Team,

Labor Day is about honoring American workers, the progress of the labor movement, and how far we've come. I’m grateful for every Mainer who shows up, puts in the effort, and keeps our state moving forward. Today, I’d like to honor Frances Perkins, who served as the first female cabinet secretary in US history, and was a champion for labor rights. Ever since Frances Perkins left office, powerful business interests have worked to roll back her legacy for workers and our economy.

This holiday is about the power of organized labor—and the continued fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and an economy that benefits workers. We know there are incredible imbalances in our system, unprecedented wealth inequality and powerful interests in Washington trying to roll-back workers rights and even erode the basis of the Social Security Act. Perkins warned that "no politician, no political party, no political group could possibly destroy this Act and still maintain our democratic system." Today, we celebrate workers and recommit ourselves to the incredible spirit of Perkins' fight.

I went to several Labor Day events, including a celebration with some amazing transportation workers and their families from the Amalgamated Transit Union at their annual picnic.

Today, let’s honor the contributions that labor unions have made – from weekends, to the minimum wage, to worker safety protections – and recommit to empowering workers rights and fighting for the dignity of work.

In Solidarity,

Hannah

PS: Many thanks to those of you who contributed to our end of month deadline. Your continued support means a lot.