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As a pastor here in Maine who has served churches in rural Maine, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sen. Susan Collins for her steady leadership during last year’s government shutdown.
Fears were high among many of my congregants, and I felt like I had a front-row seat to how it affected the people of Maine. The shutdown created real fear about when, or even whether, government benefits would continue.
Sen. Collins set out an achievable action plan to ensure those who truly needed WIC and SNAP benefits would continue receiving them. The government shutdown gave little time for these families to accomplish alternate ways to provide, and Sen. Collins’s actions ensured the needs of these families were met at this time of crisis and moving forward.
I am grateful that our state has a senator who leads with what I see as humility and love and cares for all. I pray that others in Washington follow her example as we continue working toward a more compassionate future.
Pastor Jonathan Ray
West Enfield
