From defeating the voter suppression initiative to passing gun safety reform and raising Portland’s minimum wage, @strim.bsky.social says this election proves Mainers want bold, progressive action — and leaders who aren’t afraid to deliver it. Click the link below to read his full column!

Maine voters rejected a proposal to change voting processes and approved new gun safety legislation. Portland voters also backed raising the city’s minimum wage to $19 an hour by 2028. Nationally, Bowdoin alum Zohran Mamdani made history as New York City’s youngest mayor in more than a century.

“It’s really unacceptable that after 25 years since the closure of this plant and the DEP’s order to close the site, that there’s still lots of contaminated soils on site." - Jesse Graham, MPA Co-Director

Conservative radio host and Maine Policy Institute CEO Matthew Gagnon called concerns about hunger increasing as SNAP funding was being threatened "bullshit". His comments came before the Trump administration announced today that it would pay 50% of the normal SNAP benefits in November.

The no side of Question 1 had 60.2% of votes to 39.8% for the yes side when the Bangor Daily News and its national partner, Decision Desk HQ, called the race at 9:26 p.m. Tuesday.

Election Day is tomorrow! On the podcast, our hosts discuss why they are voting "No" on 1 to protect absentee voting and "Yes" on 2 for stronger firearm safety laws. Plus, new Senate race polling and the Trump admin’s illegal move to withhold SNAP benefits. Listen to the full episode below!

💸 Healthcare costs are already out of control. We need Congress to lower them, not raise them by taking away Affordable Care Act credits that help 22 million people afford coverage. The GOP created this #HealthcareHeist, and they can end the shutdown now by fixing their mistake.

“That barrier to health care makes people suffer. They have worse health care outcomes, and they’re going to die," said Dr. Patrick Connolly, who joined Mainers calling on Congress to restore Medicaid and ACA funding. Click here to read more.

Great coverage of our press conference on rising ACA premium costs from WMTW! Mainers who have health insurance through the marketplace are expected to see their premiums increase an average of nearly 24% unless Congress takes action and extends the tax credits.

As Question 1 threatens to restrict absentee voting, Graham Platner is continuing his campaign to protect Maine voters. Platner will be hosting a “Save Absentee Voting” concert & rally in Portland this Sunday at 1 p.m. at the State Theatre, featuring Griffin William Sherry and The Ballroom Thieves.

This morning, we held a press conference with a group of Mainers to call on the four members of Maine’s congressional delegation to work to bring back funding for Medicaid and ACA tax credits that make it possible for many Americans to afford insurance.

Gov. Janet Mills is joining 20 other governors in pressing Pres. Donald Trump to release emergency SNAP funds as his administration threatens to block food assistance for 40 million Americans — including 170,000 people here in Maine.

With Election Day just one week away, Maine labor advocates are warning that Question 1 on the statewide ballot would make it harder for thousands of Mainers to cast their votes, particularly those who rely on absentee voting. Read the full story below!

As open enrollment for Maine’s health insurance marketplace begins Nov. 1, Mainers like Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons face devastating premium hikes. Her ACA plan could go from $11 to $2,000 a month if Congress fails to act. Click below to read the full story.

This week on the podcast, we break down how the federal shutdown is hitting Maine — from SNAP cuts to state layoffs —and a $245 million budget gap. Plus, the latest on Graham Platner, new candidates entering key races, and the energy from the No Kings rallies. Click below to listen!

"Large demonstrations are essential for energizing the base, but they can also alienate the very people those movements need to persuade. This is where organizing becomes crucial." Very interesting article in the Boston Globe about how the right wields people power vs how the left does.

Immigrant rights advocates have launched the Maine ICE Watch Hotline (207-544-9989), a new tool to verify reports of ICE activity and connect families with support. “When ICE shows up, we show up too — not with fear, but with solidarity,” said Crystal Cron, executive director of Presente! Maine.

The government shutdown is entering its 4th week and Republicans in Congress still aren't doing anything to protect health care coverage for millions of Americans, including thousands of Mainers. If you receive your health insurance through the ACA, or the marketplace, we need to hear your story! ⬇️

Millions of Americans are set to lose food assistance next month as the Trump admin continues the government shutdown and Republicans block efforts to restore health care funding. With SNAP benefits frozen, Maine food banks say they’re already overwhelmed.

Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows joins us on the podcast to talk about her vision for a more transparent, community-driven government. She shares plans for universal healthcare, fair taxation, and stronger support for tribal sovereignty. Listen below!

Voting "is the last thing that gives us some type of responsibility,” said Foster Bates, president of the Maine State Prison chapter of the NAACP. He warned that Question 1 could strip incarcerated people of that right. Story by @themainemonitor.org.

As the gov shutdown enters its third week, Mainers are growing increasingly worried about the future of their health coverage. They are calling on Congress to extend premium tax credits for people with marketplace health coverage and revise the law the Senate passed in July that will cut Medicaid.

On the podcast, Esther and Ben break down Maine’s two statewide ballot questions — why they’re voting no on Question 1, which would restrict absentee voting, and yes on Question 2, a red flag law aimed at preventing gun violence. Click the link below to listen to the full episode!

Sen. Susan Collins voted to confirm Jennifer Mascott, a Trump nominee who called for Roe v. Wade to be tossed in the “dustbin of history.” Mascott previously praised the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe and defended Texas’ extreme abortion ban in 2021.

Mainers gathered in Freeport to protest Central Maine Power’s plan to hike electricity rates by $420 a year. The new “Fight the Hike” coalition says CMP’s proposal, which would boost its revenues by more than $1.4 billion over five years, is unjust to residents already struggling with high costs.

