Being an individual who lives and works in Maine, I always have found it interesting how our elected officials impact our daily livelihoods. When it comes to supporting and uplifting our workforce or boosting our local economies, I think Sen. Susan Collins has consistently shown that she understands Mainers’ needs.

Our state faces unique economic challenges, from supporting our traditional heritage industries like fishing or logging to preparing for high-tech and clean energy jobs. Collins has been a consistent champion for workforce development, as seen through her ability to secure critical federal funding from Maine’s community colleges and vocational training programs. These investments in younger generations ensure that Mainers don’t have to leave the state to find good-paying, sustainable careers.

Furthermore, her landmark work on the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID pandemic — a time of immense economic uncertainty — saved countless small businesses across Maine. This program helped preserve local diners to independent contractors, showing her understanding that small businesses are the backbone of our communities.

While politics in Washington often feel detached from Maine’s ever-changing economy, Collins remains focused on the tangible needs of working Mainers. I believe we need her continued leadership and senior influence in the Senate to keep Maine’s economy moving forward.

Bea Smith
Bangor

Read the full letter at the Bangor Daily News.