Having spent much of my career working in a paper mill—even as I was serving the people of Maine in the state legislature—I know the meaning of a hard day’s work. I also know that Mainers are some of the hardest-working men and women in the world.
The single most important thing we can do to build a strong economy is ensure that Maine children have access to a quality public education that gives them the skills they need to succeed—whether they grow up to invent something new, run the family farm, work in a mill or become a world-class doctor.
I first ran for the Maine Legislature after witnessing the harmful effect pollution from the mill where I was working had on the nearby Penobscot River. I won that election, cleaned up the river, and to this day remain committed to protecting Maine’s natural resources—our rivers, mountains, forests and coasts—as well as the health and livelihood of Mainers and visitors who seek to enjoy them.
We have a moral obligation to treat all people with dignity, fairness and respect, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
I was proud to support the 2012 marriage referendum that afforded all loving, committed couples in Maine the freedom to marry, and even prouder when Maine became the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. For more than a decade, I have fought to protect LGBT Americans from violence and discrimination while defending their right to serve their country proudly and openly in the armed services. And I’ve worked hard to ensure that critical violence prevention services for women are adequately funded.
Maine’s strong farming and fishing culture has always played an important role in our economy and our way of life. Our farms and fisheries are the backbone of the Maine brand, and it’s our role as community members, government leaders, and consumers to protect them for future generations.
As I talk to voters throughout Maine, the high cost of health insurance is one of the most pressing issues they face today. Too many Mainers can’t afford the health care they need when they need it. This puts our economy, small businesses, and families at risk, which is why guaranteed access to affordable health care has been a priority for me as a Congressman and will be a priority for me as governor.
Census data indicates that while Maine has made progress to close the gap between the earnings of men and women, women continue to earn about 21 percent less than their male counterparts. That pay gap could make a big difference in the lives of many women and families.
It could mean the difference between their children having shoes and clothes that fit, having enough money to buy groceries and heat their homes and having more time to help their kids with their homework.
Long before I first got elected to the state legislature, I’ve always felt a duty as a Mainer to honor those who’ve sacrificed for our freedom as Americans, as well the brave men and women who continue to serve in our armed services today.
Through my years serving the people of Maine at the state and federal level, I’ve spoken to a lot of women, listened to their concerns and their stories, and watched as a small but vocal minority has attempted to wage an all out attack on women’s rights—from their right to earn a fair pay check to their right to make their own health care decisions.