Last week, the new Legislature was sworn in to serve our districts all over the state. When Maine voters went to the polls in November to elect us, you sent a clear message that you’re ready for change. You elected us to get results, and we plan to work together to deliver that promise.
Over the time I have served, we’ve faced gridlock that we’ve only had limited success in breaking through. So many issues that are important to Maine families are hanging in the balance and we don’t have any time to waste.
The opioid overdose crisis continues to claim too many friends, neighbors and family members. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Maine is among the top ten states with the highest rates of opiate-related overdose deaths in the country. And while we don’t have a silver bullet to solve the problem, we do know that those who want to get help to stop using often can’t get into treatment. We will work to make treatment more accessible and affordable throughout the state.
Part of that solution involves finally implementing the voter-approved referendum you passed last year and bringing health care coverage to more than 70,000 Mainers. We’re also going to work to make sure health care is more affordable for every Mainer.
We’re going to stand up for the people who get up and go to work every day to build a better life for themselves and their families. We will protect their rights as workers and encourage more family-friendly policies in the workplace.
We will also work to make our tax code fairer to working and middle class people by taking the tax burden off the shoulders of property taxpayers.
We can finally respond to the threat of climate change and protect, even create, thousands of jobs by developing clean renewable energies and mitigating the damage to the environment.
We’re going to renew our commitment to public education by supporting students and teachers, tackling student debt and making sure that every child in Maine can connect to the internet and compete with their peers anywhere in the world. Expanding broadband will also be a part of our work to grow our economy. Today’s businesses need to be able to connect their products and services to online customers wherever they are.
It’s a lot to get started on, but we don’t have a minute to lose if we’re going to make the changes you asked for at the ballot box. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and our new governor-elect, Janet Mills, to make sure we get results for Gorham and for Maine.
Thank you for honoring me with the chance to serve you. It’s a chance to give more people a fair shot to get ahead and it’s a chance we can’t afford to lose.
Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves on the Taxation Committee.
(207) 712-9735 | (800) 423-2900 | maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov