Platform includes planks on affordable and accessible health care, criminal justice, public health and safety
The Maine Democratic Party announced today that state delegates ratified the party’s platform by an overwhelming margin of 83% to 17%. The new platform will stay in place until the next State Convention, scheduled for 2022.
Last fall, all of Maine’s 16 Democratic County Committees elected representatives to serve on the Platform Committee to review the existing platform, solicit feedback from Democrats across the state, and propose amendments. Additionally, any Democrat who gathered 25 petition signatures from state delegates and alternates who participated in remote elections on May 29-31 for delegates to the Democratic National Convention could propose an amendment to the platform.
On July 18-19, state delegates voted remotely to adopt the platform, which included planks on affordable and accessible health care, criminal justice, and public health and safety. The platform is intended to be a guiding document and a statement of core values.
“Every two years, the Maine Democratic Party works together with Democrats across the state to propose our party platform, which are the core values that govern our party as a whole,” said Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra. “I’m incredibly proud not only of the work our membership put into drafting this inspiring statement of values, but for uniting to overwhelmingly pass this declaration of how we plan to move Maine forward.”
You can read find the full platform on our website here as well as below:
We, the Maine Democrats, are the party of the people. All people. We are individuals of every race, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity. This diversity is our strength. We treasure our American democracy and hold the following values to be self evident for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness:
We believe that food, housing, health care, education, and reproductive freedom are basic human rights. Protecting and advancing these inalienable rights allows us to fully realize our potential as individuals, as a state, and as a nation.
We believe healthcare should be universally affordable and accessible. Every person has a right to receive comprehensive physical and mental health services when they need them.
We believe that protecting public health and safety are essential functions of a representative government. We support investments and partnerships in Maine’s public health and safety systems, structures, and workforce that prevent illness and injury, promote good health, and give all Maine children and adults the opportunity to lead healthful, productive lives.
We believe in economic, racial, and social justice, to ensure that everyone is free from discrimination and feels safe, welcome, valued, and invited to contribute to society. We stand with all those who face discrimination and assert that these rights are guaranteed for all.
We believe all government officials, including law enforcement, must protect individual rights to privacy, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and equal justice before the law as guaranteed by the Maine and U.S. Constitutions.
We believe in a criminal justice system that is fair, just, and equitable. Recognizing that marginalized people are disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration, harsh minimum sentencing, and the prison industry, we commit to implementing fundamental reforms.
We believe in a government that is ethical, transparent, accountable to the people, and open to the press. The protection of voting rights and free and fair elections is vital so that all people may participate in our democratic process. People have a right to a strong voice in the political process undiluted by money and corporate influence. Whenever our government fails to serve the collective interests of the people, it is our solemn duty to reassert its purpose and correct its course.
We believe Maine’s natural resources are among our most important assets, and conserving and protecting them is vital to our economic sustainability, quality of life, and the well-being of future generations.
We believe future generations should inherit a livable planet. Climate change is a clear and present threat which requires immediate action informed by science and awareness of its impact on social and economic justice.
We believe in building a diversified and environmentally sustainable economy for Maine. In all Maine communities, both rural and urban, people should benefit from innovation, emerging technologies and new business opportunities.
We believe large imbalances in income and wealth threaten the fabric of our society. We support fairly rewarding the work of all people, maintaining a strong social safety net, and taxing progressively.
We believe that every individual has the right to equal pay for equal work, a living wage, a safe workplace, and to be free from discrimination and harassment. We assert the right to associate and bargain collectively.
We believe in investing in students, educators, and in public education from early childhood through lifelong learning, to guarantee everyone the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to our communities.
We believe in preserving our outdoor heritage and in maintaining responsible and accountable gun ownership while protecting the safety of all Maine people.
We believe that veterans deserve our respect. We must fulfill our obligation to provide them and their families the support services they need and have earned.
We believe we must honor and uphold our sacred obligation to the Native Americans who first inhabited this land and that the sovereignty and self-determination of all indigenous tribes in Maine should be recognized and respected.
We believe in honoring the immigrant heritage of our nation by welcoming New Mainers and by establishing sensible immigration law that protects the rights of asylum seekers and provides a path to citizenship for immigrants who make Maine their home.
We believe Maine is part of the global economic community and we support international partnerships that honor workers’ rights, fair trade, and the environment.
We believe in international conduct based on diplomacy and mutual respect that enhances security, makes peace a priority, respects the principle of self-determination for all peoples, and limits military action throughout the world.
This is our present. This is our future. We are the Maine Democratic Party.
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