MORNING SENTINEL • June 3, 2023
In this hot, rapidly changing world, it is critical that our state budget meet the needs of the climate crisis and support our precious natural resources. Our environment and future generations depend on it. Will the Maine of our future continue to be a safe haven from the climate crisis, with cold flowing rivers and cool ocean breezes, or will the state be improperly developed and unprepared for climate disasters because of the chronic underfunding of natural resource agencies? Legislators have a chance to address by passing and funding L.D. 1854 to update the compensation plan for classified state employees — helping close the pay gap and ensure that we can fully staff vital state agencies. This important study has been incorporated into the proposed state budget, and lawmakers should support it. ~ Amara Ifeji, youth representative to the Maine Climate Council and director of policy at Maine Environmental Education Association; Ania Wright, legislative and political specialist with Sierra Club Maine