The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission) research team will be led and managed by the Coordinator of Research, who will work to develop thorough, justice-focused research processes and products. The mission of the Permanent Commission in Maine is to investigate and document disparities among historically underrepresented racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations. The Coordinator is in charge of all work associated with this mission. The successful candidate will oversee the Permanent Commission's ongoing qualitative and quantitative research projects, such as community-based data analysis, public opinion research, library development and maintenance, and consultation with the State's data governance program in collaboration with the Secretary of State and Chief Information Officer. In addition, this position includes managing the research design, data collection, and data management for all other at-will and legally required projects of the Permanent Commission. The Executive Director oversees this position, which also regularly works with the Directors of Operations, Community Engagement, Policy, and Communications as well as external research consultants.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Manage the Permanent Commission’s ongoing research initiatives, including community-based data analysis, public opinion research, library development, and data governance consultation with the Secretary of State and Chief Information Officer. 
• Develop (as required), direct, and oversee all research projects conducted by the Permanent Commission to determine the status of racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations, ensuring that research is conducted efficiently, accurately, and ethically, assuring compliance with established Commission principles as well as IRB (as needed).  
• Collaborate with contracted content experts leading at-will and statutorily assigned projects for the Permanent Commission, overseeing and supporting all project aspects that relate to research. 
• Manage all Permanent Commission data, drawing valid conclusions and examples to inform future research, public policy, community engagement activities, and communications. 
• Staff and lead the Permanent Commission’s Research Committee, helping them monitor and support research projects of the Commission. 
• Develop and execute policies and procedures that streamline the functions of the Permanent Commission’s research. 

Specific Duties:

• Manage ongoing research initiatives, including public opinion research, community inquiry data collection, library development, and Data governance consulting with the Secretary of State and Chief Information Officer.
• Consult regarding the integration of racial equity into Maine’s Data Governance Project. 
• Oversee and support research design and execution across Permanent Commission projects and programs, including statutorily assigned research projects, and discretionary projects.  Statutorily assigned research project examples include LDs 1113, 870, 1226, and 1934 of Maine’s 130th Legislature.  
• Staff and direct meetings of the Permanent Commission’s Research Committee, collaborating with the Commission’s clerk regarding public meeting posting, agendas, minutes, and attendance recordkeeping. 
• Control, establish, and define data elements, relationships between elements, and standards for managing the physical structures in order to establish and maintain data consistency and organization
• Direct, design, and coordinate the use of data resources; develop and implement procedures and guidelines for data security, handling, and ownership in order to maintain the integrity of the database. 
• Analyze data gathered, develop information and documentation, and consider solutions or alternative methods in order to recommend organizational and system changes and modifications to public policy. 
• Ensure compliance of all Permanent Commission research with Permanent Commission principles as well as IRB protocols, as needed. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of data collection and interpretation methods and techniques
• Knowledge of databases
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of public administration, organization, workflow, personnel management, and financial procedures
• Knowledge of IRB boards and the IRB review process. 
• Ability to gather, assemble, calculate and analyze facts and draw valid conclusions 
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
• Ability to negotiate between diverse groups
• Ability to write clearly and effectively
• Ability to develop recommendations based in data for the creation, revision, and repeal of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Minimum qualifications:

5 years of public policy research experience and bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Additional Attributes of Strong Candidates: 

• Exhibit Permanent Commission’s cultural values of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, excellence, openness, and balance.

Preferences:

• Strong understanding of issues impacting marginalized communities.
• Strong ties to a marginalized community.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Hunter Cropsey at hunter.cropsey@maine.gov

Apply:

Apply online at: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0x7q7/

On May 16th, 2019, The State of Maine made history by passing LD 944 An Act to Ban Native American Mascots in All Public Schools, the first legislation of its kind in the country. For Maine’s tribal nations, the landmark legislation marked an end to a decades-long struggle to educate the public on the harm caused by the appropriation of Native American mascots. 

