New Senate Democratic Leaders observe Veterans Day at the State House, visit the Military Voices of Maine Traveling Exhibit
AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, November 12, Senate President-elect Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, Majority Leader-elect Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, and Assistant Majority Leader-elect Jill Duson, D-Portland, observed Veterans Day at the State House. The newly elected leaders of the Maine Senate Democratic caucus visited Maine Public’s Military Voices of Maine Traveling Exhibit in the Hall of Flags.
“This day, and the stories of Maine veterans and their families, remind me of the commitment to the common good and the sacrifice to public service of the men and women who have served – and continue to serve – in the United States military,” said Sen. Daughtry. “Being a lifelong resident of Brunswick, with its proud military heritage, these men and women are my colleagues, co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors. Between the former Brunswick Naval Air Station and Bath Iron Works, the Midcoast is home to thousands of Mainers who have a deep commitment to defending America’s founding democratic principles at home – and abroad. I am grateful for their service, including my family and friends who have served.”
“The details of the military service, the impact of their experiences on their own lives and their families, along with the unique perspective on our democracy showcased in the ‘Military Voices of Maine’ project deserve to be heard today and all year, said Sen. Pierce. “Their perspectives are as diverse as our communities, and their dedication to others is inspiring and reminds me of the importance of our work protecting and expanding veterans services here in Maine.”
“Members of my family have served in every conflict since the Civil War, and I was honored to participate in the annual Veterans Day parade in Portland on Monday. Honoring Maine’s veterans is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by so many to protect our freedom,” said Sen. Duson. “It is imperative that we come together to express our gratitude and commitment to those who have served our nation.”
Maine Senate Democrats have a strong record of supporting Maine’s veterans. In the first half of the 131st Maine State Legislature, lawmakers, led by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, established the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission to seek answers for members of the Maine National Guard who were exposed to harmful chemical during training exercises or service. Senate President Jackson also led the effort to promote veterans services by sponsoring legislation to require large companies to post veterans’ benefits and services – just as they would minimum wage and safety requirements – in the workplace.
Additionally, Maine Senate Democrats gave their unanimous support to provide $2.6 million in funding for Maine Veterans’ Homes, closing a funding gap between Medicare rates and the cost of caring for eligible veterans and military families.
In the second half of the 131st Maine State Legislature, the Democratic-majority governing body maintained its support for Maine’s veterans. It allocated $5.1 million in the six Maine Veterans’ Homes across the state. This one-time funding is a bridge to a more sustainable funding source, which lawmakers in the 132nd Maine State Legislature can work on.
Made possible by a partnership with the Corporation of Public Broadcasting and StoryCorps, as well as sponsors LEE Auto Mall, Wreaths Across America, and FEDCAP Maine, Maine Public partnered with Story Corps in a Military Voices Initiative to capture the stories of Maine veterans who served in the Armed Forces. The exhibit shared the stories of ten Maine veterans who were featured in the Military Voices of Maine podcast. During the recording sessions, veterans shared details about their families, their time of service, and how their service in the military affected their lives.
From back to front: Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, Sen. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, and Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland, visit Maine Public’s Military Voices of Maine Traveling Exhibit in the Hall of Flags at the State House.
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