Proposed federal cuts to health care and clean air programs, in the Congress’ reconciliation bill, are unacceptable. As a retired scientist and engineer at the Maine Bureau of Air Quality, I know the critical importance of clean air programs and quality and affordable health care coverage.

The bill, as it is written now, will cut billions of dollars in common sense programs that keep our air clean and keep people healthy. Cuts to clean air programs will worsen air quality, aggravating asthma attacks in kids. The bill also includes devastating cuts to Medicaid and other health care programs, so when people get sick, they won’t have access to care.

I urge my neighbors and community members to join me to call on Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to vote “No” on this harmful reconciliation bill.

John Chandler
Auburn