And this is the price we pay. A white man with a demonstrated antipathy toward Black Lives Matter protesters drives through them in a crosswalk, injures a man — and flees the scene. You’d think that would be a crime. But this is America in 2021.

So you would be mistaken.

Trying to redefine the cost of a $3.5 trillion bill as zero must rank among the most patently absurd attempts to change reality through a talking point ever attempted.

Republicans will not win hearts by insisting that they don’t have to help America repay its debts — especially since they racked up so much of them.

A more sustainable planet, thriving economy, and stronger communities are just a few votes away from becoming a reality. We urge Maine’s entire federal delegation to support the Build Back Better Act alongside the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. We have the power to truly transform our nation with these pivotal bills.

One of the biggest and most impactful actions taken by Gov. Janet Mills and the Legislature this year was the $10 million increase in funding for the Maine State Grant program. This one action may well be that gateway for thousands of Mainers to enroll in, and complete, their post-secondary degree.