HEALTH CARE, REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & DISABILITY RIGHTS
Here are our Calls to Action, Guides, and Explainers on the health care, reproductive rights, and disability rights. Interested in helping us track legislation and policy on this topic at the state or federal level? Take action with us.
FACT CHECK: Correcting Anti-Vaccine Testimony
While measles outbreaks are spreading across 22 states and Maine’s pertussis rate is the worst in the nation, our state’s non-medical vaccination opt-out rate is more than triple the national average. At the public hearing earlier this year for a law passed by the Maine Legislature to strengthen vaccination requirements for school children, false and misleading information was shared by anti-vaccination advocates. We decided to do some fact checking to set the record straight.
7 Reasons to Vote NO on Kavanaugh
He lied to Congress, is credibly accused of sexual assault, lacks judicial temperament, and is hostile to Roe v. Wade. Need more reasons why Brett Kavanaugh should not serve on the Supreme Court?
We’ve got the top seven reasons right here. Share them with your Senators and tell them you want them to vote NO on Kavanaugh.
Let the FBI Do Its Job: Key Witnesses for Kavanaugh Investigation
The FBI reopened its background investigation of Brett Kavanaugh, but now the White House and Senate Republicans are attempting to drastically limit the people who can be interviewed.
QUICK ACTION: We’ve compiled a list of key witnesses and individuals the FBI must be free to interview. Tell your Senators: let the FBI do its job!
#StopKavanaugh: Oppose Extremist’s Supreme Court Nomination
Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation is on shaky ground with credible accusations of sexual assault now public. Serious questions also remain about whether he lied under oath and whether senators should have access to more information relating to his time serving in the White House.
QUICK ACTION: Tell Susan Collins to demand the FBI investigate assault claims, allow the National Archives to complete its work, and resolve questions of lying before any confirmation vote takes place.
PROTECT ABORTION RIGHTS: Tell Trump #NoGagRule
The Trump administration wants to block all federal family planning funding to health centers that provide abortions or abortion referrals, which would eliminate contraceptive and preventive care for millions of women.
QUICK ACTION: Learn about the proposed rule, offer a public comment, and demand that state and federal legislators halt their attack on women’s rights.
#VoteThemOut: Defeat House Republicans who opposed Medicaid expansion
58 Maine House Republicans voted to uphold Gov. LePage’s veto of a bill to fund the first year of voter-approved Medicaid expansion in the state. QUICK ACTION: Help #VoteThemOut by volunteering for their opponents’ campaigns.
HANDS OFF CHIP: Oppose Plan to Slash $15 Billion from Vital Programs
In an attempt to woo back fiscal conservatives after its massive over-spending spree, the Trump Administration unveiled plans to cut $15 billion from CHIP and dozens of other programs.
QUICK ACTION: Tell your Members of Congress to oppose any plans that would snatch budgeted funds from vital programs.
MEDICAID EXPANSION: Support bill to fund Medicaid expansion
Medicaid expansion becomes the law of the land July 2, expanding critical health care to 70,000 Mainers. But Gov. LePage has stalled on funding the state’s share of expansion. UPDATE 4/19: Republicans chose to leave Augusta before their work was done. A special session may be called by House and Senate leadership. QUICK ACTION: Contact your legislators and tell them you expect them to finish the work we sent them to Augusta to do, including voting YES on LD 837.
CHILD POVERTY IN MAINE: Support Bill to Improve Parents’ Access to Education and Training
Maine’s child poverty rate is increasing eight times faster than the national average. A bill in the Maine legislature could help bring those numbers down by increasing parents’ access to educational and training opportunities. UPDATE: LD 1774 is now law in Maine! After receiving overwhelming support in the House and Senate, the bill became law without the governor’s signature. A huge thank you to everyone who worked on this important legislation!
SUPPORT MAINE STUDENTS: Ban Lunch Shaming & Restore Funding for School Health Centers
The Legislature is considering bills to ban food shaming in public schools (LD 1684) and restore funding to school-based health centers (LD 1710). UPDATE: The House passed LD 1710 and LD 1684 and the Senate votes next. QUICK ACTION: Call your senator and ask her/him to pass LD 1710 and LD 1684!
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
