing a statewide PFML program. The meeting will be held remotely and can be watched here.

Members of the Commission— consisting of bipartisan legislators, corporate and small business representatives, and health and labor experts — have been working together closely over the last year to develop a PFML program that works for every Mainer.

Right now, Mainers are working harder than ever, but are struggling to make ends meet. And, in an emergency situation or major life event, many are only able to take unpaid leave, if they’re able to take leave at all. Our working families are being stretched thin and need support.

That’s why it’s critical that the commission delivers a comprehensive PFML program, that gives workers 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a sick loved one, welcome a child, or recover should they fall ill. It helps working families, and it helps small, local businesses compete with larger corporations that may be able to afford or already have a policy in place. It keeps our communities safe and healthy. A statewide PFML policy is a win for everyone.

Tune in at 2 pm to watch the meeting, and call your local legislator to let them know that it’s past time for a PFML program here in Maine!

Census Reporting Finds Maine Led the Country In Reducing Rates of Uninsured Residents.

A recent U.S. Census report found that the percentage of Maine residents without health insurance dropped from 8 percent to 5.7 percent over three years, making Maine’s uninsured rate about half what it was a decade ago.

The decline in uninsured Mainers has been primarily attributed to state lawmakers’ work to expand Medicaid eligibility expansion in 2019.

Maine went from having the nation’s 26th-lowest uninsured rate in 2019 (8 percent) to 14th in 2021 (5.7 percent). It represents the steepest drop in uninsured residents of any state in the country. As Governor Mills recently said:

“Having health insurance saves lives. That’s why since my first day in office, I have fought to make healthcare more accessible and more affordable for all Maine people. This report shows we are succeeding.”

In recent years, Maine leaders have passed legislation to help expand healthcare access for Mainers across the state.

In 2020 they passed the Made for Maine Health Coverage Act to simplify access to health insurance for individuals and small businesses while also reducing or eliminating costs for common health visits.

In 2021, Maine established CoverME.gov – a statewide health insurance marketplace which allows people to compare and choose from plans uniquely designed for Mainers.

This new census report confirms that our state is moving in the right direction. Mainers for Working Families commends our leaders in Augusta for their continued efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to everyday Mainers.