Susan Collins is not the rainmaker we’ve been led to believe | Letter

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A common consideration among those on the fence about Sen. Susan Collins’ candidacy is the idea that she brings home the bacon for Maine.

Let’s look at the data.

According to analysis by Federal Funds Information for States (a project of the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures), in 2025 Maine received $3,346 in federal funds per capita, of which $2,280 was Medicaid.

That puts Maine’s rank at #21 of the states, or #22, not counting Medicaid; solidly middle of the pack, and hardly commensurate with what you might expect of the Chair of the Appropriations Committee. Susan Collins’ rainmaker status is vastly overstated.

Chris Carlson
South Portland

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