{"id":266,"date":"2024-04-24T22:44:57","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T22:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10219\/?page_id=266"},"modified":"2026-02-03T11:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T16:47:55","slug":"2023-achievements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/2023-achievements\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 Achievements"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"cs-content\" class=\"cs-content\"><div class=\"x-section e266-e1 m7e-0 m7e-1 m7e-2 dark\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/background-with-logo-1.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e2 m7e-7 m7e-8 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-h m7e-i\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e3 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e4 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-16 highlight\"><h1>2023 Achievements<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e5 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-b m7e-c m7e-j\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e6 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e7 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-16 highlight\"><h3>At Maine People\u2019s Alliance, we believe in a world where everyone has what they need and contributes what they can, and no one is left behind.<\/h3>\n<p>In 2023 we made some exciting leaps toward this vision. This year, MPA members worked to win so many things: a paid family and medical leave system for Maine, expansion of Maine\u2019s Child Tax Credit, an increase in legislator pay (making it easier for people with low incomes to run and serve), and new investments in childcare, affordable housing and addressing climate change\u2014and more.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-col e266-e8 m7e-11 m7e-12\"><div class=\"x-div e266-e9 m7e-1c m7e-1d\"><div class=\"x-div e266-e10 m7e-1c m7e-1d\"><div class=\"x-slide-container-viewport is-loading e266-e11 m7e-1h\" data-x-slide-container=\"{&quot;keyboardNavigation&quot;:true,&quot;autoplayStartInView&quot;:true,&quot;justify&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;snap&quot;:true,&quot;scrollBySlide&quot;:true,&quot;wrapAround&quot;:true,&quot;direction&quot;:&quot;forward&quot;,&quot;startingSlide&quot;:1,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;interval&quot;}\"><div class=\"x-slide-container-content\"><div class=\"x-slide-container is-inline is-paged\"><div class=\"x-slide e266-e12 m7e-1i m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e13 m7e-1k\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/020b67_630867d1ae8043b9a742cb936764e863mv2.jpg\" width=\"739\" height=\"348\" alt=\"MPA Member Spring 2023 Retreat\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e14 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA Member Spring 2023 Retreat<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e15 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e16 m7e-1k m7e-1l\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Gina-Morin-at-the-Peoples-Action-March-in-DC-June-2023.jpg\" width=\"697\" height=\"929\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e17 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>Gina Morin at the Peoples Action March in DC June 2023<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e18 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e19 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-leader-Jim-with-Rep.-Cheryl-Golek-showing-support-for-expanding-Maines-CTC.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"1291\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e20 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA leader Jim with Rep. Cheryl Golek showing support for expanding Maine's CTC<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e21 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e22 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-housing-organizer-Nyawal-with-MPA-intern-Erin-at-the-CPD-march-in-Philadelphia-July-2023.jpg\" width=\"1374\" height=\"1832\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e23 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA housing organizer Nyawal with MPA intern Erin at the CPD march in Philadelphia - July 2023<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e24 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e25 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Summer-2023-intern-crew-after-orientation.jpg\" width=\"1004\" height=\"753\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e26 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>Summer 2023 intern crew after orientation<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e27 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e28 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-staffers-Nyawal-Mohamed-and-Selecca-at-the-CPD-march-in-Philadelphia-July-2023.jpg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e29 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA staffers Nyawal, Mohamed, and Selecca at the CPD march in Philadelphia - July 2023<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e30 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e31 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-leader-Nevaeh-at-the-Recovery-Rally-in-Rumford.jpg\" width=\"1201\" height=\"1600\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e32 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA leader Nevaeh at the Recovery Rally in Rumford<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e33 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e34 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-leader-Ed-Fallon-lobbied-Rep.-Ben-Collings-about-his-priorities-for-the-biannual-budget.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e35 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA leader Ed Fallon lobbied Rep. Ben Collings about his priorities for the biannual budget<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e36 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e37 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-leader-Gina-Morin-speaks-with-their-representative-Adam-Lee-about-expanding-overtime-protectio.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e38 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>MPA leader Gina Morin speaks with their representative, Adam Lee, about expanding overtime protection<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-slide e266-e39 m7e-1j\" data-x-slide=\"\"><span class=\"x-image e266-e40 m7e-1k m7e-1m\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Rep.