2020 Candidate Questionnaire

Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire

Below please find the Maine Disability Campaign Questionnaire, circulated to candidates running for office in 2018. Responses for each candidate who completed the survey are below, and clearly marked.

In the current election cycle, official conversations around policies that will affect people with disabilities and their families have typically varied between two extremes: holding up disabled people as an example of the deserving poor, and using their mistreatment as an excuse to continue austere policies for other vulnerable groups; and complete silence. Given that 1 in 5 Americans, and nearly 230,000 Mainers have some form of disability, we are surprised that more candidates aren’t taking the disability vote seriously.

To that end, we invite you to engage with our survey to the maximum extent you’re able. If you can speak to only a few questions, please do so. Within this companion document (follow below link), you will find versions of the survey questions with embedded resources for each question. Even if you choose not to participate in the survey, you are welcome to use the companion document to inform your policy positions going forward.

Your answers will be shared with thousands of Mainers via Disability Voters of Maine (formerly Disability Activists and Allies of Maine), Community Connect ME, the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, and other partner organizations.

The questions are broken down into sections based on the office you are seeking, - All Candidates, Gubernatorial and State Offices, and Congressional - but please answer questions in any category if you have a position you’d like to share with us.

Offices candidates are running for are color coded:

Governor
US Senate
US House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District
US House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District

Click here for responses from Candidates for the State Legislature

All Candidates:
The following series of questions is for all candidates:
1. What is your name, and what office are you seeking?

Janet Mills, running for Governor
Shawn Moody, running for Governor
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District

2. Do you have designated advisors on disability issues? Have you already established policy proposals and/or clear processes for decision making on disability issues? Please describe.

Janet Mills running, for Governor: My campaign utilizes policy advisors with direct experience with disability policy and legal issues. My campaign has directly engaged hundreds of Mainers and others on all issues.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: Yes - I have policy staff members who advise me on issues related to individuals with disabilities. I also reach out to nonprofits and advocacy groups in Maine who focus on these issues to help advise me on how to best approach policy issues impacting people with disabilities.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: I have several close advisors I've relied on for disability issues, but I am always eager for more input and more perspectives. My website includes detailed policy proposals on disability issues, but again, I am interested in suggestions from people who have more personal experience with this issue than I do.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: Staff in my office work closely with a number of groups dedicated to disability issues. We work
to consult with them as relevant issues come up in Congress
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I have a close relationship with Drew Gattine, the chairman of the legislatures Health and Human Services Committee, who I have often relied on in the past about issues affecting many health needs. I have consistently supported making Maine a more inclusive place for all people, including those with disabilities
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

3. Is your campaign accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities? Please describe.

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I believe it is critical to ensure that people with disabilities have access to and are included in my campaign. That’s why my campaign offices are accessible and my website is ADA compliant. I also have concerns about recent the Department of Justice’s recent withdrawal of previously announced rulemaking actions on website accessibility.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: Yes. My three campaign offices in Brunswick, Bangor, and Auburn are all ADA-accessible, and my staff have made a point of making campaign activities, such as phone banking and volunteering in our offices, accessible to people with disabilities.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: Yes. We actively encourage anyone and everyone to participate in our campaign, and make any and all necessary accommodations to allow for full participation for all.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: Yes, our campaign seeks to be physically accessible to all and inclusive in all we do.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District : [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: Yes, my campaign offices are ADA compliant and accessible, and we encourage all people to volunteer regardless of physical or other disability. Should the campaign open additional offices, accessibility will remain a necessary qualifications before leasing or renting a space
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

