Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to [email protected]
As a social worker with nearly 30 years in the field — including time spent working in Caribou, Sen. Susan Collins’ hometown — I’ve dedicated my career to supporting Maine’s kids and families. I’ve worked with parents facing substance use challenges, helping them get the support they need to keep their families together. Today, I oversee pediatric behavioral health services. In each role in my career, I have seen firsthand how vital Medicaid is to the health and stability of Maine’s families.
I’m deeply concerned about the proposed Medicaid cuts in the reconciliation bill. If we want fewer children entering the foster care system, we cannot afford to cut Medicaid. It’s that simple. Medicaid funds the services that help stabilize families — services that address mental health needs, substance use treatment, and critical supports that help parents care for their children safely at home.
Maine already removes children from their families due to abuse and neglect at one of the highest rates in the country. Stripping away the safety net that Medicaid provides will drive those numbers higher, creating more hardship for families already struggling with rising costs and a tough economy and forcing more children into the child welfare system.
Sen. Collins: If we truly care about kids and families in Maine, I believe voting against this bill is the only responsible choice. Our children are counting on you.
Liam Shaw
Gardiner