-Mana-Abdi-speaks-with-Androscoggin-County-MPA-members.jpg\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1201\" alt=\"Image\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e41 m7e-14 m7e-16 m7e-17 m7e-18\"><span>Rep. Mana Abdi speaks with Androscoggin County MPA members<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-div e266-e42 m7e-1c m7e-1d m7e-1e m7e-1f m7e-6\"><a class=\"x-div e266-e43 m7e-1c m7e-1e m7e-1g\" href=\"#prev\" data-x-effect-provider=\"colors particles effects\" data-x-slide-prev=\"\"><i class=\"x-icon e266-e44 m7e-1n\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-x-icon-o=\"&#xf060;\"><\/i><\/a><a class=\"x-div e266-e45 m7e-1c m7e-1e m7e-1g\" href=\"#next\" data-x-effect-provider=\"colors particles effects\" data-x-slide-next=\"\"><i class=\"x-icon e266-e46 m7e-1n\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-x-icon-o=\"&#xf061;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><ul class=\"x-slide-pagination is-row x-hide-lg x-hide-md x-hide-sm x-hide-xl x-hide-xs e266-e47 m7e-1o\" data-x-slide-pagination=\"\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e48 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_1311-916x524-4.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 20%; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e49 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-k\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e50 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e51 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62f\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62f wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Paid Family &amp; Medical Leave<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz62l\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62l wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">We won! After working with allies to collect 80,000+ ballot signatures for paid family and medical leave in 2022, we decided to try one more time for a legislative win in 2023. We organized workers, parents, and caregivers statewide, and together with the Maine Women\u2019s Lobby and allies at the Maine Paid Leave Coalition we got the word out<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mainepeople\/posts\/pfbid02qVss8YKLSa74HkdAPJfzxJDEFYVpfFPD6h5N9BiR9Lb2qpxw67C47Q6Bf22A97Mql\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">in Augusta<\/a>, in the<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressherald.com\/2023\/01\/13\/as-paid-family-leave-gains-momentum-in-maine-legislature-advocacy-group-holds-off-on-referendum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">media<\/a>, and in the state\u2019s influential<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangordailynews.com\/2023\/06\/12\/opinion\/letters\/letter-support-for-paid-leave-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">small business community<\/a>. With the help of some tireless legislative champions, we succeeded in getting a strong paid family and medical leave bill to the governor\u2019s desk, and<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressherald.com\/2023\/06\/29\/gov-janet-mills-why-im-supporting-paid-family-and-medical-leave\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">on June 29th<\/a>, Gov. Janet Mills announced her intent to sign the bill, citing our referendum campaign as a key reason for her decision. In 2024, we are working to ensure that Maine\u2019s program works for all of us.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e52 m7e-0 m7e-3 m7e-4 left-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/IMG_3105.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 20%; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e53 m7e-7 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-d m7e-h m7e-l\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e54 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e55 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62v\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62v wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Climate Action &amp;<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>Corporate Accountability<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz630\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz630 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">MPA supported passage of several important bills into law in 2023 to increase access to green jobs for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) workers in Maine,<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/mills-signs-bill-to-spur-offshore-wind-in-maine-ensure-strong-labor-standards-within-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">encourage offshore wind development<\/a><\/span>, and prohibit utilities from spending ratepayer money on politics and lobbying. Working with the Maine Frontline Climate Formation, we also organized a job fair for dozens of BIPOC job seekers to learn more about careers in Maine\u2019s growing clean energy sector. After our historic decades-long lawsuit victory last year against one of the worst polluters in Maine history, cleanup of Penobscot River mercury pollution<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdislander.com\/news\/maritime\/penobscot-river-mercury-cleanup-underway\/article_8d56653e-2b08-11ee-b3a6-7bea9b68bc0a.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">finally began<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>in 2023.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e56 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-housing-organizer-Nyawal-with-MPA-intern-Erin-at-the-CPD-march-in-Philadelphia-July-2023.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e57 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-m\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e58 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e59 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz63r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz63r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Affordable Housing<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>&amp; Tenant Rights<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5q617r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5q617r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">In 2023, MPA worked for the successful passage of important housing bills that have added notice requirements for rent increases, limits on rental application fees, protections against retaliatory evictions, and more. Outside of the statehouse, MPA members also engaged in local campaigns in South Portland (which passed a rent increase cap) and Portland (where voters successfully defeated a landlord-initiated referendum to roll back rent control).<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e60 m7e-0 m7e-3 m7e-4 left-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/healthcare-2-2023_edited.