No matter our income, our race, where we were born, or whether we live in Fort Kent or Kittery, we are Mainers together.
Our state budget is one way we come together. The responsible investments we’ve made in recent years have helped Mainers’ afford health care, food,
homes and build brighter futures. These are investments that Maine people have asked for and strongly support! We see that commitment reflected in the Governor’s proposal to fill the funding gap for MaineCare left in the wake of many pandemic-era changes and in the continuation of free school meals for all Maine kids so our students have what they need to learn and grow, workforce development funding, and more.
Budgets should be equitable
However, the Governor also proposes cuts that will limit access to other food assistance, income supports, child care, temporary housing assistance, and health care for those already struggling, while wealthy Mainers and big corporations haven’t paid their fair share for many years. These cuts will impact a great many Maine people with low incomes, while maintaining tax breaks for a wealthy few. We call on the legislature to make a different choice: pass a fair budget that generates more revenue from those at the top so everyone who calls Maine home can feed their family, afford to see a doctor, and have a safe, warm place to live.
In a recent survey by MEJ, 56% of the more than 700 people who responded said they could not afford a $400 emergency, while 34% said they could only pay by taking on debt or selling something.
Under state law, Maine’s budget must be balanced. Maine people understand tough budget decisions, especially people with low income. Many must choose between paying rent, heating their home, buying groceries, putting gas in the car to get to work, or paying medical and credit card bills. No one should have to choose which of their basic needs to meet. This proposed budget forces tough choices back on our most vulnerable community members. Raising revenue through progressive changes to Maine’s tax code, such as increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthiest one percent, is one way to reinvest in our communities and take the burden off of working class families.
MEJ’s priorities
This year, Maine Equal Justice will work to pass bills to increase the child tax credit for families with kids under 6; improve medical debt protections; protect renters from discrimination and provide housing stability and access to civil legal aid; and provide healthcare for immigrants with low income and serious health diagnoses, among other priorities. We’ll share a full list of those bills as well as more details about the proposed budget soon!
Join us!
We know legislators will put their own stamp on the budget and listen to the public’s input in the coming months (that means you)!
Join us! Sign up for updates and learn more about equal justice at the legislature.
Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 