Besides Planned Parenthood clinics across the country being under threat, the House bill would also result in about 14 million Americans becoming uninsured, including a projected 38,000 people in Maine. The increase in the uninsured rate and other cutbacks to health care will result in rural hospitals closing, a sicker population and insurance rates increasing, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said. (fb)

Many of our members testified in support of this legislation. Excerpt from our testimony: “Reversing the 2011 pension cuts would help many of our retiree members who are struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income, especially as inflation has risen post-pandemic. Cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for MainePERS retirees are capped at 3% and only apply to the first $26,428.98 of pension income. While we appreciate and thank you for the work done during past legislative sessions to make progress on this issue, there is much more to be done. We know the cost of restoring these devastating cuts in their entirety is difficult, so we ask you to continue to be creative and work with MSEA, MAR, MEA and MainePERS. "Due to these cost-of-living cuts, the 2011 Legislature and former Governor are responsible for a growing population of retired state workers and teachers who are struggling to make ends meet, with some even losing their homes, turning to food banks, applying for heating assistance, and losing the earned financial stability that they were promised. It’s past time to right the wrongs that were inflicted on these Mainers who dedicated their careers to serving our great state. They deserve to enjoy their retirement with stability, dignity and comfort after everything they have done for Maine.” (fb)