Dear John,
At Maine Conservation Voters, we know the health of our democracy and the health of our environment are inextricably connected. We cannot stand up for our environment, for our communities, and for public health if we don’t have a functioning democratic system that fosters civic engagement without fear of reprisal.
That’s why MCV is testifying in support of LD 2106, a bill that would prohibit immigration enforcement from entering public institutions, like public schools, hospitals, libraries, and childcare facilities.
Public schools, hospitals, child care facilities, and libraries are not incidental spaces. They are critical civic infrastructure. They are places where people access education, health care, information, safety, and stability – both during quiet times and during periods of crisis. As climate change brings more extreme storms, heat waves and risks to public health, these institutions become even more essential to community resilience.
When immigrant communities—and particularly Black, Brown, and Indigenous people—are made to fear these spaces, the harm extends far beyond immigration policy. Families avoid schools and clinics. Public health information goes unshared. Children lose access to education, meals, and stability. Workers cannot go to their jobs because they cannot safely send their children to school or daycare. The entire community becomes strained and less prepared for climate disasters and other emergencies.
LD 2106 will keep our communities safer and ensure these institutions remain accessible and trusted by everyone in Maine.
Please join us and Mainers across the state to stand up for democracy and safer communities by testifying in support of LD 2106.
You can submit written testimony online at the link here. Select “Public Hearing” as the type of hearing and “Judiciary” as the committee. Select “Jan 29 2026 1:00 PM” as the date and time.
You can also reach out to MCV Team Members Nick at [email protected] or Sarah at [email protected] for help with talking points, preparation, and submission.
