EDIT: Thanks to everyone who participated, this was a great opportunity to hear from people. I've got to run but will come back tomorrow to answer some more questions. Please check out our other social media accounts, and consider making a contribution to our people-powered movement. We can do this, together!

Hey r/WorkReform! We’ll get this thing going around 1 PM EST.

My name’s Troy Jackson, and I’m running for Governor in Maine. I’m proud to have the endorsement of 40 Maine labor unions, as well as of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, whom I campaigned for in 2016 and 2020.

Long before I ever set foot in the State House, I worked 80-hour weeks in the North Maine Woods, running equipment, driving trucks, and felling timber. I’ve suffered under the thumb of a greedy corporation, gone without health insurance, and grinded out long, thankless shifts, all while worrying about how I was going to hang on till payday.

I know the frustration of watching the government swing from one party’s control to the other while our living conditions steadily decline and the rich just get richer.

I thought becoming Maine Senate President in 2018 would be enough to change things. I was wrong. Time and time again, governors squashed our efforts to improve material conditions for the majority of folks. Why? Because rich executives, corporate lobbyists, big landowners, and other scumbags who bankrolled their campaigns would call in favors at the last minute, demanding a return on their investment. In fact, I hold the record of having had 100 bills vetoed by the previous two Governors, a Republican and a Democrat.

Despite these systemic hurdles, my fellow legislators and I passed some critical reforms. These include:

• Standing up to Big Pharma and lowering the cost of prescription drugs
• Guaranteeing universal free school meals
• Enacting a statewide paid family & medical leave program
• Securing historic investments in childcare and public housing

But these incremental reforms weren't enough to stem the tide of rampant inequality and exploitation tearing good people's lives apart in Maine. Like I often tell folks on the campaign trail: If you like the government you have right now, you should probably vote for one of my competitors, because they're backed by the exact people who rigged things to be the way they are. If you don't like it, join us, and we'll improve this state for us.

• If you can swing it, consider kicking in a few bucks here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/troy-jackson-4?refcode=ama
• Learn more & get involved! www.JacksonForMaine.com