As we enter the tail end of this summer, it’s important to appreciate all the hardworking individuals who have fueled Maine’s economy over these last few months. From young high school students entering the workforce for their first summer job to seasonal workers in Maine’s agricultural sector, labor is an integral part of our state’s heritage. We are a state deeply rooted in the values of hard work, resilience and community. These values are personified in Frances Perkins, a major figure in American labor history and the first woman to serve in a U.S. cabinet position, who played a crucial role in shaping labor policy in our nation.
Perkins was born in Boston but grew up in Maine. Her time in Maine had an impact on her worldview, fostering a deep appreciation for the challenges of working-class families and the importance of social justice. As Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins was the architect of many New Deal programs including Social Security, unemployment insurance, and the establishment of a federal minimum wage. Her work has undoubtedly had a profound impact on our nation, ensuring that workers have a voice and that their rights are protected.
This session, the Legislature continued to build on the legacy of Frances Perkins by advancing policies that strengthen worker protections, improves wages, and supports working families. We passed LD 372, which will ensure Maine workers are paid what they are owed and their wages are not stolen by those they work for. With the passage of LD 2032, Maine state employees, higher education staff and judicial employees don’t have to cut through burdensome red tape to declare their intent to join a union. I was proud to sponsor LD 1639, which passed with a bipartisan vote in the Senate, would’ve ensured minimum direct-care registered nurse staffing requirements based on patient care and patient needs. Unfortunately, it did not pass both chambers and become law but I plan on working with advocates and nurses to prevent unsafe staffing ratios in the coming legislative session.
These measures will protect working families across our state and help them to make a living and thrive. In today’s economy, I feel it is important to support working families as they are the backbone of our state’s economy. As we head into Labor Day next month, let’s recommit to supporting workers and continue to make sure they are thriving for generations to come.
Frances Perkins’ legacy is alive and well here in Maine. We’ve taken bold steps to honor her commitment to labor rights by passing laws that will improve the lives of workers across our state. These victories are not just policy achievements, they are a testament to the enduring spirit of Maine–a spirit that values hard work, fairness, and the idea that every worker deserves dignity and respect. As we look to the future of our state, we must ensure that Maine continues to lead the way in protecting and empowering our workforce. In doing so, we honor the legacy of Frances Perkins and reaffirm our dedication to the values she championed.
If you have questions, ideas or comments, please feel free to contact me at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or my legislative office at (207) 287-1515. You can also follow my Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenatorStacyBrenner for more frequent updates.