Maine Equal Justice

06/03/2026

From the Portland Press Herald: Diaz said that kind of economic instability is bringing “a new level of stress” to households in Maine, including among people who participate in advocacy work with Maine Equal Justice. Many have to make difficult choices every day between buying food, paying for childcare or covering utility bills.

“People really need help,” she said. “It’s unsustainable for many, many Mainers to live this way.”

https://vist.ly/56fud

06/01/2026

From Maine Morning Star: "In their final debate, the five Democrats running for governor were asked how they would help struggling renters. From rent relief to eviction prevention, the candidates highlighted parts of their housing plans, while reiterating much of what they’ve said before: there’s a housing crisis, with insufficient stock and a dearth of affordable options."

In their final debate, the five Democrats running for governor were asked how they would help struggling renters. From rent relief to eviction prevention, the candidates highlighted parts of their housing plans, while reiterating much of what they’ve said before: there’s a housing crisis, with i...

05/28/2026

Thousands more Maine families are hungry now, and this is why.

Following a national trend, over 13,000 Mainers have lost food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) since Congressional Republicans and President Trump enacted their reconciliation bill last July.

05/27/2026

👏👏👏 At a time when it's harder than ever to show up in Augusta, because of the financial cost and the emotional toll, Equal Justice Partners' Circle members keep organizing and making change! Their personal experience facing eviction or struggling to make ends meet fuels their passion to make a difference and makes them the most effective advocates--they know these issues, inside and out! The EJPC (and some of their kiddos!) show up because they know ALL Maine people deserve to thrive.
Do you or someone you know have experience living with low income and a passion for economic justice? Nominate them (or yourself)! https://maineequaljustice.tfaforms.net/f/NominationEJPC

In a few short months the EJPC will be back together, and welcoming new members who will make our movement even more powerful!

05/19/2026

In case you missed it this weekend: "Last August, about 170,000 Mainers were receiving SNAP benefits. That number dropped by nearly 11,500 by March, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

'It’s not because those people are no longer hungry,' said Alex Carter, a policy advocate with Maine Equal Justice, a nonprofit civil legal aid and economic justice organization. 'It’s likely people who are still income eligible for and need food assistance, but are having a hard time complying with the new regulations.'”

full story: https://vist.ly/54pur

05/14/2026

Fraud should always be investigated and stopped, but the blanket Medicaid (MaineCare) funding cuts Vice President Vance threatened today in Bangor are not an answer.

Massive cuts to Medicaid and basic needs programs, passed by Congress and the President, are already harming Maine people and our care systems–all to give tax breaks to millionaires and corporations, and to fund wasteful, cruel ICE enforcement.

Maine people want more affordable health care, not less. We all want good doctors, affordable medicine, and we want care protected, not cut.

👉 Full statement from MEJ and Maine Center for Economic Policy: https://vist.ly/548m4

👉 More facts from MECEP: https://vist.ly/548kz

05/14/2026

For decades, politicians have used isolated stories about public assistance fraud to divide people and build support for cuts that ultimately hurt working families while benefiting the […]

05/11/2026

Knowing how to feel at the end of a legislative session doesn't come easy, and Maine people who advocated in Augusta this year showed real courage--read more from MEJ Organizing Director Allina Diaz on the blog: https://vist.ly/53scb

05/05/2026

📣Job opening! We're looking for an Administrative Assistant at MEJ. Learn more: https://vist.ly/53342

We strongly encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience of poverty to apply. Maine Equal Justice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Deadline to apply is May 25, 2026, or until the position is filled.

04/28/2026

In case you missed it!

"The work of building more homes has been slow and expensive, so housing advocates said they're pleased that after Maine's Eviction Prevention Program ran out of funding, lawmakers agreed to spend $11 million to keep it going for at least one more year.
..Kathy Kilrain del Rio, director of advocacy and programs at Maine Equal Justice, said the program allowed the majority of households to avoid eviction. State data showed a measurable decline in eviction filings while the program was running."

Advocates said the initiatives approved by lawmakers this session attempt to address a few different pressure points in Maine's housing market, from investing in home construction to providing relief to those struggling with high hosting costs.