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e61 m7e-7 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-d m7e-h m7e-n\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e62 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e63 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62v\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62v wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64d\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64d wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Healthcare<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64g\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64g wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">As part of the national<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careovercost.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Care Over Cost<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>campaign, MPA members shared their stories of unfair claims denial by private insurers and took part<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressherald.com\/2023\/10\/11\/protesters-criticize-health-insurance-companies-for-denying-claims\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">in an action<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>at the Maine Aetna offices. They also organized around the lack of oversight for Medicare Advantage plans that results in<span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/10\/08\/upshot\/medicare-advantage-fraud-allegations.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>billions of dollars in extra payments<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>to insurance corporations while not translating into guaranteed better<span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oig.hhs.gov\/oei\/reports\/OEI-09-18-00260.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>coverage<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>for patients, and met with Maine\u2019s members of Congress to ensure that all Medicare enrollees have access to the affordable healthcare they need.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e64 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-leader-Jim-with-Rep.-Cheryl-Golek-showing-support-for-expanding-Maines-CTC.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e65 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-o\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e66 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e67 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz63r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz63r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64o\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64o wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Expanding Maine's Child Tax Credit<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64t\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64t wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">One of our top legislative priorities this year was to expand Maine\u2019s Child Tax Credit (CTC)\u2014and we did it! We worked in coalition with Maine Equal Justice, the Maine Center for Economic Policy, and others to pass<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/parents-advocates-urge-lawmakers-to-reduce-poverty-in-maine-by-expanding-child-tax-credit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">LD 1544<\/a><\/span>, making the CTC fully refundable, and then to<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/lawmakers-pass-budget-with-money-for-paid-family-leave-child-tax-credit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">index it to inflation<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>in the state budget. These changes mean that the families who need the CTC the most\u2014those whose incomes are too low for them to pay taxes\u2014will finally have access.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e68 m7e-0 m7e-3 m7e-4 left-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPA-leader-Gina-Morin-speaks-with-their-representative-Adam-Lee-about-expanding-overtime-protectio.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 65%; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e69 m7e-7 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-d m7e-h m7e-p\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e70 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e71 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62v\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62v wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64d\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64d wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz658\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz658 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Maine's Budget<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz65c\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz65c wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">We worked throughout the legislative session to push for a state budget that invests in the infrastructure and programs Maine families and communities need to thrive\u2014instead of giving away tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. This work included organizing a<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/this-is-the-moment-advocates-call-for-lawmakers-to-pass-bold-policies-at-state-house-rally\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Fund our Future rally<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>at the statehouse to call on lawmakers to approve and fund legislation that would address Maine\u2019s affordable housing crisis, lift families out of poverty, ensure low-income immigrants can access health care, and establish paid family and medical leave for workers. Among other activities, we also penned<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressherald.com\/2023\/03\/07\/commentary-state-surplus-a-chance-to-set-maine-up-for-a-better-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">op-eds<\/a>, recruited Mainers to testify at public hearings, and organized local constituent meetings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e72 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/federal-tax.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e73 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-q\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e74 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e75 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz63r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz63r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64o\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64o wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz65l\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz65l wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Tax Fairness<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq6th7aq\" class=\"comp-lq6th7aq SPY_vo\">\n<div data-mesh-id=\"comp-lq6th7aqinlineContent\" data-testid=\"inline-content\" class=\"\">\n<div data-mesh-id=\"comp-lq6th7aqinlineContent-gridContainer\" data-testid=\"mesh-container-content\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz65p\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz65p wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">At the state level, we worked