Earlier this month, Senator Susan Collins weighed in on the coronavirus relief bill negotiations, saying, “if we can’t get this done in the midst of a persistent pandemic then we have failed the American people.” But instead of getting to work for Maine people, Collins “retreated to her partisan corner” before taking off on a nearly month-long vacation with no progress on a relief bill.
She failed. And Maine communities are paying the price.
While Senator Collins enjoys her extended summer break, Maine is facing a $1.4 billion budget shortfall, and municipalities are furloughing workers and preparing to make cuts to essential services in the middle of a public health and economic crisis. Now, a new report from the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee has confirmed what local officials in Maine have been saying for months: our state’s economic stability is “dependent on further federal action” but thanks to Senator Collins, we’re no closer to a deal for more relief.
“For once I agree with Senator Collins — she has failed the American people,” said Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Lisa Roberts. “It’s unconscionable that she left for a nearly month-long vacation at a time when Mainers are counting on our representatives in Washington to make a deal that will ensure that we remain on the path to economic recovery while fighting this virus.”
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