We sign on to the Vision for Equitable Maine because we recognize that we must reimagine systems and policies in light of COVID-19 and the inequities that have been laid bare. The crises we face call for bold, longer-term investment and systemic reform in numerous areas. This is a time to take stock, assess lessons learned through the pandemic, and work toward and invest in more equitable laws and policies through systemic change.
While many groups and individuals have worked together to craft different parts of this shared Vision, and while our organization may not be as familiar with or supportive of every provision, we support the Vision as a whole and the underlying values and goals behind it. All these areas are important and inter-connected and there is value in coming together to demand multi-dimensional change that spans issue areas. We appreciate that we are stronger together than we are apart. We hope that the Vision for an Equitable Maine will provide an opportunity to work together across different issue areas and constituencies to advance systemic change that we all have a stake in.
We hope this Vision will inform and shape public policy decisions when it comes to our collective response to the pandemic.
We know that action is necessary to actualize an equitable Maine. We recognize the many individuals, organizations, groups, and coalitions already taking steps to advance equity in the different areas included in the Vision. We intend to support these efforts where we can. We commit to take action to advance systemic change that aligns with this Vision in 2021.