Today we launched a new government accountability site, Maine Government Watch.

DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew left her position last week, but the policies pursued by Mayhew and Gov. LePage continue to wreak havoc on Maine people. Worse still, we're starting to see those policies mirrored on a national level.

According to the DHHS website, the department’s stated goals include protecting and enhancing the health and well-being of Maine people and protecting and caring for those who are unable to care for themselves. Yet at every step of the way, the department seems unwilling to protect those who need it most: babies and children, people with disabilities and mental illness, poor people, those suffering from substance use disorder, and refugees and other new Mainers.

As we’ve written before, fiscal responsibility is important in a state as economically fragile as Maine. But fiscal responsibility doesn’t always mean refusing to spend money. Passing up available federal funds and cutting the state’s budget for cutting’s sake – when that money could save lives, support recovery and keep people out of prison (which would save taxpayer money) – is not prudent and does not advance the wellbeing of Maine citizens.

A democracy of the people, by the people and for the people demands transparency and accountability from those officials, both elected and appointed, whose job it is to serve the public.

When the government fails so thoroughly at its job, we must hold those in power accountable. That's why we're launching Maine Government Watch. Right now, the site is an archive of stories about the ways DHHS policies under this administration have hurt Mainers. With time, it will grow to include oversight of other agencies as well.