I’m Representative Randy Greenwood of Wales with the Weekly Republican Address.
I speak not just as a policymaker, but as a parent. Like so many across Maine, I want my kids to build their future here—not feel forced to leave.
But that’s exactly what’s happening.
Young Mainers aren’t asking for handouts. They want a fair shot—the chance to work, buy a home, and raise a family in the state they love.
And for most, that dream starts with homeownership.
Today, it’s out of reach. The average home price in Maine is around $425,000—far beyond what most first-time buyers can afford.
And even if they find a home, the pressure doesn’t stop there.
While the rest of the nation is bouncing back from COVID, the cost of living has surged. A Maine family of four needs about $136,000 a year just to get by—not to get ahead, just to stay afloat.
That really forces most households into two incomes—which leads to the next challenge: childcare.
Too many parents are forced into childcare they can barely afford. In some cases, it nearly consumes one entire income. Families are left asking: does this even make sense?
Then comes education.
Parents want strong schools, but too many are struggling. Test scores in Maine are near the bottom. Proficiency in reading and math is falling, and more families are turning to alternatives like homeschooling—often at the cost of a second income.
So, what happens?
Young families lose hope—and many leave.
And young people are the most mobile. They go where opportunity is more attainable and costs are lower.
The result – Maine is losing families.
School enrollments are dropping.
A recent news article revealed that many schools are considering consolidation to avoid closures.
Other communities are forced to raise property taxes—sometimes dramatically—putting even more of a strain on families and seniors.
For example, right here in Augusta, they are proposing a 20% property tax increase.
This is not sustainable.
Maine needs to be a state where families can succeed.
This means making it more affordable to buy a home, raise our kids, and pursue opportunity. It means policies that support—not squeeze—the working families.
Because this isn’t just about policy. It’s about people.
It’s about whether the next generation can call Maine home.
Legislative Republicans have put forward solutions—for lowering taxes, reducing your energy costs, and restoring a focus on academic achievement.
We will continue to fight for those priorities in Augusta.
Because a pro-family Maine is worth fighting for.
Once again, I am Representative Randy Greenwood with the Weekly Republican Address.
Thank you for listening. Please help us change Maine for the better — please subscribe, like, share, and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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