MaineDems Augusta

We know that a lack of quality affordable child care prevents people from taking jobs, from starting new businesses, from moving to rural communities. My supplemental budget will include more than $12 million to increase pay for child care workers. 13/

Many of my friends on the other side of the aisle have called for a return of half the surplus to Maine people through direct checks to help them with rising costs. I think they’re right. I propose that we send $411 million back to the people of Maine.

Maine’s economy, like that of the rest of the nation, is making a comeback. Maine’s Gross Domestic Product – a key measure of economic growth – has not only fully bounced back from the pandemic, it has surpassed pre-pandemic projections. 6/