PETITION: Tell Sen. Collins to Fund Maine’s Recovery

Senator Susan Collins

Sen. Collins is an important voice in the US Senate. As Congress continues to negotiate the next round of COVID-19 stimulus, we need our senior senator to deliver for us. That means ensuring the next bill passed through the US Senate:

  • Provides $500 billion in emergency funding for states
  • Boosts federal matching funds for health care
  • Ensures worker relief lasts until the economy recovers
  • Strengthens the safety net for families affected by the pandemic and recession
  • Ensures housing so all families can stay safe at home

The coronavirus threatens the health of families and communities and has triggered a recession unlike any we have ever seen. Maine needs Congress to deliver the resources necessary to keep families healthy, keep workers safe, and ensure a shared recovery where we all rebuild together.

We need Susan Collins to make sure Congress takes real action to meet Maine's needs during this crisis. Join us today to make sure Sen. Collins uses her voice to ensure Congress does what's necessary to fund Maine's recovery.

To: Senator Susan Collins
From: [Your Name]

As your constituent, I’m calling on you to use your powerful voice in the Senate to make sure Congress does what’s necessary to fund Maine’s pandemic and economic recovery. The next stimulus bill passed through the US Senate should meet at least the following criteria:

- Includes at least $500 billion in grants for states and territories — the amount called for by the bipartisan National Governors Association — in addition to funding for municipalities, counties, and tribal governments
- Increases federal Medicaid matching funds by 14 percent, up from the 6.2 percent increase set by the Families First Act
- Extends the unemployment provisions of the CARES Act through 2021, and makes additional extensions automatic for as long as the economic crisis continues
- Includes a temporary 15 percent increase to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotment, loosen or eliminate work requirements, and provides states with more funding for costs associated with meeting increased need. Congress must also increase the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funding for cash assistance, extend time limits, and make it easier for families to get assistance even if they are out of work
- Invests $26 billion in Emergency Housing Vouchers to help 500,000 extremely low-income individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence. Congress must also provide $11.5 billion in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program funding for homelessness-related services

Sen. Collins, please do what’s necessary to deliver the resources Maine needs to fund a real recovery from COVID-19 and the recession. Thank you.