Issues

In America, if you work hard, you should be able to provide for your family and get ahead. In many ways, that deal is broken. Jared knows that working families have been left behind by a neoliberal economic agenda that benefits large corporations over local communities.

Maine’s economy and culture are tied to our heritage industries - fishing, logging, shipbuilding, farming, and others - and they provide thousands of Mainers with good-paying jobs. These industries are the bedrock of many communities in Maine, particularly in rural areas. They rely on a skilled workforce, responsible use of our state’s abundant natural resources, and the hard work of generations of Mainers. 

Jared grew up working on his family’s small business in Leeds and learning from his parents about the hard work it takes to keep a small business going these days. These operations provide more than half the jobs in our state, so he knows just how important they are to Mainers – particularly those in rural areas. From lobster boats to dairy farms to the remaining shops that line our local Main Streets, Maine has a proud legacy of independent, family-owned businesses that we must fight to preserve. 

Roughly one in ten Mainers is a veteran, and Jared is one of them — part of the state’s long, proud tradition of military service.  Jared understands the sacrifices veterans and their families have made for our country and he’s working hard to make sure they receive the benefits they’ve earned. 

Too many Mainers struggle with the high cost of health care. Americans spend twice as much on health care as other advanced countries, but we still receive worse health outcomes. Whether it’s unaffordable insurance premiums, the skyrocketing cost of medication, or an hours-long drive to see an expensive specialist, it’s clear our healthcare system is broken.

When Jared asks small business owners, town managers, and other Mainers working to create jobs and develop our state’s economy about their most pressing needs, rebuilding Maine’s infrastructure is almost always high on the list. Investing in infrastructure creates jobs, boosts local economies, and helps our rural communities thrive. 

After 9/11, Jared answered the call to serve our country and enlisted in the Marines, deploying overseas to both Afghanistan and Iraq. He uses his experience as a Marine combat veteran when confronted with national security decisions in Congress. 

Maine’s natural environment is our state’s most important resource. Our ocean and forests power our economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs in our state thanks to Maine’s long, proud tradition of sustainable fishing, forestry, agriculture, and land conservation. We manage our resources responsibly so that they’re there for future generations. Jared is working to carry on that important legacy. 

Jared believes our government should work for regular Mainers, not corporations, special interests, or the wealthy. 

No matter where in the state they live or how much money their family makes, Maine kids deserve a high-quality education. With a rapidly aging population, Jared recognizes the urgent need to prepare the next generation of Mainers with the skills required to stay and work in Maine, create jobs, and support our local economies.