MECEP Matters, Election Edition

Contents
I. Post-Election Debrief
II. Maine Inspires Action
III. MECEP In Action
IV. MECEP Mentions

Post-Election Debrief

MECEP‘s Megan Michaud (right) and James Myall (right) at the Yes on 2 Election Night Party; Source: Maine Beacon

On Tuesday, November 7th, the entire nation watched as Mainers headed to the polls to decide on Medicaid expansion. By Wednesday morning, Mainers approved the measure with a resounding “YES” and voted to expand health coverage for 70,000 of their family members, friends, and neighbors.

Not only that, but Mainers overwhelmingly approved another ballot initiative MECEP supported: Question 4, a bipartisan solution to safeguard Maine’s retirement system; one of the most well-funded and well-managed pension systems in the country.

Whether it was Medicaid expansion or protecting the retirement savings of Maine’s teachers, firefighters, police officers, and public servants, MECEP proved once again that credible research and analyses can help power grassroots movements that create lasting and meaningful change.

Maine Inspires Action

Maine is inspiring health care advocates around the country and emboldened efforts to expand Medicaid in other states.

Nebraska lawmaker seeks Medicaid expansion after Maine vote (Washington Post)
Maine’s ballot-box expansion of Medicaid likely to inspire referendums elsewhere (Press Herald)

MECEP In Action

As part of our work on the successful Medicaid expansion question, MECEPproduced and presented credible research and analyses that helped win health coverage for 70,000 Mainers.

Here are some highlights of our analyses:

MECEP Mentions: In the News

New analysis: House tax legislation increases benefits for Maine’s richest 1 percent over time
November 6, 2017 | MECEP Press Release

Why these major Bangor organizations are supporting Medicaid expansion
November 3, 2017 | Bangor Daily News

House tax bill would give sizable savings to wealthy Mainers
November 3, 2017 | Portland Press Herald

Hospital leaders: Vote ‘yes’ on statewide Question 2, Medicaid expansion
November 2, 2017 | Bangor Daily News

Maine People Should Vote Yes on 2
November 2, 2017 | Free Press

Question 2: Do you want Maine to expand Medicaid (MaineCare)?
October 31, 2017 | Penobscot Bay Pilot

Would Expanding Medicaid Help Or Harm Mainers And The State’s Hospitals?
October 31, 2017 | Maine Public

Taking a look at Question 4
October 27, 2017 | Channel 7 ABC

We All Have a Stake in Question 2
October 26, 2017 | Free Press Online

MECEP on Maine Calling to talk about Question 2, Medicaid Expansion
October 23, 2017 | Maine Calling

MECEP on WGAN to Explain the Benefits of Voting “YES” on 2 for Medicaid Expansion
October 20, 2017 | WGAN

Maine Medical Association Announces Support For Ballot Initiative Expanding Medicaid
October 11, 2017 | Maine Public

New Payday-Lending Rule Could be Helpful in Maine
October 11, 2017 | Public News Service

After Years of Obstruction, Voters Will Have Say in Maine’s Medicaid Expansion Efforts
October 11, 2017 | Rewire

Medicaid expansion – on Maine’s November ballot – divides business groups
October 3, 2017 | Portland Press Herald

MECEP talks Trump’s tax plan on The Pulse with Don Cookson
October 2, 2017 | WZON AM Radio

Forward

But there is still much more work to do.

Not only is Governor LePage threatening to defy the will of Maine voters, President Trump and the GOP have released a regressive tax plan that favors the wealthiest 1 percent, big corporations, and foreign investors. Keep an eye out for our upcoming newsletter highlighting MECEP’s analysis of the impact of the federal tax plan on Mainers.

With your support, MECEP informs the debate. Thank You!

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