Maine Senate 11

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Erin Herbig
VoteHerbig

Occupation:
House Majority Leader and mother

Education:
BA Boston College

Community Organizations:
Maine Aging Caucus, Maine Future Caucus, Waldo County Work Force Task Force

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Running, Curling, spending time with my family at camp

Family status:
Married to Joe Baiungo with two children

Years in the Legislature: 8

Committee assignments (if elected):
Chair of the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee, Chair of the State Workforce Task Force

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support legislation recommended by the Task Force to Address the Opioid Crisis in the State, including more effective treatment options and law-enforcement programs.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
We must expand the number of staff who work directly with children and families so they have a manageable caseload and provide better training, compensation and career growth for them.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
It depends on the school. Each knows best how to use its resources to prepare our children for the future. I will listen closely to parents, teachers and school administrators to address this issue.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
I envision every Mainer having access to high quality, affordable health care close to home. I look forward to hearing from the Task Force on Health Care Coverage for All of Maine next session.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
While I certainly agree with providing more support for Maine’s seniors and Mainers with disabilities, I do not believe the funding mechanism outlined in this referendum is the best way to proceed.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?Yes. I will continue working across the aisle as I always have, focused on the needs of Waldo County residents, and coming to consensus based on respect for the process and shared goals.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
After college I spent 6 months hiking the Appalachian Trail. It is one of the most profound experiences of my life and something I feel very lucky to have been able to do.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls? No

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