What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Over the last two years, the legislature has made significant investments to develop new affordable housing, but there is still more to do. We should continue to incentivize new development by enhancing existing programs and tax credits. In addition, we can help new home buyers get into today’s high priced market by increasing support for first-time homebuyers. Thoughtful planning by municipalities is important to achieve substantial new development while preserving natural resources and the unique character of our communities.
Transmission lines, solar incentives and offshore wind development have been controversial over the past several years. What steps should Maine take to meet growing demand for electricity?
We should prioritize clean, renewable energy production and continue to transition away from fossil fuels, which are harmful to our environment and subject to volatile cost swings. Renewable energy will cost ratepayers less in the long term and help create good jobs for Mainers today.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Maine needs an inclusive economy so that every Mainer has the chance to get ahead. To do this, we need an income tax structure that provides meaningful relief to those who need it, including working families and seniors. We also need to look carefully for ways to support municipalities in stabilizing property taxes.
Over the past few years, the Legislature has made significant progress toward a tax code that is more sustainable for Mainers by establishing a new child tax credit, increasing the annual income tax pension deduction, increasing the property tax fairness credit for seniors, and expanding the property tax deferral program.
We are closing in on the one-year anniversary of the Lewiston mass shooting. Are further legislative responses required around guns, mental health, supporting victims and families or other policy areas?
We should continue to consider and enact policies that prevent all forms of gun violence, including firearm injuries, suicide, and homicide. This includes investing in Maine’s behavioral and mental health services so that everyone who needs care has access. In the last legislature, we funded new crisis receiving centers, 24/7 crisis intervention mobile response services, and created a new Office of Violence Prevention within the Maine CDC. In addition, we must make common sense efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of people who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. I would support a true extreme risk protection order (“red flag”) bill that includes due process protections for firearm owners so that individuals and families who are navigating a crisis have more tools available.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
In the 132nd legislature, my top areas of focus will be to: protect Maine’s environment, advance renewable energy policies, and mitigate the effects of climate change; create economic opportunity and address workforce needs through strong public education; help Maine families make ends meet in the face of rising costs; and ensure strong civil rights protections for Maine people, including the right to access reproductive health care.