throughout the legislative session to push for a state budget that invests in the infrastructure and programs Maine families and communities need to thrive\u2014instead of giving away tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. This work included organizing a rally\u00a0<span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/this-is-the-moment-advocates-call-for-lawmakers-to-pass-bold-policies-at-state-house-rally\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">calling on<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>lawmakers to approve and fund legislation that would address Maine\u2019s affordable housing crisis, lift families out of poverty, ensure low-income immigrants can access health care, and establish paid family and medical leave for workers. At the federal level, we worked to spotlight Congressional Republican budget proposals that would benefit corporations and the mega-rich through<span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vQBRZ0M0ZFJ0rvmXVRw8TnW0Vh33ReNg3xJNDMdXFYoCuafc5Lpxj_SXqzZVrn_q2MhIuJRmvENCCgt\/pub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>media releases<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>and events. In the spring, we worked to mobilize Mainers angry about Republican hostage-taking over the federal debt limit. This work included media releases and connecting MPA members with reporters for<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/politics\/2023\/05\/20\/debt-ceiling-debate-public-opinion\/70228901007\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">national news coverage<\/a><\/span>, a social media campaign, constituent calls to Maine\u2019s Congressional Delegation, and organizing public events.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e76 m7e-0 m7e-3 m7e-4 left-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/childcare.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e77 m7e-7 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-d m7e-h m7e-r\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e78 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e79 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62v\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62v wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64d\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64d wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz658\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz658 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qepfh\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qepfh wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Childcare<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qepfo\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qepfo wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">MPA members worked hard to support the successful passage of<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/bills\/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0690&amp;item=1&amp;snum=131\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">LD 1726<\/a><\/span>, which will invest around $60 million in the next two years to improve the state\u2019s childcare system. The resources will help double the childcare worker stipend and expand parental eligibility for childcare subsidies. LD 1726 also establishes the Child Care Task Force to make recommendations for better childcare in Maine and, by 2030, to implement a program to achieve affordable childcare.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e80 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/immigration-1-2023_edited.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e81 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-s\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e82 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e83 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz63r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz63r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64o\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64o wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz65l\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz65l wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qepfz\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qepfz wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Immigrant Rights<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qepg4\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qepg4 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">A bill from MPA research director and state Sen. Mike Tipping<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainesenate.org\/sen-tipping-introduces-bill-to-support-the-maine-multicultural-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">to fund an immigrant welcome center<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>in Bangor was an important legislative win for immigrant rights this year. MPA members were also part of a coalition campaign to expand Medicaid to all Mainers, regardless of immigration status (a campaign we have not yet won). We also worked to advance national immigration reform through meetings with Rep. Chellie Pingree, and staff from Sen. Angus King and Rep. Jared Golden\u2019s offices, and through participation in the<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairimmigration.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Fair Immigration Reform Movement<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e84 m7e-0 m7e-3 m7e-4 left-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/drug-reform-2-2023_edited.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 59%; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e85 m7e-7 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-d m7e-h m7e-t\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e86 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e87 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62v\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62v wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64d\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64d wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz658\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz658 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qepfh\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qepfh wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qha6b\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qha6b wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Drug Policy Reform, Harm Reduction, &amp; Justice Transformation<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qha6h\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qha6h wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">This year we organized<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/100064838136791\/posts\/pfbid09NaDJytEbhsiU1qVbCwQTLNwbYm2MNd2FHBBhztkN5GkSi7hNERbya2QxRCFZDm1l\/?mibextid=Nif5oz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">volunteer