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I planned to write offering congratulations to the newly elected Senator from Lincoln County, Chris Johnson.
But, now I must write an apology to the good people of Maine, and especially Lincoln County, for Chris Johnson's first vote which single handily destroyed a bipartisan solution to the state's Medicaid shortfall.
In less than 24 hours, Chris Johnson has taken last-minute political gamesmanship and grandstanding to a new level and he's thoughtlessly jeopardized a bipartisan solution that was crafted over a three month period and endorsed by the Governor, Democrats and Republicans alike.
Johnson's vote went against his Democrat leadership in both Houses and at the beginning of April will rip through Lincoln County Healthcare, our largest employer, like a chain saw, when DHHS runs out of money.
Because of Chris Johnson, Maine's most vulnerable citizens, those on MaineCare, will not be able to get the healthcare they need. Maine workers who provide services to MaineCare recipients will not get reimbursed, including those who work at hospitals, doctors' offices, pharmacies, rehabilitation facilities and others.
Senator Johnson, people believed you when you said; "We need to get Augusta working on the problems most important to people like jobs and getting money in their pockets to spend on the local economy."
Senator Johnson, would you please explain to your constituents, especially those on MaineCare and healthcare workers, why you've put your special interest ahead of theirs?
Jim Carlton
Damariscotta
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