Dear Friend,
There is absolutely no question about the League’s number one priority going into this legislative session: Stop LD 344, the so-called Equal Rights Amendment. In addition to redefining Maine state law based upon expressed gender rather than biological sex, this bill was an attempt to memorialize the right to an abortion via a constitutional amendment. Thanks to the excellent work of our policy team and the tremendous response of pro-life Mainers, our Republican allies in the Senate and the House stood up against this bill and made sure it did not pass.
We also lobbied hard against LD 1626, which would have removed all barriers from tribal interests expanding casinos in our state. This issue can be complicated because its opponents are readily labeled racist, but thanks to bipartisan opposition, this bill did not pass. Unfortunately, sports betting, which passed in the previous session, was funded and awarded to the tribes. We will continue to stand against gambling expansion in our state.
Consistent with our historical position on substance abuse, we supported a bill which prohibited the tobacco industry from creating lifelong consumers/addicts by marketing flavored tobacco to children. This bill passed and is presently in the funding process.
As the session comes to a close, we are still just a few thousand dollars short of the Beacon Campaign’s goal of $40,000. We thank the Lord for the two families who provided our $20,000 matching grant. Please consider donating to the Beacon Campaign to help us take full advantage of their generosity.
As thorough as our policy team has been, as persistent as concerned citizens have been in lobbying their leaders, nothing makes more difference in Augusta than having champions of life, parental rights, and religious freedom serving in the legislature. That is why the League is committed to training and equipping candidates and volunteers in preparation for this fall’s elections.
I am excited to announce we are organizing and hosting a two-day training event on July 15 and 16 at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville. Zach Freeman and his crew will be joining Mike McClellan, along with former ADF communications director, Bruce Smith. You do not want to miss this opportunity to be prepared for this fall as a candidate or volunteer. If you are interested in participating, contact Mike McClellan at policy@cclmaine.org.
On April 26, the League hosted a legal seminar featuring ADF attorney, Paul Schmidt. The seminar was organized to help prepare and inform Christian schools about the implications of the Supreme Court potentially allowing sectarian schools to receive tuition funding. The event was well attended by a diverse group of Christian school leaders from all over the state. Your support of the League makes resources like this possible.
Whether it is the Policy Team standing for life and religious liberty in Augusta, or the Church Ambassador Network attempting to create opportunities for pastors to positively influence our state leaders, or our campaign activities –– none of this would be possible without your faithfulness and generosity. Thank you for all of you who continue to support us with your gifts and prayers. Let us continue to strive to see Maine become a state where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.
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