Fighting Indians chronicles the last and most contentious holdout in that struggle, the homogeneously white Skowhegan High School, known for decades as “The Home of the Indians.” This is the story of a small New England community forced to reckon with its identity, its sordid history, and future relationship with its Indigenous neighbors. It is the story of a small town divided against the backdrop of a nation divided, where the “mascot debate” exposes centuries-old abuses while asking if reconciliation is possible.

Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a talkback about the film with filmmakers Mark Cooley and Derek Ellis and Passamaquoddy language-keeper Dwayne Tomah.

REGISTER HERE

Learn more about the Permanent Commission, the Place Justice Project, and the full event series.

Place Justice is a statewide truth-seeking and historical recovery initiative of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations that seeks to engage Wabanaki and Maine communities in examining a wide range of commemorative practices to better understand and respond to the ways in which racialized and Indigenous populations are represented in or absent from the narratives inscribed on our natural and built environment.

Launching February 7, a nine-part Place Justice Event Series will feature free, virtual and in-person panel discussions and film screenings to engage the public in considering some often complex and contentious issues. Whose stories are being told and whose suppressed? Whose legacies are being forwarded, and at whose expense? 

EVENT: Four Decades & Four Bills: Dealing with Offensive Names & Symbols in Maine

February 7th, 5:00PM-6:00PM | Attend live via Zoom

Hosted by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations.

Until very recently, racial slurs remained inscribed on Maine’s landscapes and racist mascots were cherished by schools and their communities. How did these symbols that disparage and dehumanize Black and Indigenous people come to be? Why have they persisted for so long? And what harmful vestiges remain still today? 

Join Maine House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross and Penobscot Tribal Ambassador Maulian Dana  to learn about efforts on the part of civil rights and Indigenous leaders over the past 40 years to eradicate offensive place names and images and to consider why earlier legislative efforts to eradicate them have proved insufficient.

REGISTER HERE

Learn more about the Permanent Commission, the Place Justice Project, and the full event series.

Contact us with your questions: placejusticemaine@gmail.com

Position Description:

The Executive Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission) will act as the organization’s central director overseeing all projects as well as the organization’s annual budget and administration. The Executive Director will oversee the development, execution, and reporting of all projects initiated by the full Permanent Commission, ensuring that commissioners and staff are engaged collaboratively throughout the project lifecycle. The Executive Director also can approve and execute small projects (under 5% of the Commission’s annual budget) at their discretion. To ensure coordinated management across projects, the Executive Director must steward the Permanent Commission’s annual budget, steering it in accordance with the strategic plan set forth by Commissioners. Furthermore, the Executive Director must maintain the Commission’s status as a sound state organization by collaborating with other Departments regarding administrative needs. The Executive Director manages the four staff directors within the Permanent Commission: Policy and Communications Director, Community Engagement Director, Research Director, and Operations Director. The Executive Director reports to the Co-Chairs of the Permanent Commission as well as the Finance and Operations Standing Committee.  

Duties, Functions, Responsibilities: 

• Direct and oversee all projects committed to by the Permanent Commission, ensuring that projects are designed, implemented, and reported on in accordance with established project management workflows, leveraging the expertise of commissioners, staff, and contractors to ensure project success. 

• Direct and oversee the financial status of the Permanent Commission, ensuring the sound management of the Commission’s annual budget, contracts, and other administrative needs related to budgeting and accounting, working with other commissioners and staff as relevant. 

• Collaborate with government partners—such as DAFS, BHR, OIT, Secretary of State, and the Attorney General—to ensure the smooth administration of the Permanent Commission within state government. 

• Serve as a forward-facing representative for the Permanent Commission in government, community, and other spaces as needed for engagement and networking purposes, working with other commissioners and staff as relevant. 

• Manage and retain highly qualified professional staff, overseeing and supporting their execution of duties through regular personal engagement, coaching, and professional development opportunities. 

