WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined the Belfast Rotary Club to provide an update on his work in the Senate to combat the coronavirus pandemic’s health threats and economic toll. During the call with over 40 members from the Belfast area, Senator King highlighted the passage of the American Rescue Plan through Congress and the need to stay vigilant in our fight against COVID-19, including his recent bipartisan push with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) urging the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to monitor and track COVID-19 variants that could contribute to future outbreaks.

“We are entering a new phase in the fight against this pandemic, which has devastated so many communities, tore apart families and loved ones, and taken the lives of over 500,000 Americans. With Congress’s passage of the American Rescue Plan, individuals, families, and communities should know that help is on the way in the form of direct payments, extended unemployment insurance, funding specifically for states and localities, and support for vaccine production and distribution,” said Senator King. “This is promising news for our public health, and the future of our economy – but it’s important to remember that we’re not out of the woods yet. It was great to connect with Belfast Rotary to discuss key priorities in the coming months as our nation recovers from the pandemic." 

Even as the pandemic changes the way we connect, Senator King has made it a priority to engage with Maine people from all walks of life and helpful organizations to address questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and identify remaining work to be done. In May, he held a tele-town hall, inviting all Maine people to call in toll-free, to listen and respond to questions about coronavirus response efforts. Since the Senate passed the CARES Act, he has participated in teleconferences and phone calls with:

·          Maine healthcare providers and advocates, such as the Maine Dental Association and Protect our Care.

·          Maine students and educators, including the 16 Maine 2020 County Teachers of the Year, Maine Jump$tart Coalition’s two Finance Educators of the Year, school psychologists, MLTI Virtual Student Conference, University of Maine System Student Veterans, and civics and history teachers from schools across Maine.

·          Maine business and community leaders, including members of the Houlton Rotary Club, Maine Arts Commission, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, the New England Council, 120 of Portland’s small business owners and 500 Maine employees of Sun Life.

·          Maine nonprofits including the Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP), United Way and YMCA Youth Advocates from Maine.

·          Maine seniors in a call hosted by AARP Maine.

·          Maine democracy-focused organizations, such as the Maine League of Women Voters.