4. Describe your record of accomplishments (or history of advocacy) aimed at improving, or a plan to improve, the lives of people with disabilities? What makes this an important issue for you?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: My philosophy is straightforward: people with disabilities deserve nothing short of full inclusion, autonomy, and equal treatment -- and that will continue to be my standard as governor. To that point, as Attorney General, I have worked hard to ensure that the requirements of the Riverview Consent Decree and the former Pineland Consent Decree are complied with. On a personal level, I have a grandson with Autism who will be completing public high school next year and I have another close family member with schizophrenia. Thus these issues are personal and important to me.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: Disability issues are important to me because the promise of America is rooted in equal access to opportunity for all. I have learned in public office that rather than approaching disability issues as separate from other issues of public policy, in order to be effective, I need integrate the interests of the disability community into each issue that comes before me. In addition, I have made a point of developing a close working relationship with disability advocacy groups in Maine and have turned to them for advice on a host of issues. As a member of the U.S. Senate, I have focused on several policy issues important to people with disabilities, including ways to better integrate people with disabilities into our workforce. I believe we are wasting a lot of great potential and talent when employers don’t recruit people with disabilities for open positions. I have also worked to improve the Social Security Disability Insurance program by reducing the wait time for individuals applying for the program. I have looked at the Affordable Care Act through the lens of how it supports people with disabilities, and I have fought Republican efforts to undermine and repeal the law. I strongly support the ACA’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and I have advocated on the Senate floor for protecting Medicaid and in particular, the many people with disabilities who rely on the program for health insurance. Finally, I was a proponent of the ABLE Act, which was enacted in 2014 and creates tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. The current environment in Congress and at the White House has meant that recent accomplishments on some of these critical issues have been hard to come by, and on many days it is a victory if I am able to work with my colleagues to prevent harmful policy from advancing. Even so, I remain firmly committed to advocating on behalf of people with disabilities to ensure that federal policies protect and support their interests.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: As a public school teacher, I worked closely with students with disabilities, and my wife Leah is a special education teacher. We've dedicated our lives to helping children and the most vulnerable in our society, and I care deeply about ensuring everyone has the best life they can have.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I work to include the perspectives of people with disabilities in my decision making every day. Over the past two years, much of that work has focused around preserving the integrity of the Medicaid and Medicare programs and the Affordable Care Act, which all serve as lifelines for so many Mainers with disabilities and their families. I also highlighted how these Mainers would be adversely affected by the Republican Tax Bill, particularly the importance of the medical expense deduction and the deduction for businesses coming into ADA compliance. During my time as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve used my position to advocate for funding programs that support people with disabilities, including IDEA and HCBS supports. During my time on the committee, IDEA Part B funding has risen by over a billion dollars, but we need to be doing much more to meet the federal share that’s promised under the law. As a former chair of my local school board, I know the kind of pressure that IDEA underfunding puts on districts and schools and the harm to students that can result. I think that living in a small island community have helped to inform my advocacy on disability issues. I understand how difficult it is for my neighbors with disabilities to ensure that they can access necessary services is a remote area. I see the importance of accessibility when there may be only one store on the island that sells something they need. This perspective is unique in some ways, but is also deeply relevant to the lived experiences of people with disabilities in rural and underserved areas across the state.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: In the legislature I have consistently fought for people with mental illnesses and disabilities. I passed a bill to help first responders receive workers compensation for post traumatic stress as workplace injuries. I have also increased access to case workers for veterans, some of whom have disabilities. These are important issues to me because of my experience as a veteran who was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress. I will continue my steadfast support for advocating for those who have historically been ignored
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

5. What policies would you establish that address the employment issues and economic challenges that families and parents/guardians of disabled children and adults face (such as having to quit jobs to support family members)?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: No one should be confronted with the choice of having to lose or surrender their job to take care of a disabled family member. I support innovative leave policies and home-based support services, as appropriate, for families with an individual who has a disability.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: I think the most effective step would could take would be to pass a federal paid family leave program. There are many ways this could be structured - a social insurance program, like Social Security, or through tax incentives to employers - but the important thing to emphasize here is that the United States is one of the few countries in the world that does not provide access to paid family leave. Access to job-protected, paid family leave would allow parents and guardians of children with disabilities the ability to take time away from work without fearing retaliation from their employers or losing their jobs. It would provide financial certainty so that people could care for their loved ones in need. I have cosponsored the FAMILY Act, which would create a universal paid leave program that would allow workers to earn up to 12 weeks of paid leave, and I believe it’s time for Congress to step up on this issue.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: Caring for a loved one with a disability is among the most noble and selfless things a person can do. The last thing they should be worried about is how they're going to pay the bills. I support paying the parents and guardians of children and adults with disabilities to allow them to focus full-time on providing care and love.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: During my time in Congress, I’ve made it a priority to support strong funding for existing federal caregiver programs like: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which supports education, training, and counseling; and the Lifespan Respite Care Program, which I hope to see expanded to all states. But we can and should be doing much more to support caregivers. That includes ensuring that eligible parents are able to access MaineCare coverage themselves, implementing a serious and comprehensive paid Family and Medical Leave program, and evaluating proposals that would ensure continued Social Security contributions during periods of full-time caregiving.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I support expanding Medicaid, and increasing funding for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. I support paid family leave for all families, as such a proposal would help families coping with family members with disabilities. I support other efforts that make workplaces more friendly to people with disabilities, including strengthening and enforcing the ADA and ensuring people with disabilities receive equal pay for equal work
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