• Report to the Permanent Commission co-chairs at least biannually regarding the execution of Executive Director duties. 

Specific Duties: 

• Responsible for the planning, organizing, and directing of the organization’s operations and programs according to established project management workflows. 

• Oversee and report on project management and results to Commissioners. 

• Contract management with contracted entities (procurement), internal contract management with operations director

• Develops and implements consistent inventory and cost accounting policies, procedures, and operational reporting/metrics.

• Ensures that services and funding relationships are robust enough to meet or exceed strategic goals and objectives.

• Coordinates and leads annual budget reviews, monthly and quarterly reviews, and periodic forecast updates with operational and senior management for all locations.

• Supervises the development of operations-based financial modeling. 

• Serve as forward/outward-facing representative in government, community, other spaces, including regarding fund development and networking. 

• Testifying/lobbying/etc. – Activities related to the legislature and legislative policy.

• Communications broadly – second set of eyes, drafting internal and external documents.

• Commission/commissioner management/liaising with the full Commission if applicable. There are many examples of this online, especially related to nonprofit management. 

• Retains a diverse, highly qualified staff and provides career coaching, growth, and personal development for direct/indirect report employees.

• Provides leadership to and manages the efforts of site staff to ensure appropriate support of all departments.   

Qualifications/ Skills: 

• Strong understanding of issues related to BIPOC communities, through lived and/or professional experience. 

• Demonstrated advocacy with BIPOC communities, whether micro (individual) or macro (from community to policy/systems transformation)

• At least a generalist understanding of state government, public policy, and law

• Strong relationships and relationship-building skills, especially with impacted communities and community members, state government actors (Executive, Legislative, Judicial branches), community partners, and others

• Ability to manage and support professional staff—especially the ability discern what kinds of training and supports are necessary to help staff, commissioners, etc., in implementation of the broader mission of the entity. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in various team settings, with other organizations and entities

• Ability to multitask, work independently, take initiative, and creatively problem solve

• Ability to be to be flexible and adaptively manage individual projects as well as the broader growth of the Permanent Commission. 

Additional Attributes of Strong Candidates: 

• Exhibit Permanent Commission’s cultural values of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, excellence, openness, and balance.

Education and/or equivalent experience:

• 5 years of management experience and a relevant bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferences:

• Strong understanding of issues impacting marginalized communities.

• Strong ties to a marginalized community.

Salary:

• $71 - $96,000 per year

Apply:

Apply online at: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xqgi/

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations is hosting a community listening session in Bangor on December 19, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This event is intended to provide an opportunity for the Permanent Commission to hear directly from racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations about their lived experiences related to disparities caused by structural racism in Maine. The community listening session will be the first in an ongoing series and is part of  the Permanent Commission’s goal to build the capacity of overburdened communities to identify issues that affect their communities and participate in, influence, and take on leadership roles in related decision-making processes. Additionally, these listening sessions are intended to build solidarity and strengthen statewide networks among individuals and organizations across all communities, especially those traditionally excluded from these conversations. Dinner and childcare will be provided on-site.

Register to attend here!

A barrier-breaking renaissance man, James Weldon Johnson was a novelist and poet, a songwriter and journalist, an educator and activist, and a diplomat with legal expertise. He was a prominent leader in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during its early years and an outstanding voice in combatting racism in our country. The first African American to serve as the organization’s executive secretary, he led the fight against racial discrimination and segregation. As the organizer of a silent march in 1917, he led more than 10,000 African Americans down New York City's Fifth Avenue to protest lynching.

Johnson is known in particular for writing the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” a powerful song of enormous importance to Black Americans for more than a century. Set to music by his brother, it was first performed in 1900 by a 500-voice children’s choir to mark Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. 

James Weldon Johnson may not be a name that is known in every household. But in the moment in which we are currently living, when the struggle for racial equity and equal justice for all is at the center of our state and national dialogue, his legacy is ubiquitous.

