Maine Senate and House Democratic leaders say “Occupy Wall Street” movement brings important message to Augusta

AUGUSTA – Senate and House Democratic Leaders Barry Hobbins, D-Saco, and Emily Cain, D-Orono, released the following statement in reaction to the Occupy Wall Street rally in Augusta today.

“Maine people and people across America are frustrated,” said Senator Barry Hobbins, “They are frustrated with a political system and economic policies that help those at the very top at the expense of everyone else. While Occupy Wall Street might not have an organized list of demands, they are tapping into an idea that is very real to many people in our state. Democrats believe that is worth paying attention to.”

Construction workers, state workers and community members gathered at the Statehouse today to demand that Wall Street pay its fair share instead of supporting cuts to vital programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Workers marched to the Federal Building to urge investment in building projects in our state.

“Democrats stand with working people in Maine,” said Rep. Cain. “We hear their voices and we will bring their fight to Augusta. Anyone that has been hurt by the recession can relate to the economic injustice message from the Occupy Wall Street movement. It continues to gain traction because Americans are angry. While the rich get richer, opportunities for economic prosperity for the working and middle class are diminishing.”