6. How will you insure that the letter and spirit of laws like IDEA and ESSA are followed in a manner that decreases the segregation of students with disabilities and increases inclusion? Do you support approaches such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I support the goal of inclusion and the purposes of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). I will partner with students, parents, teachers and administrators local districts and advocates to ensure compliance. I support the goals of Universal Design for Learning.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: One of the most important things that we can do is to ensure that we hold education officials accountable and ensure they are appropriately implementing the laws that govern school policy. While I strongly opposed the nomination of Betsy DeVos to be Secretary of Education, I have and will continue to work to ensure that she and her department do not ignore IDEA and the protections in ESSA to ensure that students with disabilities receive a high-quality education and access to the support they need. I have been an advocate for Congress to take its oversight of the executive branch seriously - and I will continue to do so.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: Despite existing laws, students with disabilities still face steep barriers to getting the education they deserve. I support UDL and any other efforts to provide a more effective and compassionate educational environment for all students.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: IDEA and ESSA provide a foundation of protections for students with disabilities, but much of their efficacy lies in oversight and adequate funding. The federal government’s inability to meet its promised share of IDEA funding is unconscionable, which is why I’m a proud cosponsor of
H.R. 2902, the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would require regular, significant increases in the federal allocation.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I will work with experts in the field to advance the goal of integrating differently abled students in the same classroom. I support efforts for greater inclusion, not only for children with disabilities, but also among those of different economic, racial, and social backgrounds. Students who learn together also raise each other up. Yes, I support efforts to make education accessible to all children regardless of physical or mental ability or challenges.
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

7. What is your position on school choice? Have you considered the ramifications of choice on students with disabilities?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I believe every Maine student with a disability should be able to attend a public school district where they are able to learn and grow just as any other student. I do not taxpayer-funded school vouchers or the expansion of charter schools.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: Educators and policymakers have debated the effectiveness of vouchers since my time as Governor, and I expect this conversation will continue well into the future. I think we have to consider school choice - particularly through methods like vouchers - with a great deal of caution, as we cannot risk shifting funds from our public schools unless we can be certain that student outcomes will improve. Public education is meant to serve ALL students - and I think we need to be very careful in considering the implications of school choice proposals on students with disabilities, English language learners, and low-income kids.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: I believe strongly in public schools, and will resist any attempt to privatize education. "School choice" is nothing less than a disaster for students with disabilities.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I have significant concerns with efforts to promote and expand school choice in ways that siphon resources from traditional public schools -- especially when charter schools are often not equipped to serve the needs of students with disabilities. On the Appropriations Committee, I’ve fought back against efforts to allocate increased funding toward school voucher programs and charter schools as included in President Trump’s budgets.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District:
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I have long supported our public schools, and fought efforts to expand Maine’s charter schools and other publically funded, private options. Public schools are held accountable and are required to ensure students with disabilities are accommodated
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