In 1938, Johnson’s life was cut short. He and his wife, Grace Nail Johnson, had been visiting friends near their Dark Harbor home. When passing through Wiscasset, their car was struck by a train, killing this national figure and grievously injuring his wife. More than 2,000 mourners attended his Harlem memorial service. 

This first annual state observance grew out of the collaborative efforts of organizers in Johnson’s birth state of Florida, Wiscasset residents, and others here in Maine who wish to honor Johnson, memorialize his civil rights activism, and pursue his work to end racism.

Contact permanentcommission.ritp@maine.gov for more information about these events.

Friday, June 17, 2022 | Wiscasset, Maine

James Weldon Johnson Day Commemoration

Morning program at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

Midday program at the Wiscasset Town Common

Afternoon program at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

Space in the church is limited. Registration is required. Get your free tickets here.

Saturday, June 18, 2022 | Bath, Maine

Recovering Maine’s Black History

Registration is required. Get your free tickets here.

Sunday, June 19, 2022 | Westbrook, Maine

Westbrook Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

Commissioner Darrell Newell, Vice Chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk, Indian Township, delivered the prayer for both the House and Senate on the last day of business for the 130th Legislature. Vice Chief Newell was there in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day, as designated by a Joint Resolution passed by the Legislature later that day; and to pay tribute to Kim Neptune of Sipayik, who was taken from her loved ones and community far too soon.

Watch the video here:

AUGUSTA - Today the Maine House of Representatives failed to override Governor Janet T. Mills’  veto of LD 151, “An Act To Protect Farm Workers by Allowing Them To Organize for the Purpose of Collective Bargaining,” which would have extended the right to organize to farm workers in Maine.

“Sadly, Maine has once again failed to lead when it comes to the rights of farmworkers,” said Rep. Thom Harnett (D-Gardner), the sponsor of LD 151. "By not voting to override the veto, a handful of lawmakers today chose to deny Maine farmworkers, the vast majority of whom are black, brown or indigenous, the same set of rights that are enjoyed by all other working people in Maine and throughout the United States. We are talking about the right to talk to one another or their employer about changing their wages or working conditions without fear of being fired. I've been working on this issue for 40 years, but today, in 2022, farmworkers are still not considered employees under Maine law. They may be deemed essential workers, but they are not yet considered employees when it comes to wages and collective bargaining. But while today was a setback, I am not giving up on the fight to ensure that all workers are given the same rights, no matter which sector of the economy they work in or the color of their skin." 

Agricultural workers in Maine, and in the United States, historically have been excluded from labor laws through racialized exemptions at both the state and federal levels. Currently, agricultural workers are not subject to Maine’s minimum wage, overtime and other worker protection laws, such as the ability to discuss wages and working conditions. Under current Maine law, agricultural workers can legally be fired for making any attempt to improve conditions at their workplace.

According to the Maine Center for Economic Policy, Mainers of color, particularly Indigenous and Latino/Hispanic people, are more likely to work in the state’s agricultural sector than the general population. According to the USDA, Migrant workers comprised thirteen percent of Maine’s total 2017 agricultural workforce. 

“This is a relic of racially discriminatory policies enacted in the early 20th century that were designed to provide a wage floor for industries dominated by white workers while preserving the right of employers in fields dominated by workers of color to pay substandard, poverty wages,” said Commissioner James Myall, who serves on the Permanent Commission as a representative of an organization specializing in economics.

“No matter who we are, where we come from or the color of our skin, most of us believe that working people deserve fair pay and fair treatment for their work,” said Commissioner Juana Rodriguez-Vazquez, who represents Latinos and migrant workers on the Permanent Commission. “But today, farmworkers in Maine and across the country lack the basic right to join together to address unfair treatment and unsafe conditions where they exist. This systemic exploitation of farmworkers, who are disproportionately people of color, by a handful of bad actors hurts us all, including our farms. I am deeply disappointed in the veto of this bill that would have simply created a way for workers to stand up for their rights that does not currently exist."

