If patients are rationing insulin, they are putting themselves in mortal peril to save money. They shouldn't have to make that choice.
Sara Gideon
We're all in agreement that our children deserve a world-class education.
We have taken on the health insurance industry, we have taken on the drug companies, instituting programs to lower the cost of prescription drugs.
From maintaining public safety to educating our children to providing critical services, our police officers, firefighters, sanitation workers, teachers, librarians and so many other public employees are there for us when we need them most.
Whether it's making sure that a person has access to a doctor when they need one, investing in excellent first class educations for our children or making sure that working people are able to provide for their families and put food on the table when they put in an honest day's work, I will continue to put people and families first.
Maine is the best place in the country to live and to raise our family. And it's because of our people and our approach to life. No fuss - no frills - just the stuff that really counts. The beauty around us. Our connection to our mountains and lakes and ocean and farmland.
The health and safety of our neighbors and our communities should be our top priority - nothing is more important.
I am steadfast in my belief that, no matter a person's race, socioeconomic background, or what part of the state that they live in, every person has the right to make their own health decisions, control their own future, and receive care from the provider of their choice.
Nobody in Maine should be deciding between whether they go to a doctor, whether they buy their medicine or whether they're putting food on the table.
Whether we realize it or not, we benefit from the work of public-sector employees and our state, county and municipal governments every day.
Effective public policy to address human trafficking cannot only address offender accountability and increase prosecution, but must also address root causes of the issue as well as enhance safety, services, and dignity for victims. It must also provide education and awareness to those who can stop this crime in its tracks.
Maine needs a comprehensive solar policy that brings us into the 21st century.
The era of special interests blocking progress on every issue from access to health care to the cost of prescription drugs to tackling climate change has to end.
I'm proud to work toward a greener, more vibrant economy with Mainers and stakeholders across our region through Northeast Clean Energy Council's efforts.
The women and men who have served in our military deserve nothing but the recognition and benefits they have earned with their service. Unfortunately for those in the LGBTQ-plus community that hasn't always been the case.
Here in Maine, we've expanded Medicaid, put protections in place for seniors and people with pre-existing conditions, cracked down on big drug companies and protected reproductive rights.
Maine's lumber and forest products industry is key to our state's economy and supports thousands of jobs across the state.
After some of the most contentious years in state government, I've made it clear that I will, and can, work with anyone to get things done.
We know, without question, especially during a pandemic, we have to preserve people's rights to be healthy and safe but also to exercise their fundamental right to vote and I think all of us should be very clear and very loud about that.
In my twenties, I relied on Planned Parenthood as my health care provider - and throughout my time in the State House, I have fought for Mainers' reproductive rights.
We need to reduce carbon emissions, protect Maine's key industries and preserve our coastlines from flooding and rising sea levels.
The ballot box and the voters and how they pay attention and the decisions they make are really what should define term limits.
Our rural communities are the heart of Maine, and we must invest in them - building our energy infrastructure, expanding access to broadband, and most importantly, making sure every single person has access to the health care they need.
Every single one of us deserves access to quality, affordable health care.
As human beings in Maine, we, without question, value our families above anything and everything else and it is time for us to put actual policies into place that allow individuals to show and act in that way.
Throughout my life, I've always believed that the sole purpose of public service is to improve the lives of the people around us. From the Freeport Town Council to serving as Speaker of the State House, I've kept that sense of purpose close to my heart - consistently and passionately asking myself how we make progress.
There's no better sight than when I look out from the speaker's rostrum and see a group of Republicans and Democrats who sit in a couple of rows together, laughing together. It is just - it sounds a little silly - but it's just an amazing, great sight.
While Senator Collins continues to put the Affordable Care Act - and protections for Mainers with pre-existing conditions - at risk, I've fought to protect and expand access to health care here in Maine.
From campaign contributions to expensive perks paid for by special interests, wealthy donors and corporate special interests have increasingly been able to purchase influence and promote their agendas in Congress.
A lot of what is preventing us from getting things done on the federal level is that there is too much influence from special interests over members of Congress.
As senator, my focus will be on standing up for Mainers, especially when it comes to protecting our rights and fighting for our health care.
Susan Collins' vote to put Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court may be paying off for her, but it's put women's control over their own health care decisions in extreme jeopardy.
I would say that of many, many difficult aspects of my job as speaker, presiding over a debate on a bill that has an emotional aspect to it on both sides is the most challenging thing that I can think of.
Whether we have a new baby, a sick parent or an injured spouse, taking time off to care for our family member or ourselves is a need almost every one of us experiences during some point in our lives. This is true no matter where people live, what their income level is, or what kind of job they do.
We know that greater participation in our democracy will make our government more responsible and make elected officials more representative of the people we serve. Making that participation easier while improving the integrity and security of our elections is something we should all be able to support.
While I was serving on my town council, I was also volunteering in schools in my community helping to serve free breakfast. I quickly noticed that the same students were coming every day, and they were coming not because they had left the house too quickly and forgotten to eat, but often because there was no food at home.
Forward-thinking energy policies protect our environment and drive our economy, strengthening businesses both small and large.
I promise to fight against any attempts to undermine Roe v. Wade in the Senate.
No matter where we go in the state, I hear from Mainers that they are ready for someone to stand up for them in Washington.
As Speaker, I passed Maine's most aggressive carbon emission reduction and renewable energy standards, and in the Senate, I will prioritize moving toward a completely clean and renewable energy system.
In the Senate, I will push to overturn Citizens United as I've been vocal about since I first served on the Town Council.
COVID-19 is a national crisis, and we need a national response to address it.
Not a single Mainer should be rationing their medication or avoiding a trip to the doctor because they aren't sure what it will end up costing.
For too long, Paul LePage tried to stand in the way of getting things done in Maine.
If you are willing to listen and if you are willing to sit around the table, sometimes especially with the people who you think you disagree with the most, it is still really possible to get things done.
There is nothing more important for us in Maine than to welcome immigrants and help them not only become part of our community but for us to become part of their communities.
A skilled, well-educated workforce will attract more companies and jobs to our state.
Access to reliable Internet is a necessity, whether it's for school, work, or staying connected with family and friends.
In the State House, we fought to protect reproductive freedom for all Mainers - I'll continue to fight for patients and providers in the Senate.
When I hear about Mainers rationing their medication or losing their life-savings despite being insured, I know our health care system requires major reform.
