Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s campaign is trying to shift focus from his personal controversies to his policies. However, his policies have been criticized for being an extreme version of the progressive agenda that has already made life harder for working families in Maine.

Cost of Living and Taxes

Under Democrat leadership, Maine has experienced a cost-of-living crisis, with nearly half of Mainers struggling to make ends meet. The state budget has nearly doubled in eight years, from $6.7 billion to $12 billion, with 32 new or higher taxes and fees imposed on residents. Platner’s solution is to implement even more taxes, including new wealth taxes, higher taxes on investment income, and expanded payroll taxes.

Energy and Healthcare

Maine ratepayers pay 63% more for electricity than the average American, largely due to the state’s push for unreliable wind and solar energy. Platner supports more of these Green New Deal-style mandates, which have resulted in higher costs and less reliable energy. In healthcare, Platner’s answer to challenges created by government overreach is more government-run healthcare, despite Maine’s Medicaid program already struggling to provide adequate care.

Education

Maine spends more than ever on education, with $26,000 per pupil, yet the state ranks 41st nationally in K-12 education. Platner’s solution is to give more power to the education establishment, rather than supporting school choice for families. His policies have been criticized for being a continuation of the same policies that have burdened Mainers for years.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.