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Nirav Shah unveils affordability plan for Maine
Shah’s proposals would focus on lowering everyday costs while building what his campaign terms a “stronger, more affordable future for Maine families.”
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 02, Mar 2026
- 14:53 EST
- 20
Dr Nirav Shah. / Shah for Maine
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nirav D. Shah released a comprehensive affordability plan on March 2 aimed at addressing what his campaign describes as a growing cost-of-living crisis for Maine families.
The plan, titled “Maine’s Affordable Future: A Bold Plan to Lower Costs and Strengthen Maine Families,” centers on five key areas identified by Shah’s campaign as drivers of economic pressure: housing, energy, child care, education and property taxes.
According to Shah, the “roadmap” is intended to help “make Maine more affordable — and make sure working people can get ahead.”
Also Read: Nirav Shah leads Maine Gov Democratic primary: UNH poll
Today, I am proud to release a comprehensive plan to tackle the rising costs facing Maine families. This is a roadmap to make Maine more affordable — and make sure working people can get ahead. Read the full plan at https://t.co/Eqb2GFNcTA pic.twitter.com/tOdqVju8mY
— Nirav D. Shah (@nirav_maine) March 2, 2026
Maine families are “being squeezed by rising housing costs, energy bills, child care expenses and education debt,” Shah stated, describing these challenges as more than “abstract policy debates” but daily realities for residents.
The plan includes initiatives to expand housing supply, assist first-time homebuyers, hold utility companies accountable for energy costs, and support public-private efforts to make child care more affordable.
It also proposes expanding targeted grant and loan repayment programs, permanently making community college tuition-free, and offering property tax relief through a tax on millionaires and an expanded Homestead Exemption.
Shah’s announcement follows other policy proposals during his campaign, including a health care affordability plan that calls for capping insurance copays and deductibles, lowering prescription drug prices and expanding MaineCare coverage.
Shah, former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention entered the 2026 gubernatorial race in October 2025, drawing on his public health leadership record and experience managing the state’s pandemic response.
He has emerged as one of several contenders in a crowded Democratic primary, which also includes Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former state legislative leaders, and businessman Angus King III.
The primary is scheduled for June 9, with the general election later in the year to choose a successor to term-limited Gov. Janet Mills.
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