New polling finds that 77% of Maine voters support more aid for struggling states and municipalities
A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling found that the vast majority of Maine voters, including 79% of Independents and 58% of Republicans, support more federal aid for state and local governments contending with budget deficits amid the coronavirus crisis. This new data comes as local officials in Maine are saying that they’re “going to be in a pretty big jam if we don’t get some federal relief,” and the state reports it is facing a $1.4 billion shortfall over the next three years.
But even with critical need across the state and overwhelming support from Mainers, Senator Susan Collins failed to secure any federal funding for state and local governments in the Republican proposal for the next coronavirus aid package.
Earlier this year, Collins opposed negotiations to include relief for state and local governments in the first round of coronavirus aid. Now, as the need in Maine has only become more urgent, she’s failed to secure federal funding to guarantee that towns will be able to continue to provide essential services through this crisis.
“Senator Collins left Maine’s towns behind when she failed to secure even a single dollar of support for state and local governments in her own party’s proposal,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “It’s clear that Maine people support more federal funding to ensure towns can stay afloat and continue to combat this crisis. We deserve a Senator who will make Maine’s communities a priority in Congress.”
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