8. What is your position on Maine’s pending application for a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver, and what do you predict will be the likely impact on Mainers with disabilities and their families?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: As Governor, I will carefully review this waiver application for its impact on Mainers with disabilities and their families and seek appropriate accommodations.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: First, it’s important to remember that many people on the Medicaid program are already working. As this is not a decision over which federal lawmakers have a role, I cannot appropriately weigh in on what is ultimately a decision for the Department of Health and Human Services and the LePage Administration to make. What I can say is that if states want to introduce work requirements to programs like Medicaid, it is important to be very thoughtful in their design. In Arkansas, it was recently reported that thousands of people people have been dropped from their Medicaid program due to the introduction of work requirements. Many medical professionals and legal services advocates have argued that the logistics of complying with and reporting on work requirements can make it extremely difficult for fully-qualified low-income people to demonstrate their employment status. While much depends on how Maine might implement such a requirement, I would be concerned about inadvertently hurting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities - people with disabilities, seniors, and children - through the introduction of work requirements that provide little, if any, benefit to beneficiaries or taxpayers.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: I strongly oppose Paul LePage's continuing effort to deny health care to vulnerable Mainers. Anything that makes it harder to get health care is going to be particularly harmful to people with disabilities and their families.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I am deeply concerned about Maine’s pending 1115 waiver and wrote a letter to CMS Administrator Verma in September 2017 outlining my opposition to the state’s application. I think that the potential consequences could be devastating to MaineCare beneficiaries and their families, from cost-sharing that could dissuade people with low incomes from seeking needed care to work requirements that could keep family members from necessary caregiving.

Additionally, the administrative burden involved in these proposals could hurt beneficiaries who may otherwise be covered by a exemption to certain requirements.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I am concerned that the pending application too narrowly defines those eligible for MaineCare. Specifically, I am concerned that individuals who care for someone who is not defined as a fully incapable adult, but who does require significant assistance from a family member, will not qualify when they are unable to work full time at a place of employment that provides insurance
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

9. President Trump has proposed increasing institutionalization for people with mental health disabilities as a solution to gun violence. Would you support this approach? Why or why not?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: As Governor I will be focused mostly on state issues. We must do all we can to stop gun violence and keep guns from those who should not have them. I believe Maine’s laws with respect to institutionalization and with respect to outpatient treatment are adequate; but they need better staffing and better funding especially for acute care.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: No. People with mental illness are no more likely to be violent than anyone else, and I believe it is a terrible idea to return to a time when we over-institutionalized people with mental illness.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: Absolutely not. Instead of institutionalizing people, we need to provide free mental health care to every American.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I do not support this approach. I think it fundamentally misunderstands both the realities of gun violence in this country and the needs of people with mental health disabilities. Mental health is not a factor in the majority of violent incidents in this country. While this is not to say that we shouldn’t be making meaningful investments in HBCS for other important reasons, there are other much more effective interventions we can be making to reduce gun violence in America, mental health related or not.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I do not support this blanket approach. The vast majority of people with mental health disabilities are not violent and pose no risk to the public. To
over-institutionalize would mean we have not learned any of the lessons of the 1950s and 1960s, when institutionalization led to mistreatment and neglect. Careful adjudication by those who mental health professionals and careful judicial review is an appropriate response
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

Questions of Gubernatorial Candidates and Candidates for State Offices:
This series of questions is most suited to the above office seekers, but input from all candidates is welcome.
1. How do you plan to address the recently uncovered crisis in community-based housing for people with disabilities?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I will provide consistent, compassionate, and effective leadership at DHHS to address housing capacity and safety and accountability issues.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

2. How do you plan to improve DHHS oversight and accountability for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in light of the 2017 OIG report?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: The 2017 OIG report is deeply troubling. Maine must fully implement and comply with requirements to document and respond to harm committed against adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community-based provider settings. As Governor, I will order a review of DHHS actions in response to agreed-upon recommendations from the 2017 OIG report.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

3. How will you increase access to crisis beds in Maine? Do you see front-loading support services as a way to reduce the need for crisis care, hospitalization/institutionalization, and incarceration?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: More resources are needed to increase access to crisis beds in Maine.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

4. How do you plan to address the ever-growing wait-lists for Medicaid waiver and employment services in Maine?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I will work to secure more resources to reduce our waitlist and also address capacity issues for providers by increasing reimbursement rates and focusing on ending workforce shortages.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

5. Do you have a plan to address direct care workforce shortages? Do you support immigration as one solution? Do you support wage increases?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: Maine should seek rate reimbursements under Medicaid that reflect a competitive job market and the true costs of care sufficient to ensure access for Mainers needing home-based and community-based care.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

6. What solutions can you offer regarding Maine’s current children’s behavioral health crisis?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: We must focus on early diagnosis and intervention, even if young children do not have the Katie Beckett Benefit. As Governor I will work with Maine families, schools, advocates and insurance companies to address this crisis.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

