FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2020
Contact: Caitlin DeLuca, caitlin@eriksongroup.com
NEW POLL SHOWS MAINERS READY FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO RETURN FOR SPECIAL SESSION, CONCERNED ABOUT ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19
The poll, released by Mainers for Working Families, also highlights Mainers’ desire for the federal government to provide additional aid, and policies like expanded health care access and closing corporate tax loopholes.
AUGUSTA, Maine – A poll released today by Mainers for Working Families shows that a majority of Mainers are concerned about the overall economic impact of COVID-19, and are ready for the Legislature to return to Augusta for a special session to address this crisis. Mainers also expressed an overwhelming desire for the federal government to provide additional support, so that Maine isn’t forced to cut budgets for essential services. The poll also shows overall support of policies like closing corporate tax loopholes, increasing aid to small businesses, and expanding access to healthcare.
The poll’s release comes following repeated attempts by legislative leadership to reconvene the Legislature for a special session.
“Governor Mills has demonstrated exceptional leadership in helping Maine flatten the curve, but more work needs to be done to protect our working families and small businesses,” said Evan LeBrun, executive director of Mainers for Working Families. “The burden of our recovery cannot be shouldered by Mainers alone. This poll shows that Mainers want the federal government to provide more aid, and for the Legislature to get back to work, so they can pass policies that provide working Mainers with the economic security to weather this storm.”
The poll surveyed over 500 Mainers across the political spectrum, with 43 percent identifying as moderate, 29 percent as liberal, and 25 percent as conservative. An overwhelming majority of those polled support the Legislature reconvening for a special session, with over 85 percent of respondents supporting their return to Augusta. 59 percent support more aid to small businesses, 55 percent support closing corporate tax loopholes, and over 50 percent support ensuring Mainers have access to affordable healthcare.
“Given voters’ strong concerns around the coronavirus and the effects it is having on the state, it is not surprising that a majority of Mainers strongly support lawmakers returning to Augusta for a special session in order to respond to the pandemic,” reported Lincoln Park Strategies. “Not only do Mainers support a special session, but they strongly support legislation that would be considered during a special session. This includes bills that would ensure corporations pay their fair share by closing a tax loophole, make health insurance coverage guaranteed, establish a small business loan program, protect whistleblowers, and many more.”
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