A two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate is required to override a governor’s veto. The final vote in the House was 67-66 in favor of making LD 151 law without the governor’s signature. The bill is now dead.

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations is an independent entity with a mission to examine the racial disparities across Maine, and to work toward improving the status and outcomes for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous and Maine tribal populations. The Permanent Commission is empowered by state law to advise and consult all three branches of government.

AUGUSTA - Today the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (“Permanent Commission”) joined hundreds of tribal leaders, policy makers, and Maine residents to urge legislative action on LD 1626, “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act.”

Tribal Sovereignty is one of the ten named policy priorities of the Permanent Commission. In December 2021, the Permanent Commission surveyed 228 Maine residents in attendance at their first public Community Forum. These individuals were asked to 1) identify issue areas most important to address in Maine (out of the following categories: Basic Rights, Basic Needs, Criminal Justice, Education, Employment and Workers’ Rights, Health Care, Housing and Homelessness, Juvenile Justice, Tribal Sovereignty, and Wealth and Income), and 2) identify their top three priorities out of what they ranked. Out of the 228 respondents for the first question, 181 identified Tribal Sovereignty as a priority (NB: respondents could choose more than one priority). Out of 85 respondents who engaged the second question, 57 respondents identified Tribal Sovereignty as the top priority.

“Sovereignty means inherently sacred, inalienable rights, which should never have been put forth on the negotiations table for debate and compromise. Where sovereignty exists, there is an EQUAL government-to-government relationship. Tribal sovereignty is the right to make decisions for our people without outside interference,” said Commissioner Vice Chief Darrell Newell of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkmikuk, Indian Township. “Our communities thrive when we ourselves can lead the efforts to protect our lands and people. Bits and pieces of limited sovereignty, which is what we currently have, is not sovereignty at all. This legislation, LD 1626, makes an attempt at the restoration of our sacred tribal sovereignty.”

In 2019, The Maine Legislature formed a task force to review the Settlement Act and the corresponding MicMac Settlement Act and make consensus recommendations to the Legislature for legislation regarding any suggested changes. In January 2020, the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act issued recommendations to the Legislature. LD 1626 is the culmination of that process and would make the majority of the changes recommended by the Task Force.

“Time and again, recognizing the strain in tribal-state relations resulting from the Settlement Act, Wabanaki tribal leaders have answered the state’s call to return to the negotiating table to develop the amendments that are clearly needed. But time and again, the state has failed to follow through on meaningful changes,” said Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland), co-chair of the Permanent Commission and sponsor of the bill. “We must respect the process that the Legislature initiated with the 2019 task force on changes to the Settlement Act. Doing otherwise amounts to forcing our Wabanaki neighbors to perform political theater with no results but the further erosion of trust. It’s time for Maine to right the wrongs of the past and for us to work together for a better future for all of us.”

The Judiciary committee will hold a work session on LD 1626 in the coming weeks. After the committee reports the bill out, it will be voted on by the House and Senate. If successful, it will then be sent to Governor Janet T. Mills for either her signature or veto.

“We are not wards of the state. We are sovereign tribal nations. We are not municipalities. We are Wabanaki people who have been living in our homelands for thousands of years before Maine existed. It is time to heal old wounds and lift up some of the most marginalized and oppressed people in Maine, but also some of the strongest and spirited. We have come back to this table in good faith,” said Ambassador Maulian Dana, Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation and co-chair of the Permanent Commission. “Deals often don’t work out the way they were intended and it is never too late to set things right. It is time to restore the things we lost in 1980 when our backs were up against the wall and generations of poverty and trauma that were not our fault forced us to agree to this settlement. The problematic language in the settlement act has been suffocating and unlike anything any other tribes in the country have to contend with.”

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations is an independent entity with a mission to examine the racial disparities across Maine, and to work toward improving the status and outcomes for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous and Maine tribal populations. The Permanent Commission is empowered by state law to advise and consult all three branches of government.

