The first day of session opened with a bang as roughly four-hundred citizen lobbyists showed up at the capital this morning. Representing all sixteen of Maine's counties, these citizens traveled to Augusta to talk with legislators about expanding Medicaid to the 70,000 Mainers who are not qualified under the Affordable Care Act to apply for health coverage. This event was primarily organized by the Maine People's Alliance, (MPA) an organization committed to "bring individuals and organizations together to realize shared goals." In that spirit, this blog is aimed to bring authentic stories of Mainers and their experiences.
Last year, the legislature voted overwhelmingly to accept federal funds that would expand Medicaid. Governor LePage vetoed this decision, and the two-thirds majority required to override the governor's veto failed by just two votes. Consequently, this meant that MaineCare would no longer be available to nearly 25,000 Mainers, including 10,000 childless adults and 14,500 parents who make 100%-138% of the federal poverty line. In addition, 45,000 more Mainers would be deemed eligible for MaineCare, offering them insurance for the first time.
In the Hall of Flags, Mainers told their stories one by one about how the expansion of Medicaid would change their lives, and the lives of the people they know. Each story was followed with the chime of a bell and the audience bellowing "we stand with you" in unison. While the majority of the crowd stood together for Medicaid expansion, there were a few members in the Hall of Flags that stood out.
A disproportionately sized contingent calling themselves the Concerned Women For America (CWFA) also made themselves known with their bright orange signs. During the morning press conference, members of the CWFA attempted to project their signs in front of those from MPA, but were largely outnumbered and failed to gain the attention they sought. The CWFA chapter in Maine has made themselves busy with their self-proclaimed mission to "shine forth God's light on public policy" and have recently joined the governor for several events, including a 'Proclamation of Prayer' in early August.
Both young and old filled the second floor to catch representatives and senators as they exited their respective chambers to get a few minutes to talk about the importance of Medicaid expansion through the means of personal stories. Pictured above are students of College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor speaking with Senator Patrick Flood (R) of Winthrop. Senator Flood is a rare find, as he was the only Republican Senator to vote against his party, in favor of Medicaid expansion. The MPA is hopeful that Senator Flood will maintain his position on this issue.
This writer wishes to bring you stories from the people, for the people, by the people. If citizen involvement today at the capital is any indication of this legislative session, the capital building may need to expand its corridors.
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Photo credit to Andi Parkinson, a News and Political Reporter at The New Maine Times.
Thank You Makayla for all your work, energy and good cheer
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