WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that Senator King participated in a virtual teleconference with the Houlton Rotary Club to provide updates on the coronavirus pandemic and discuss his efforts to bridge partisan divides in Congress. Senator King was joined on today’s call by dozens of members of the Houlton Rotary Club, which was established in 1920 and currently has nearly 85 members from a diverse variety of occupations in Northern Maine.

“In the face of partisan divides and national crises, organizations like the Houlton Rotary Club exemplify the Maine approach to challenges: bring people together, and try to find solutions that make life better for your community,” said Senator King. “This commonsense approach is far too rare in Congress, causing gridlock that leaves important work undone. I’m grateful for the time of the Houlton Rotary Club, and will take their comments back with me to Washington as I urge my colleagues to put arguments aside so we can focus on helping Americans in need during this 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 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 leaders, including members of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, 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.