It’s almost Election Day! Do you know how you plan to vote on Question 1? We’re supporting the Save Maine Absentee Voting campaign to vote NO on 1 so that voting in Maine stays accessible for everyone. If you agree and want to protect voting rights, sign the pledge below!

Maine Gov. Janet Mills joined the 2026 Senate race Tuesday, facing a crowded Democratic field. This includes oyster farmer Graham Platner, who outperformed her in recent polling among Trump voters, younger voters, and rural northern and western counties. Click below to read the full story.

“Hospitals closing in rural areas is a bipartisan issue, it’s not just a progressive issue. Because these hospitals in Maine serve lots of Republicans. So this is really a problem for all Mainers.” — Jim Lysen

MPA is hiring! We're looking for a full-time administrative coordinator to support the day-to-day operations of the organization. The position is based in Portland, with remote/hybrid workdays available. Come work with us! Apply at the link below ⬇️

Mainers visited hospitals across the state Wednesday morning to speak with patients and providers on how Republican-led Medicaid cuts could force several facilities to close, leaving tens of thousands without care. Click below to read more.

Today, we visited hospitals across the state, several of which are facing the threat of closure due to Republican cuts to Medicaid, to speak with patients and health care providers about their concerns. They rely on these hospitals for everyday and lifesaving health care, as well as for employment.

In-person absentee voting is now open across Maine. Question 1 would add new restrictions to absentee voting, while Question 2 would create a red flag law. The Save Maine Absentee Voting Campaign is urging voters go NO to 1, calling it “an attack on Maine’s safe and secure absentee voting system.”

Early, in-person voting starts today. Here’s what Mainers need to know. mainemorningstar.com/briefs/early...

The Save Maine Absentee Voting Weekend of Action starts today at UMaine Orono! Tomorrow and Sunday, we'll be going door-to-door across the state to talk with our neighbors about the importance of voting NO on 1 and protecting absentee voting! To join us, sign up here: saveabsentee.me/get-involved/

Mainers woke up to a federal government shutdown Wednesday morning after Republicans blocked Medicaid funding and Affordable Care Act tax credits. Without the credits, more than 70,000 Mainers could face skyrocketing premiums or lose coverage. Click below to read the full story.

The annual Health Care for Maine Conference is happening next week on 10/7 and there's still time to register! The theme is about preserving access to health care for all people in Maine. The conference will include a series of workshops as well as a forum with candidates running for governor! RSVP⬇️

Let's be clear—this Republican shutdown is a result of Democrats in Congress saying, “No, we’re not going to let this stand.” All Americans deserve health care, and this budget will result in millions of people losing their access to it.

Susan Collins and Washington Republicans are driving up costs on everything and have already put tens of thousands of Mainers on track to lose their health care coverage – now, Collins would rather shut down the government than fix the crises she helped create. #MESen

Maine Family Planning will close its primary care practices in Ellsworth, Presque Isle and Houlton on Oct. 31 after Congress cut $2M in Medicaid funds. “The cruel and dangerous law has put us in an impossible situation,” said CEO and president George Hill. Click below to read the full story.

RSVP here: saveabsentee.me/get-involved/

Congress has a deadline of TODAY to pass a bill to keep federal agencies funded and prevent a shutdown. Last week, our federal lobby team met with staff from Angus King's office to share the importance of protecting access to healthcare. Can you call him and urge to keep fighting? (202) 224-5344

A five-year pilot program in Maine aims to ensure special education students are no longer segregated from their peers. Three elementary schools near Bangor and Lewiston will serve as models for teacher training and collaboration. Read the full story at the link below!

Federal courts have long held that immigrants arrested inside the U.S. are entitled to bond hearings. But a new federal policy strips that right away. The ACLU of Maine is fighting back — first winning a case in Maine, and now joining a class action to restore due process nationwide.

Mainers of faith gathered this morning at Sen. Susan Collins’ Portland office, urging her to oppose the federal budget resolution unless it restores health care funding and protects immigrants and vulnerable communities. mainebeacon.com/maines-faith...

This morning, faith leaders and people of faith gathered outside Sen. Susan Collins’ Portland office to urge her to fund health care for Mainers and stop funding ICE ahead of Congress' Sept. 30 deadline. Read our press release here: mainepeoplesalliance.org/maine-faith-...

🗣️ ANNOUNCEMENT: Save Maine Weekend of Action! Join us October 4-5 for the Save Maine Weekend of Action as we work together to protect our secure absentee voting system. #Democracy thrives when every voice is heard! 📍 In-Person Events: Saturday, 10/4: 9:30 am Sunday, 10/5: 1:00 pm

Save Maine Absentee Voting is hosting a campaign briefing tomorrow (9/24) at 3 pm! RSVP at the link below to get campaign updates and learn how you can be more involved in the NO on 1 campaign! @savemaineabsentee.bsky.social

Eighteen Maine Senators and 57 Representatives received 100% scores in an annual legislative scorecard by Maine People's Alliance that was released earlier this week. The scorecard highlights legislators’ votes on housing, workers’ rights, child care, immigration, tax fairness and more.

Note: the 400 richest people in the U.S. are now worth a record $6.6 trillion, after getting $1.2 trillion richer over the past 12 months. #BigBeautifulBill #TaxTheRich

Our annual awards dinner is in three days!! If you haven't already bought your tickets, it's not too late! We hope to see you on Thursday, Sept. 18 as we celebrate our wins and recognize the leaders who have been fighting for progress in their communities and across the state!