lobby days<\/a>, mobilized<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/actionnetwork.org\/letters\/tell-lawmakers-pass-ld-1364-to-save-lives?source=fb&amp;&amp;fbclid=IwAR0iObLA330neyBZLTIsYeMNyIcJNzkZYFS6pwwOSN4eMpHx6eH9FYeRIYk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">constituent contacts to lawmakers<\/a>, and generated<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunjournal.com\/2023\/05\/20\/jim-lysen-state-needs-more-compassionate-drug-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">letters to the editor<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>to advocate for bills that would shift resources from criminalization and incarceration of people who use drugs to support recovery and harm reduction services. These efforts revolved around two major bills:\u00a0<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mainelegislature.org\/legis\/bills\/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1266&amp;item=1&amp;snum=131\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">LD1975<\/a>, which would decriminalize drug possession, and<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flegislature.maine.gov%2Flegis%2Fbills%2FgetPDF.asp%3Fpaper%3DHP0878%26item%3D1%26snum%3D131&amp;data=05%7C01%7Calear%40sunjournal.com%7C5f0a7d4ebd034378967008db6b593f2d%7C7aa4c5c2d43f4185a5643e3dea04ec7c%7C1%7C0%7C638221805102810893%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0YMlYvlL2XHM4%2Fhtp4NVEJUz5PlhTXbH08AJMXMLzTs%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">LD 1364<\/a>, which would allow cities and towns in Maine to open harm reduction health centers. Though we<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/handful-of-maine-senate-dems-join-with-gop-to-vote-down-crucial-drug-reform-measure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">fell short of a victory on harm reduction centers<\/a>, the bill to decriminalize drug use was carried over and will be considered in 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e88 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Rep.-Mana-Abdi-speaks-with-Androscoggin-County-MPA-members.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e89 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-u\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e90 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e91 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz63r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz63r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64o\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64o wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz65l\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz65l wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qjqs5\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qjqs5 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Democracy<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qjqsc\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qjqsc wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">We worked hard this session to increase legislator pay with<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/legis\/bills\/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0727&amp;item=1&amp;snum=131\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">LD 1155<\/a><\/span>, with the goal of making it easier for people with low income and less flexible schedules to serve \u2014 and<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/budget-committee-funds-bills-to-increase-paltry-legislator-pay-implement-drug-policy-reforms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">we won a near doubling in legislator salaries<\/a><\/span>!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e92 m7e-0 m7e-3 m7e-4 left-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/tribal-sovereignty-2023.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e93 m7e-7 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-d m7e-h m7e-v\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e94 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e95 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz62v\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz62v wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64d\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64d wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz658\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz658 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qepfh\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qepfh wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qha6b\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qha6b wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qkuij\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qkuij wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">Tribal Sovereignty<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qkuiq\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qkuiq wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">As a member of the Wabanaki Alliance, we worked to advance tribal rights and<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wabanakialliance.com\/sovereignty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">sovereignty<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>in the Maine legislature. LD 2007, which aims to modernize the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act and advance self-determination for Wabanaki Nations, was carried over to 2024. We also supported<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/wabanaki-alliance-rallies-support-for-question-6-on-indigenous-peoples-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">the campaign to pass Question 6<\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span>(to re-add sections in Maine's original constitution that were omitted from official printed copies) on the statewide ballot in November. That referendum question passed with a resounding 73% win!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e96 m7e-0 m7e-3 right-circle-clip\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/MPAs-News-Website-MaineBeacon.com_.