Leadership in Action: Gov. Janet Mills joins call for unrestricted aid to state & local governments

Maine has been hit hard by COVID-19. One in seven Maine workers has recently filed an unemployment claim, and many businesses will remain shuttered for quite some time.

With the economic fallout expected to worsen, enormous strain is placed on our state and local governments, who are working tirelessly to ensure that every Mainer is safe and healthy during this time.

That’s why we’re grateful that Governor Janet Mills has joined the bipartisan call for Congress to secure an additional $500 billion in unrestricted aid to states and localities in the next COVID relief package.

As revenues decline because of loss of income and reduced spending, state and local governments will face serious financial constraints. This could lead to budget cuts that depress the economy, just as they did in 2008. While the first three federal bills included many vital resources, more aid is needed to protect workers and prepare the economy for a smooth recovery when this crisis is over.

Thank you, Governor Mills for standing up for Maine’s working families, and working to safeguard our state and local governments both now and when this pandemic is behind us!

Safeguarding our state and local governments

With 30 percent of our economy shuttered and one in ten workers filing for unemployment, the COVID-19 pandemic is not only threatening the health of our communities, but our financial security.

As a result, it’s putting enormous strain on our state and local governments, who are at the forefront of ensuring that every Mainer is safe and healthy during this time.

That’s why Mainers for Working Families signed on to a letter urging the federal government to pass $500 billion in unrestricted aid to states, territories, and local governments. We’re proud to join 180 organizations, including other Maine organizations and representatives, in calling on Congress to act immediately.

The letter also urges Congress to:

• Adopt the payroll guarantee to “deep freeze” local economies and protect workers and businesses during an economic shutdown.

• Make additional investments in unemployment insurance (UI) by including triggers that allow both the $600 per week in Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and expanded eligibility to phase out only when economic conditions warrant.

• Expanded eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to immigrant workers left out of UI and new labor market entrants.

• Disburse another direct cash payment and make it available to all households regardless of tax filing or immigration status.

• Provide full funding for testing, treatment, and front-line workers’ personal protective equipment.

• Include strong worker protections.

While the first three federal bills included many vital resources, more aid is needed to safeguard our state and local governments during this crisis. We urge Congress to provide this aid, and lay the groundwork for strong social safety nets for working families, now and beyond this pandemic.

Your response to the Census matters. Here's why:

It’s a new decade, which means it is time for the decennial U.S. Census. The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation—who we are, where we live, and so much more.

Currently, Maine is lagging behind nearly every other state in responding to the Census. Our state receives roughly $4 billion in federal funding for important services, based on data collected by the Census. If there is an undercount, that funding could be at risk.

In the midst of a public health crisis, it’s more important than ever that every American responds, as the Census shapes many different aspects of our communities.

What is the Census?

The census is constitutionally mandated. It's conducted by the US Census Bureau and asks questions about your household and demographics. The results of the count will have a major impact on jurisdiction and resource allocation in Maine and across the country.

Why is the Census important?

Getting comprehensive, accurate information about people will create a more complete representation of the population. This will help the government determine how to allocate resources in Maine, like funding for roads, education, healthcare and more.

Census results also have major implications politically, as they help determine the number of seats each state will get in the House of Representatives. They're also used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

How can I respond to the Census safely?

With people staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, filling out a form feels far from a priority. And, unlike in previous years, the pandemic means that in-person census takers may not be able to safely go door-to-door.

Good news: this is the first year that the Census is available online! Go to the Census 2020 website and fill out the questionnaire. It shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes.

Once you're done, you'll get a confirmation number that you should save or print just in case you need it for future reference. You can also fill out the census by calling (844) 330-2020.

Taking the census is a quick, easy task that will help your community thrive for the next decade. Fill out your response today!