Even with recent gains in wages, many Maine families are still grappling with the affordability of necessities like food, housing, and medical care. This is especially acute for families with young children; according to one study 57% of Maine families are struggling with these costs. In the meantime, billionaires are getting richer at a historic rate, promoting and benefiting from the same inequalities that harm working people. Federal policies including Medicaid and SNAP cuts, tariff increases, tax breaks for corporations and millionaires, and expensive military interventions have worsened this affordability crisis, driving up costs and putting a greater budget burden on states.
Leaders in Maine have taken important steps toward addressing these challenges. The 132nd legislature and governor’s office made significant investments in people, workers, and communities in Maine, with efforts to repair and strengthen the social safety net, implement Paid Family and Medical Leave, expand the care economy, defend workers’ rights, and increase tax fairness.
There is much work left to be done at both the federal and state levels. Over the course of the next governor’s term and in the years to follow, policymakers have the opportunity to address current crises and long-term economic risks. To strengthen the state economy and give every Mainer a fair shot at the good life, the incoming governor and legislature can take the following steps.