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 20% center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e97 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-w\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e98 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e99 m7e-13 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-19\"><div id=\"comp-lq5pz63r\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz63r wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz64o\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz64o wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5pz65l\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5pz65l wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qjqs5\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qjqs5 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qlwpy\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qlwpy wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<h2 class=\"font_3 wixui-rich-text__text\"><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">MPA\u2019s News Website:\u00a0<br class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\" \/>MaineBeacon.com<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"comp-lq5qlwq5\" class=\"HcOXKn c9GqVL QxJLC3 comp-lq5qlwq5 wixui-rich-text\" data-testid=\"richTextElement\">\n<p class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\">At<span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainebeacon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\">MaineBeacon.com<\/a><\/span>, which reaches tens of thousands of engaged readers each month, our reporting staff continues to break news stories, elevate grassroots voices, hold electeds accountable, expose the hidden actions of bad actors, and advance a progressive vision for Maine\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e100 m7e-0 m7e-2 m7e-5 dark\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/background-membership-cta.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row e266-e101 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-e m7e-f m7e-h m7e-x\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e102 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e103 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-16 m7e-18 m7e-1a\"><h2>Can you help us keep winning in 2024 by making a contribution today?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row e266-e104 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-f m7e-g m7e-h m7e-y\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e105 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e106 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-16 m7e-1a m7e-1b\"><p>We count on grassroots donations to power our work each year. In addition to paying our staff and resourcing our campaigns, we are counting on members like you to help us raise the money for some important investments this coming year, including:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \t<li>Purchasing a new database than can better track the hundreds of thousands of contacts we have with Mainers each year;<\/li>\n \t<li>Launching a new deep canvass on climate change and renewable energy;<\/li>\n \t<li>Deepening our organizing in rural communities, especially through the work of our new faith community organizer who is building a statewide multi-faith network of faith leaders and congregations committed to advancing social change;<\/li>\n \t<li>Expanding our affordable housing work, which includes a new community organizer who will be organizing tenants to fight for their rights; and<\/li>\n \t<li>Running a training program for members of MPA and allied organizations (in Maine and nationally) to learn the skills necessary to keep building a strong movement for change.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><a class=\"x-anchor x-anchor-button e266-e107 m7e-1p\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"\/donate-form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><div class=\"x-anchor-content\"><div class=\"x-anchor-text\"><span class=\"x-anchor-text-primary\">Make a Donation<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-section e266-e108 m7e-0 m7e-2 m7e-5 dark\"><div class=\"x-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"x-bg-layer-lower-image\" style=\" background-image: url(https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/hero-donation-page.jpg); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center; background-size: cover;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row x-container max width e266-e109 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-h m7e-z\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e110 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e111 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-16 m7e-18 m7e-1a\"><h2>Can you help us meet our goal of 100 new monthly supporters by the end of the year?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"x-row e266-e112 m7e-7 m7e-9 m7e-a m7e-b m7e-f m7e-g m7e-h m7e-10\"><div class=\"x-row-inner\"><div class=\"x-col e266-e113 m7e-11\"><div class=\"x-text x-content e266-e114 m7e-14 m7e-15 m7e-16 m7e-1a m7e-1b\"><p>Here\u2019s why this kind of support is so important:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \t<li>We are an organization of thousands of everyday people fighting for justice. We don\u2019t want to be funded by a handful of wealthy donors--we want to be funded by members like you;<\/li>\n \t<li>Monthly donations by thousands of members add up fast (100 more people giving just $10\/month means $12,000 for MPA\u2019s work next year); and<\/li>\n \t<li>Giving monthly using your bank account (instead of a credit card) means NO money going into the pockets of greedy credit card companies and more money going straight to work for progressive social change.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><a class=\"x-anchor x-anchor-button e266-e115 m7e-1p\" tabindex=\"0\" href=\"\/donate-form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><div class=\"x-anchor-content\"><div class=\"x-anchor-text\"><span class=\"x-anchor-text-primary\">Become a Monthly Donor<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2023 AchievementsAt Maine People\u2019s Alliance, we believe in a world where everyone has what they need and contributes what they can, and no one is left behind. In 2023 we made some exciting leaps toward this vision. This year, MPA members worked to win so many things: a paid family and medical leave system for Maine, expansion of Maine\u2019s Child &#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/2023-achievements\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-blank-4.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-266","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","no-post-thumbnail"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2023 Achievements - Maine People&#039;s Alliance<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/mainepeoplesalliance.org\/2023-achievements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2023 Achievements - Maine People&#039;s Alliance\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"2023 AchievementsAt Maine People\u2019s Alliance, we believe in a world where everyone has what they need and contributes what they can, and no one is left behind. In 2023 we made some exciting leaps toward this vision. This year, MPA members worked to win so many things: a paid family and medical leave system for Maine, expansion of Maine\u2019s Child ... 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In 2023 we made some exciting leaps toward this vision. This year, MPA members worked to win so many things: a paid family and medical leave system for Maine, expansion of Maine\u2019s Child ... 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