09/24/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/24/2022 10:11
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today released the September episode of Senator King's "Inside Maine" podcast, in which Senator King and his guests discussed the significant benefits coming to Maine communities from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act - a historic package to address rising energy and healthcare costs, fight climate change, create jobs and cut the deficit. Senator King was joined by four expert guests who helped to explain key commonsense provisions in the bill: Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), AARP Maine State Director Noel Bonam, Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association Jeremy Payne, and Maine Society of CPAs Treasurer Mike Santo. During the conversation, Senator King and his guests discussed how the fully-paid-for bill will reduce drug costs for seniors, support America's affordable energy future, and make the IRS work better for Maine taxpayers.
"The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic effort to lower healthcare and energy costs, fight climate change, and reduce the deficit," said Senator King. "Included in the package are commonsense provisions that will save Maine people thousands of dollars a year on their energy bills, and reduce drug costs for seniors by capping Medicare recipients' out-of-pocket drug costs and allowing Medicare to finally negotiate the price it pays for pharmaceuticals. The law also includes my provisions to reduce the deficit by trillions by fully funding the IRS and making sure massive corporations are paying their fair share. It was great to be joined by four experts on Inside Maine this month who helped preview the tangible benefits this bill will have for Maine people. I look forward to keeping in touch with them to hear their continued work on the issues facing Maine."
Senator King was first joined by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) who worked with Senator King on many of the bill's key provision - including to go after wealthy tax cheats and invest in clean energy. Senator Kaine gave an overview of the package, and highlighted several of the key parts of the bill that will make a difference for working people in Maine and Virginia.
Next, King spoke with AARP Maine State Director Noel Bonam who had previously urged Senator King to ensure Medicare drug price negotiation was included in the bill. Bonam explained the importance of the drug pricing provisions, and what it will mean for Maine seniors. He specifically pointed to the out-of-pocket cost cap as a "gamechanger."
Continuing the episode, King was joined by Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association Jeremy Payne who helped explain the clean energy provisions in the bill. Payne laid out how the historic clean energy investments will fight climate change, create more affordable and reliable American energy, and create thousands of new energy jobs in Maine.
Senator King closed out the episode with Maine Society of CPAs Treasurer Mike Santo who laid out the serious funding and staffing shortage facing the IRS, and the hurdles this has caused Maine people and small businesses. Santo detailed how the new IRS funding will mean better tax service for working people, and debunked several myths about new audits going after middle class Americans.
The Inflation Reduction Act will:
LOWER HEALTH CARE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS
CUT ENERGY COSTS AND ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
REDUCE THE DEFICT AND CLOSE TAX LOOPHOLES
The "Inside Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King" is a 30-minute program that aims to help keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King's work as one of two independents in the U.S. Senate. Senator King's podcast builds on his existing radio show that airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. typically on the last Saturday of every month.
To listen to the September edition of Senator King's podcast click HERE or find it on Apple Podcasts.