WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Several Mainers have been invited to attend the President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech Thursday night. Biden's talking points are expected to touch on inflation and what his administration has tried to do to fight hiking prices among corporations.
Two people from Maine invited to attend the address are closely familiar with the impacts of these issues.
Heather Paquette is the new president at Good Shepherd Food Bank. Paquette, who was invited by Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree, said Maine food banks have reported a 35 percent increase in visits between 2022 and 2023. Much of that, she said, can be pinpointed to inflation and a reduction in SNAP benefits.
Pingree said food companies have lowered their prices since the peak of inflation, but they've also reduced their portion sizes, continuing to make high profits.
"Basically, they're cheating on what they put in the product even though they can get away with it," Pingree said. "And the president may propose some things we can literally do through legislation or regulation to try to stop a practice. But it seems rampant right now. And combining that with the food inflation that people have already experienced and wanting to get back on their feet and have food be affordable, I think it's a good time to attract attention to it."
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden invited Josh Henry, the CEO of TimberHP in Madison. The company produces wood fiber insulation.
The State of the Union address was scheduled to start at 9 p.m.