7. How would you address the transportation issues that affect disabled Mainers and their families as they attempt to travel to and from work and medical appointments?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: As Governor, I will demand that contractors provide reliable and safe transportation for disabled Mainers and their families for travel to and from work and medical appointments.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

8. Do you support Medicaid expansion? Why or why not? If yes, what do you see as a viable path to implementation? Are you aware of potential benefits to people with disabling conditions and their families?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I support Medicaid expansion and have provided a detailed plan to implement and cover the costs of expansion through 2019 using tobacco settlement funds. Learn more at: https://www.janetmills.com/issues/healthcare
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

9. Do you see Medicaid expansion as a potential solution to providing healthcare to the more than one million Americans who wait an average of 2 years to qualify for SSDI? Why or why not?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: Not sure.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

10. Do you have a plan to strengthen Early Intervention services (screening, detection, diagnosis, and treatment) for Maine’s birth-2 year olds?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I will reinvigorate the public health nurses and home visiting programs.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

11. How do you plan to support children/public schools/local property taxpayers if special education services for 3-5-year-olds are transferred from CDS to school districts? How would you ease the transition, ensure equity across districts, and prevent preschool services from being provided in segregated settings (e.g. in special education classrooms rather than more inclusive environments)? Do you have an alternate plan for ensuring that Maine’s small children receive adequate services and supports?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: I oppose the transfer of CDS to the school districts.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

12. What is your position on improving the transition process between school and adulthood for people with disabilities?

Janet Mills, running for Governor: As Governor, I would ensure proactive and dependable leadership at the Department of Education and the Department of Labor on the transition process and other issues. I would ask for a review of the typical time applications for certain services are made at the district level.
Shawn Moody, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Teresa Hayes, running for Governor: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

Congressional Candidates:
The following series of questions is best suited to candidates seeking election to the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, but all candidates are welcome to respond.
1. What is your position on HR 620 - The ADA Education and Reform Act? Do/did you support it, or any other ADA notification legislation?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: I am a strong proponent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has provided critical protections and expanded accessibility for those living with disabilities, since it was signed into law over a quarter-century ago. I will adamantly resist any efforts to roll back the progress made by this law. While H.R. 620 has not yet been introduced in the Senate, the barriers it would create for people with disabilities seeking justice are of great concern to me and I will stand opposed to any Senate legislation that would seek to make similar changes. I will continue to look for ways in which I can facilitate constructive conversation around this issue to ensure that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle understand the importance of preserving the protections offered by the ADA.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: No.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I strongly opposed H.R. 620 when it came before the House in February 2018. I think it’s unacceptable to place the burden of ADA compliance on people with disabilities.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I would not have supported this bill. While there are sections that I do support - namely the provision of additional training and education components to assist local governments and property owners in ways to become compliant - I would oppose the bill because it takes away or significantly delays access to the courts for those aggrieved by failure to comply with a law that has been on the books for more than

a quarter century. By denying individuals with disabilities appropriate accommodations, those individuals are denied the ability to meaningfully be included in society. The ADA is supposed to improve integration and this bill takes away one of the primary avenues of redress
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

2. Would you support Medicaid cuts, block grants, and/or caps as a way of cutting the federal share of health care costs?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: No.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: No.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: No. I have actively opposed every effort to cut Medicaid, both in ACA repeal packages and otherwise, over the past two years. MaineCare is essential to the health and wellbeing of thousands of people with disabilities and their families across the state. Its long-term security is a top priority for me.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I oppose cuts to Medicaid and caps to Medicaid. Medicaid should be expanded and fully funded
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

3. How do you plan to address the increasingly long approval process for people applying for SSDI?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: I hear often from constituents in Maine about the lengthy process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In addition to directing my staff members in Maine to advocate for constituents’ rights during this process, I have also weighed in with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to push successfully for reforms to speed up the SSDI adjudication process. Because of work I pursued along with other senators, the SSA now provides applicants with 75 days advance notice of their appeals hearing date, a change that should reduce the number of hearings that applicants need to postpone due to scheduling conflicts or insufficient time to gather medical evidence. Additionally, I have consistently urged my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to adequately fund the account that pays for staff at SSA hearing offices and field offices.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: We need to invest more money in the Social Security Administration to allow applications for SSDI to be processed faster.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I will work with my colleagues to fight for increased funding for SSDI staffing numbers and budgets. We need to ensure that more administrative law judges are to work thru the backlog of current cases.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I support fully staffing the Social Security Administration, and ensuring that positions dedicated to approval and appeal resolution for SSDI are prioritized in staffing
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

