As a new legislative session begins, Mainers are asking a simple, familiar question: What comes next, and how do we not just get by but actually thrive in such tumultuous times?

After years shaped by COVID, economic whiplash and political chaos, that question feels heavier than it used to. Mainers know what they need to succeed: a safe and stable place to live, health care they can count on, and a fair shot at getting ahead without burning out or falling behind. They want to know that if they work hard and play by the rules, they can build a life that feels secure, dignified and hopeful — the ultimate American dream.

That’s the lens guiding our work this session.

Economists are warning of unprecedented uncertainty ahead. From sweeping federal budget cuts and erratic tariff policies to lingering economic impacts from shutdowns and declining tourism, Maine is already feeling the immense weight. Just like Maine families do every day, the state has to plan responsibly for what we know is affecting us and what we can’t yet predict.

Despite these challenges, Maine remains on solid footing because of choices we have made together in recent years. We have focused on investing in education, workforce development, health care and economic growth — and because of those investments, our labor market remains stable. But inflation is still squeezing household budgets, consumer confidence is low and too many families feel like they are one unexpected expense away from a financial crisis.

At its core, this session is about delivering results that Mainers deserve. That means we must protect the fundamentals they rely on and create the conditions to actually thrive, not just survive.

One of the most important is keeping people housed and healthy, even as federal support grows less reliable. Housing and health care are not luxuries; they are the foundation that allows families to work, care for loved ones and stay rooted in their communities. This session, we will work to protect manufactured housing communities, expand affordable housing options and ensure seniors, veterans and working families can stay in their homes. Last session, we fully funded MaineCare through 2027 and expanded coverage to include doula care and hearing aids. In the year ahead, as Washington pulls back — including the failure to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies — Maine will step up. We will work to strengthen emergency medical services, protect access to reproductive and behavioral health care, expand dental care, and reduce the crushing burden of medical debt. No one should have to sacrifice their home or health because of cost.

It also means being honest about what’s weighing people down right now and lowering everyday costs wherever we can. From grocery bills and utility prices to prescription drugs, too many essentials are eating away at family budgets. We shouldn’t be making life harder for people who are already stretching every dollar. This session, we’re focused on practical relief by targeting energy costs, improving access to affordable medications and easing the pressures that hit working families first.

We will also continue leveling the playing field. Too often, systems are designed to favor large corporations over everyday people. This session, we will strengthen consumer protections, crack down on predatory practices and ensure Mainers aren’t punished for getting sick or trying to stay afloat.

And even in uncertain times, we must keep our eyes on the future. Ensuring a brighter tomorrow means continued investment in child care, education, workforce development and climate resilience — because every generation deserves a fair shot at a better life than the one before it.

When federal decisions create chaos or cut vital supports, Maine will respond with reliability. We will do everything in our power to honor our commitments, protect essential services like schools and health care, and shield Maine people from the worst impacts.

The work ahead will require careful budgeting, bipartisan cooperation and a firm commitment to making progress where we can. But Maine has faced uncertainty before, and each time, we have met it by looking out for one another and doing the hard, disciplined work required.

That’s our North Star this session: protecting the basics people depend on, expanding opportunity where we can and making sure Maine is a place where people don’t just endure uncertain times — they can build something better, no matter what lies ahead.

Mattie Daughtry represents state Senate District 23, Brunswick, Chebeague Island, Freeport, Harpswell, Pownal and part of Yarmouth in the Maine Senate. She also serves as Maine’s Senate president. She can be reached at [email protected] or 207-287-1515.