Today, Donald Trump announced that he has instructed Republicans to stop negotiating a coronavirus relief package until after the election, meaning that communities in Maine won’t get the resources they need to prevent layoffs and continue providing essential services as they contend with massive budget shortfalls.
This summer, Collins admitted that if her party could not pass an aid package in the middle of a persistent pandemic then they have “failed the American people.” But then she went on an extended summer break and supported a failed stunt bill that provided no aid for state and local governments. Months later, struggling Maine communities are still without relief, and Collins’ party allies have stopped negotiations entirely.
Collins has repeatedly acknowledged the need for more federal aid to state and local governments, even saying in May, “if we don't provide additional aid, the consequences are going to be massive layoffs and huge reductions in services." But now that Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell have given their marching orders, Senator Collins is again falling in line and Maine communities won’t get the funding they need.
“Senator Collins failed to deliver the aid that Maine communities have been counting on,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “What’s the point of having a Senator with seniority if she’s unable to secure relief to keep our communities above water in the middle of unprecedented public health and economic crises? When Mainers needed a leader more than ever, Collins once again caved to Trump and McConnell.”
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