4. What is your position on ACA repeal? Are you aware of the concerns among members of the disability community and their families? How will you guarantee that those with pre-existing conditions continue to have access to affordable care? Would you support changes to Medicaid as a part of ACA repeal/replace? What kinds of changes?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: I am and have been firmly opposed to repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). I believe the ACA has been a success, and I am dismayed by the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle and undermine the law. In part because of the protections for people with pre-existing conditions, I am convinced we need to protect and strengthen the ACA. I do not support substantial changes to the Medicaid program - either as a part of ACA repeal/replace or separately.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: I strongly oppose any attempt to repeal the ACA.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I have been and remain strongly opposed to ACA repeal. Especially over the past two years, I’ve heard from several hundred Mainers with specific concerns about what ACA repeal would mean to them and their families. As part of that effort, I heard often from people with disabilities and worked to include those voices in my advocacy efforts.

The pre-existing conditions protections included in the law are fundamental and must not be compromised; I’ve fought against both legislative repeal proposals and ongoing Administration efforts to undermine the law and introduce workarounds. Most recently, I co-sponsored a resolution disapproving of the Administration’s Short-Term Plan regulation, which would allow insurers to sell so-called “short-term plans” that are not subject to the same federal consumer protections as ACA-compliant plans.

I am opposed to any change that would harm or cut from the Medicaid program as part of an ACA repeal package.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: I am opposed to the outright repeal of the ACA in any way that does not increase the number of people who are covered and reduces costs for consumers. As such, I am opposed to the bills that Congress considered in the summer of 2017. I would support superseding the ACA with a system that would expand coverage to all Americans.I support a Medicare for All-type system that would not discriminate against any American in need of coverage. Until a Medicare for All-type system is implemented, I will oppose any efforts that undermine the pre-existing condition provisions from the ACA.
I would support efforts that strengthen public health programs and providers, including Medicare and Medicaid. In the Maine legislature, I consistently supported efforts to expand the state’s Medicaid system. In Congress, I will fight to make sure the opportunities to expand medicaid remain for all states, and that the federal-to-state match remains at least at 90%-10%. Under a Medicare for All-type system that I believe the United States should ultimately move to, all options are on the table for removing potentially redundant programs, but that will need to be determined when programs are being established and expanded.
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

5. How will you protect services for people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups following recent tax reform legislation?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: I am concerned that the increases to the federal debt as a result of the recent tax reform legislation will lead to members of Congress to call for cuts to important programs that serve people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. I intend to fight those efforts at every turn - these programs are important to the people of Maine, protect vulnerable members of our communities, and prevent widespread poverty, illness, and hunger.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: I have grave concerns that the deficit-busting tax bill will be used as an excuse to cut crucial services for vulnerable people. As a senator, I'll oppose any attempt to cut services for people with disabilities or any other vulnerable groups.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: I was deeply concerned about the impact of tax reform legislation on people with disabilities and included disability advocates in a roundtable event I held in order to highlight the importance of the medical expense deduction. I was pleased to see that deduction preserved in the final package, thanks in large part to advocacy from people with disabilities.

However, the effects of the legislation will be long-lasting. Repealing the ACA’s individual mandate has already impacted out-of-pocket costs for people with coverage on the exchanges. I’ll continue fighting to stabilize and expand the ACA. And I’ll continue to oppose any efforts to use deficits caused by tax reform to argue for cuts to fundamental programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: As a legislator, I have often taken stands against legislation that would harm people in the state. I will continue to stand up for people whether they are differently abled, marginalized, or otherwise disadvantaged. I will oppose legislation from either party that harms people, including bills that slash services or remove due process protections for those who have been harmed
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

