Maine Leaders Continue to Demonstrate Their Commitment to Protecting Abortion Access.

In May, we reported on a leaked draft opinion leak that exposed the U.S. Supreme Court’s intention to reverse Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalized abortion access nationwide.

A few weeks later, the nation’s highest court followed through on its draft opinion and rendered a 6-3 decision to reverse the longstanding notion that access to an abortion is a constitutional right.

Since then state legislatures across the country have rushed to either protect abortion access, or propose laws to further restrict a woman’s right to choose.

Thankfully Governor Mills and our leaders in the Maine legislature have continued to prioritize the health and bodily autonomy of Mainers.

Following the Supreme Court’s recent decision, Governor Mills signed an Executive Order to further safeguard access to abortion in Maine and to protect Maine health care providers who provide reproductive health care and their patients.

“Unlike the majority of the U.S. Supreme Court, I do not believe that women’s rights or women’s health care are dispensable,” said Governor Mills.

Senate President Troy Jackson and Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli also reinforced their commitment to protecting abortion access for Mainers.

“In the wake of this decision, please know that Maine Senate Democrats will fight back against efforts to undermine abortion rights and stand united for reproductive freedom,” said Senator Jackson.

“This ruling from the Supreme Court is unconscionable. Rather than protecting the sanctity of life, it will only endanger the lives of everyday people. I vowed in my youth to fight for the right to access abortion care, and it’s clear this fight is far from over. I join with countless people across our state when I say, despite this decision handed down to us from Washington, Maine will not go back,” said Senator Vitelli.

Current law states that people in Maine have an affirmed right to choose to terminate a pregnancy pre-viability, regardless of the reversal of Roe v. Wade. State law also requires MaineCare and other insurance companies covering pregnancy to also cover abortion care without additional restrictions or limitations.

Mainers seeking abortion care can reach out to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England for guidance or learn more at the Department of Health And Human Services webpage.

Mainers For Working Families applauds our leaders in Augusta for continuing to safeguard the right to abortion and other reproductive rights.

Maine’s Legislators are Working for Us

The Maine Legislature just wrapped up an incredibly productive session. From healthcare access and affordable housing to tax fairness and strong, secure elections, our leaders in Augusta have tackled some of our state’s most pressing issues on behalf of Maine’s working families.

WATCH: Mainers Pushing Their Lawmakers to Deliver Results

The part-time nature of our state government means our legislators are just like us. They’re teachers, small business owners, farmers, and hardworking people looking out for their families and their communities. At the same time, it’s thanks to motivated people like you that we gained so much ground in Augusta this year. Your advocacy for policies designed to support working families helped us to address the challenges facing Mainers with the necessary urgency.

Here’s to how far we’ve come, and to the progress yet to be made.

The Fight For Safe And Affordable Housing In South Portland.

As we’ve reported in the past, lawmakers have been making great strides in their efforts to address Maine’s housing crisis.

But despite the progress made by the state legislature to address zoning laws, some challenges remain.

In South Portland, exponential rent hikes at one affordable housing unit is making life difficult for tenants in the area.

Reports suggest that the new owners of Redbank Village — which has historically served low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities — may be illegally raising rental prices, despite major problems with several units.

Residents have reported as much as a 25% increase in rent despite cases of mold, ceiling leaks, and a host of other issues at several Redbank apartments.

These unsafe conditions coupled with the dramatic increases in rental prices, represent potential landlord violations that only work to worsen the ongoing housing crisis.

It’s clear that we still have a long road ahead to ensuring that safe and affordable housing is accessible to all Maine families in need. We encourage Governor Mills and the Maine Legislature to build on the progress they’ve made, and pass legislation that better protects renters from exploitation.

The bottom line is that every Mainer deserves a safe, affordable roof over their head. We need better protections to ensure renters aren’t taken advantage of for trying to access affordable housing during this crisis.