AUGUSTA - The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations (“Permanent Commission”) has published its 2022 Annual Report.

The Permanent Commission is an independent entity with a mission to work toward ending structural racism so all communities can thrive.  To achieve this mission, it is empowered to advise and consult all three branches of Maine government, to introduce legislation, and more. The Permanent Commission examines racial disparities as one tool to combat structural racism. The 2022 Annual Report profiles the work and interests of the Permanent Commission toward that end, including the establishment of the Permanent Commission as an independent agency within state government, building out the advisory role of the Permanent Commission, and the ongoing work to engage with impacted communities.

“No matter what we look like or where we come from, most Maine people believe everyone deserves the same chance to live life the way it should be. But there have always been those who use fear to divide us based on race, gender, orientation, or where we’re from to keep us from working together for a better future for everyone,” said Co-Chairs Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross and Amb. Maulian Dana in the report’s letter to Gov. Janet Mills, Sen. Troy Jackson and Rep. Ryan Fecteau. “For far too long, Maine has allowed the institutions and racism that drive disparities to continue. From our hometowns to the State House, to the halls of Congress, we can join together to right these wrongs and make this a place where all Maine families can thrive.”

The passage of LD 1034, “An Act To Provide Funding To Support the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations” in 2021 established the Permanent Commission as an independent agency within state government. The Permanent Commission is directed by that statute to submit an annual report to the governor and Legislature every March.

The first annual report details the work of the Permanent Commission since the release of its 2020 Report to the Legislature. This work has largely focused on three main areas: the establishment of the Permanent Commission as an independent agency within state government, building out the advisory role of the Permanent Commission, and the ongoing work to engage with impacted communities.

Establishing an Agency

The structure of the Permanent Commission is outlined in this section. This includes the representation of commissioners, as well as the acting staff. 

This section also describes the delicate balance of continuing to build the agency while developing research, programming, community engagement opportunities, and other work. This has been and will continue to be a positive challenge. It speaks directly to the need for continued capacity-building support in order to fulfill the critically important mission of the Permanent Commission and build an accessible and sustainable agency.

Advising Maine Government

The practice of advising and consulting all three branches of state government is central to the work of improving the status of impacted populations. Since the Permanent Commission’s establishment as an independent entity within state government, this work has manifested in three main forms: statutory work required by law, advocating for new legislation to improve the status of impacted communities, and consulting with government entities that have approached the Permanent Commission for guidance in their work.

Engaging with Communities

Community engagement lies at the heart of the Permanent Commission’s mission and shapes the way it  carries out its work. In statute, the Permanent Commission is tasked with seeking public input at an annual hearing and has the power to conduct additional community engagement opportunities in partnership with historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations. 

Building upon this charge, the Permanent Commission leverages community engagement opportunities in order to center and amplify the voices of historically disadvantaged populations. More than informants or consultants, members of these communities are essential partners, helping to define the Permanent Commission’s direction and approach.

The report closes by framing the work to dismantle structural racism with seven guiding principles to be used by all three branches of government at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as accompanying policy recommendations:

• Building awareness of racial disparities takes resources;
• Awareness alone is not enough;
• Financial and human resources must be allocated to eliminate the disparities caused by structural racism;
• Policies that are ‘race-neutral’ will ultimately maintain existing disparities;
• An adequate response requires a structural analysis;
• Developing solutions should be led by impacted communities; and
• Policies that affect tribal nations in Maine must be enacted in a government-to-government relationship. 

“The Annual Report illustrates the Permanent Commission’s significant needs as a growing, in-demand partner and resource for state government, policy makers, and the general public,” said Commissioner Joby Thoyalil, Chair of the Permanent Commission’s Legislative Committee. “We are committed to working together across race and place to rewrite the rules so all of us can thrive and there are no structural barriers in the pursuit of a great life for all Maine people and families.”