SENATOR COLLINS PUT CORPORATE INTERESTS AHEAD OF MAINERS, DIDN’T PUSH FOR REAL SOLUTIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF WORKING FAMILIES
Portland, MAINE — Instead of listening to Mainers and pushing for policies like paid sick leave and expanding access to food-assistance programs, Senator Susan Collins spent recent days making impassioned pleas for a no-strings-attached industry bailout, and ensuring that corporate interests were prioritized over relief for working families. The original deal supported by Collins would have created a $500 billion-dollar corporate slush fund with no accountability, and a direct-assistance program that left out low-income households. But due to the intervention of Democrats in Congress, the final agreement does include oversight for bailout funds, and enhanced support for working families and small businesses.
illy Ritch, executive director of 16 Counties Coalition issued the following statement in response:
“It’s obvious from her words and actions that Senator Collins is really looking out for corporate interests, not Mainers. She complained bitterly because the Senate didn’t pass her no-strings attached bailout proposal instead of showing real leadership and supporting Maine families who are facing dire choices like paying for groceries or paying rent.
“We need to remind her what Mainers are facing, and hold corporations accountable for providing a safety net for their employees and doing their part to contribute to the national response, not help them protect their profits.”
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About the 16 Counties Coalition The 16 Counties Coalition is a year-long grassroots advocacy campaign aimed at amplifying the voices of families and working Mainers and encouraging Senator Susan Collins to vote in favor of the people she was elected to represent and defend. The campaign will mobilize members through small- and large-scale events, through digital action, and paid television, radio, and digital ads.
