If there is something we Democrats do well, it’s criticize ourselves. And on an intellectual level this is a really important thing. The ability to spot our flaws, to examine our imperfections and better ourselves is what we need to do to make progress, and I would never suggest we stop doing that.
But when we don’t balance that critique with celebration when we do succeed, it costs Democrats voter support. It is time for Democrats to learn how, in the words of President Joe Biden, to take a “victory lap” when we do something positive for Americans, especially low-income and rural Americans who are less likely to vote when they don’t feel politicians are speaking to issues that impact them.
On March 18, I attended a Zoom panel discussion on the American Rescue Plan hosted by the Maine Democratic Party, which did exactly that: celebrate.
This $1.9 trillion package will have a life-changing impact for many, particularly those in Maine’s Second District, the majority of whom supported former President Donald Trump (as well as Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, who voted against the package).
Beyond the $1,400 relief checks and child tax credits, the Maine panel members highlighted how the COVID relief bill will do a number of important things for rural and low-income Mainers.
Trish Riley, Executive Director of the National Academy for State Health Policy, highlighted the ways in which the plan will increase COVID testing and vaccinations. She also talked about the portion that is earmarked to help with funds for transportation to help with access — particularly important to a state as rural as Maine.
Lewiston educator Allison Lytton described the bill as a “total game changer” for public school systems in Maine and across the country as it is the “largest investment ever” in our schools. “The American Rescue Plan sets aside $170 billion for dedicated education funding,” she said, noting that the money can be used for everything from student trauma and remediation efforts, to transportation costs.
Robyn Merrill, Executive Director of Maine Equal Justice, discussed how the American Rescue Plan will help combat food insecurity through SNAP benefits and improvements to the WIC plan.
On March 3, President Biden inferred that former President Barack Obama “was so modest” about celebrating his own economic recovery bill in 2009. And he isn’t wrong. There wasn’t enough pomp surrounding the progress we made economically under Obama, which has impacted subsequent elections.
In contrast, when the COVID relief bill passed without any GOP support, that didn’t stop Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi from attempting to take credit for the parts of it he did like.
Independent restaurant operators have won $28.6 billion worth of targeted relief.
This funding will ensure small businesses can survive the pandemic by helping to adapt their operations and keep their employees on the payroll.https://t.co/Ob4pRb9Xh4
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) March 10, 2021
The benefits of the American Rescue Plan go on, but the main impact is that this bill — again, passed without a single Republican vote — will go a long way to making our state, and our country, happier, healthier, and more equitable, and Democrats need to own that.
Top photo: President Joe Biden. | Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz
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