Your response to the Census matters. Here's why:

It’s a new decade, which means it is time for the decennial U.S. Census. The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation—who we are, where we live, and so much more.

Currently, Maine is lagging behind nearly every other state in responding to the Census. Our state receives roughly $4 billion in federal funding for important services, based on data collected by the Census. If there is an undercount, that funding could be at risk.

In the midst of a public health crisis, it’s more important than ever that every American responds, as the Census shapes many different aspects of our communities.

What is the Census?

The census is constitutionally mandated. It's conducted by the US Census Bureau and asks questions about your household and demographics. The results of the count will have a major impact on jurisdiction and resource allocation in Maine and across the country.

Why is the Census important?

Getting comprehensive, accurate information about people will create a more complete representation of the population. This will help the government determine how to allocate resources in Maine, like funding for roads, education, healthcare and more.

Census results also have major implications politically, as they help determine the number of seats each state will get in the House of Representatives. They're also used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

How can I respond to the Census safely?

With people staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, filling out a form feels far from a priority. And, unlike in previous years, the pandemic means that in-person census takers may not be able to safely go door-to-door.

Good news: this is the first year that the Census is available online! Go to the Census 2020 website and fill out the questionnaire. It shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes.

Once you're done, you'll get a confirmation number that you should save or print just in case you need it for future reference. You can also fill out the census by calling (844) 330-2020.

Taking the census is a quick, easy task that will help your community thrive for the next decade. Fill out your response today!

Governor Mills and State Legislature Pass Emergency Measures to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor Janet Mills and the State Legislature passed, with near unanimous support, a package of emergency measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These sweeping measures keep Mainers safe, provide additional resources for this pandemic, and help working families stay afloat.

Some of these measures include:

• Establishing a consumer loan guarantee program to provide low- or no- interest loans for eligible people in Maine;

• Temporarily expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19;

• Allowing Department of Education to continue school lunch programs for all eligible children;

• Authorizing Governor Mills to prohibit utilities from terminating residential electric and water service.

Other important health care measures were passed in the budget. They include a bill to end surprise medical bills (sponsored by Speaker Gideon), and other forms of abusive billing practices (sponsored by Senator Claxton).

Whether it’s trying to figure out how to afford prescription medication, get coverage or deal with surprise medical bills, Mainers needed relief. Thanks to Gideon and Claxton’s leadership, patients and their families come first, now and beyond this pandemic.

The COVID-19 outbreak is a scary time for many Mainers, and it is especially frightening for people who can’t make ends meet, or don’t have access to affordable health care.

This package prioritizes the well-being of all Mainers. We are grateful to the State Legislature and Governor Mills for working together to protect Maine’s working families. Read the bill in its entirety here.

Patients must come before profit.

The cost of health care is squeezing working families all over the country. One-third of insured adults are finding it difficult to pay their deductible or afford other routine costs.

In Maine, we see this national crisis playing out at the state level. Too many Mainers have to choose between paying rent, buying groceries, or seeing a doctor.

Our state spends more than the national average on health care, and that number continues to increase. One in seven Maine adults have been forced to forgo care due to the cost. But the Maine legislature is trying to do right by Mainers and make healthcare more affordable.

That’s why Mainers for Working Families supports the Patients First health care package.

The Patients First health care package:

• Allows Maine to take control of skyrocketing health care costs, and holds the health care industry accountable.

• Puts a stop to surprise medical bills, and other abusive billing practices.

• Protects Mainers from the skyrocketing prices of life-saving insulin.

We believe that healthcare is a human right, and it should not come at the cost of lost wages or hidden medical bills.