Joan S. Beal

Economy

To grow sustainably, small towns and the outskirts of small towns need transportation options, continued broadband expansion and housing for the citizens who live and work here. Housing, transportation, and employment opportunities need to be targeted to preserve the quality of life in places like Western Maine. Small towns have benefitted both financially and environmentally, from policies which assist them in energy efficiency and in moving to renewable energy solutions. These must be continued and expanded. Learn more

Education

Maine teachers and school staff are dedicated and hard working. I support continued work on an equitable funding formula that benefits all Maine schools. With 26% of the children in District 81 living at poverty level, all the associated benefits of public school education, such as nutrition programs, pre-school programs, support for public libraries, and mental health services are crucial for the future of Maine’s civic life. I would advocate for and support strong hourly wages and competitive salaries and benefits for teachers, support staff and school personnel in all capacities. Learn more

I would advocate for and support strong hourly wages and competitive salaries and benefits for teachers, support staff and school personnel in all capacities. Learn more

I support continued work on an equitable funding formula that benefits all Maine schools. With 26% of the children in District 81 living at poverty level, all the associated benefits of public school education, such as nutrition programs, pre-school programs, support for public libraries, and mental health services are crucial for the future of Maine’s civic life. Learn more

Environment / Energy

In recent years, devastating climate events have damaged businesses and individuals both physically and economically. Maine needs to continue to extend its efforts to help our communities prepare for these events and to promote renewable energy policies. We need to more to transition to an economy based on renewable resources and to build an infrastructure that will help move forward from climate related events. Learn more

Maine needs to continue to extend its efforts to help our communities prepare for these events and to promote renewable energy policies. We need to more to transition to an economy based on renewable resources and to build an infrastructure that will help move forward from climate related events. Learn more

Government Reform

I have spent all of my adult life advocating for reproductive justice, women’s rights, the environment, and a sustainable economy that is fair to all. Learn more

Housing

The current crisis in housing will require a targeted approach to making housing more affordable. Young people looking for their first home, seniors who wish to remain in their communities, the unhoused, and those suffering from addiction and economic insecurity require a variety of solutions. These solutions need to be timely, but also aimed at a sustainable future. I support sustainable development, co-housing initiatives, rent stabilization, and programs which allow Maine’s older housing stock to be upgraded and made more efficient allowing people to remain in their homes. Learn more

I support sustainable development, co-housing initiatives, rent stabilization, and programs which allow Maine’s older housing stock to be upgraded and made more efficient allowing people to remain in their homes. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

To grow sustainably, small towns and the outskirts of small towns need transportation options, continued broadband expansion and housing for the citizens who live and work here. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

Women also have a right to safety from harassment and from physical injury. There must be adequate funding to insure that violators are prosecuted and programs are in place to protect the women, men, and LGBTQ people who are in vulnerable situations. Learn more