6. Would you consider immigration as a possible tool in decreasing workforce shortages across caregiving professions (esp. related to care/support for older and disabled Mainers)?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: Yes.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: Yes. We should be welcoming talented caregivers from around the world, not trying to keep them out.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: Yes. New Mainers are already an important part of our state’s health care workforce -- an
importance that will only grow as our population gets older. We should be doing more to
increase access to education and certification for immigrants interested in the health care field, including as RNs, CNAs, and Home Health Aides.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: Maine has a workforce shortage in a number of fields, but it is particularly acute among the caregiving fields. In addition to an extant workforce shortage, the impending retirement of caregivers in greater numbers, combined with great demand, will put increasing pressure on these fields. I have supported efforts to increase reimbursements for caregiving facilities. I will consider any and all proposals that address the workforce shortages, including immigration, as a solution
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

7. Are you aware that many of the 13,000 Mainers on the Section 8 housing wait-list - which can last more than 10 years - are seniors and people with disabilities? What are your plans for addressing this and other barriers to housing?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: The lack of affordable housing in Maine is one of the most serious challenges facing our state. To address this problem, this year I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the leaders of the Senate Appropriation Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development urging it to provide $22.8 billion for Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) and $2.8 billion to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants. Strong support for these two programs—along with other critical housing programs through HUD—will significantly help the effort to quickly and permanently shelter the chronically homeless, prevent and end homelessness for veterans, and prevent and end youth, child, and family homelessness. I have also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which could allow for the creation or preservation of more affordable housing units. I also introduced the Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, S.913, which could help more seniors age independently and safely in their homes by requiring the federal government to do a better job coordinating its existing efforts and programs for home modifications for seniors. While these programs are important, it’s clear that there’s more work to be done, and I am committed to be a partner to the disability community in finding solutions to the housing issues that too many Maine people face.
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: It is a moral outrage that people have to wait for more than a decade to gain access to affordable housing. I'll introduce legislation to invest billions to provide more affordable housing and cut Section 8 wait times to less than a year.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: Section 8 housing vouchers are one of the most effective pathways for someone to secure affordable housing. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have consistently argued for additional funding for Section 8 vouchers. During the FY18 full committee markup of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, I introduced an amendment to increase overall funding for Section 8 vouchers, which unfortunately did not pass. The Section 8 voucher program has reduced homelessness and offered millions of individuals and families a safe place to live, which in turn often facilitates better nutrition, health, and education. For these reasons, I believe we need to dedicate more resources to the voucher program so that we can help as many Mainers as possible.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: Affordable housing is a major challenge for the state - it is combined with one of the countries oldest housing stocks to create challenges for all people seeking housing.
Some of the challenges relating to the old housing stock relate to accessibility and health concerns. I have introduced and funding to reduce lead contamination in rental housing in the state. In addition, I will also support funding for Section 8 voucher programs, and would consider other creative programs that increase quality affordable housing stock.
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

8. Do you support legislation designed to increase access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) - rather than institutionalization - for seniors and people with disabilities, such as S.910, the Disability Integration Act, or the EMPOWER Care Act?

Senator Angus King, running for U.S. Senate: Broadly, I believe that government services should be made as accessible as possible for everyone, and as such, I support S.910’s goals of allowing people to remain in their homes and receive home and community-based services rather than being institutionalized. Especially in rural states like Maine where care facilities are often few and far-between, policy changes like this are incredibly valuable in both reducing costs and—more importantly—helping people stay in their homes. As you may know, the bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; I intend to follow my colleagues on the Committee’s work on the bill, and I will look forward to it being considered by the full Senate. [Note: The inclusion of the EMPOWER Care Act was added to this question after Senator King's response.]
Zak Ringelstein, running for U.S. Senate: Yes.
Eric Brakey, running for U.S. Senate: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: Yes. I’ve signed on to co-sponsor both of these pieces of legislation.
Mark Holbrook, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Martin Grohman, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 1st Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Congressman Bruce Poliquin, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Jared Golden, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: Yes, I believe community integration is preferred in nearly all instances than institutionalization. I will support efforts to increase Home and Community Based Services, and am particularly interested in how we can increase those services in rural areas of the country, including Maine’s 2nd Congressional district
Henry John Bear, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Tiffany Bond, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]
Will Hoar, running for U.S. House of Representatives, Maine's 2nd Congressional District: [Candidate did not respond to the request to complete the questionnaire.]

Thank you for participating in our survey!