In late June, the 132nd Legislature adjourned sine die (without day). This is my ninth year in the Legislature, and this recent session was particularly tumultuous. It seemed at times like the antics of Washington had spilled over into Augusta. There were more and more attempts to create viral moments, often by pushing the limits of decorum and civility.

But despite these challenges, and a budget constrained by fewer federal dollars, we were able to defeat relentless corporate interests and attacks to make life harder for those already struggling. By fighting back against these forces, we made progress on issues where working families have said loud and clear, “Do something! Fix this!”

As I told my colleagues back in January, every elected member has been asked to address the rising costs that are breaking Mainers’ household budgets. With this in mind, Democrats worked on a budget that protects critical investments in health care, education, property tax stabilization, housing and child care.

Meanwhile, our Republican colleagues shielded themselves from the political liability of sharing their presumably unpopular ideas by refusing to put forward a counter budget proposal. Maine Republicans can try to hide what they stand for, but we all got a glimpse with the
passage of President Trump’s health care-destroying, rich-get-richer, poor-get-poorer bill that squeaked by Congress a few weeks ago.

Maine Democrats protected access to health care across the state, and especially in our rural areas, where hospitals desperately needed our support to prevent further closures and reductions in services. Maine Democrats provided critical support to our state’s nursing homes, so our older neighbors and loved ones can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Maine Democrats ensured food security, especially for Maine children, by investing in free school meals. Maine Democrats recommitted to the state’s obligation to fund public education and municipal revenue sharing, so communities do not rely on huge property tax hikes to
fund local services.

Maine Democrats strengthened the University of Maine System, Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy to ensure a variety of pathways to meaningful, good-paying careers that aim to keep people in our state long after graduation.

Maine Democrats passed the biggest tax relief for first-time homebuyers in state history by completely axing the tax. At the same time, we created a higher tax on mansions and dedicated the new revenue to build affordable homes for Maine families.

Maine Democrats boosted wages for child-care workers and direct-care workers who provide essential services to children, older Mainers and those with disabilities. Maine Democrats also doubled Maine’s dependent tax credit from $300 to $600 for families earning less than $150,000 a year.

Of course, there were many bills that did not become law, including those that would have criminalized access to safe and legal abortion, removed sexual orientation and gender identity from the Maine Human Rights Act, upended progress to address climate change and gutted paid family and medical leave before it even got started. I am proud that Democrats defeated these measures.

Some folks may tell you — heck, you may even think yourself — that “Democrats and Republicans are all the same,” but when you look at who is walking the walk, you will find Democrats are the ones fighting for working people.

Democrats have been focused on bringing ideas forward that tackle the things that make life harder for everyday Mainers. The housing crisis, the high cost of child care, getting health care when you need it without losing your entire life savings — these are the issues facing working people across our state.

Maine Democrats supported a budget that accomplished real progress on these issues, and we repeatedly extended an invitation for our Republican colleagues to join us, to negotiate, and to compromise. Instead, they left governing to us. So, we governed. We led. And we passed a budget that put working families first, just as Mainers would expect, and I’m damn proud of that.