WINTER HEATING AND HOUSING RELIEF

Earlier this month, the Maine Legislature passed LD 3, the Emergency Winter Energy Relief Plan, providing support for low- and middle-income Maine families to stay safe and secure in their homes this winter.

Some key provisions include:

• Direct relief payments of $450 to an estimated 880,000 eligible Mainers, amounting to $900 in relief for the average family.
• $40 million to supplement the Home Energy Assistance Program to help HEAP recipients receive a financial benefit equal to last year’s.
• $10 million to Maine Community Action Partnerships to help them deliver emergency fuel assistance.
• $21 million to bolster the Emergency Housing Relief Fund, which supports emergency housing and shelters to prevent people from experiencing homelessness this winter.

While I ended up voting in favor of this proposal, I have heard from many constituents concerned that the income thresholds to receive the $450 direct relief payments are too high, providing individuals making up to $100,000 and married couples making up to $200,000 with unnecessary relief.

I personally would have also preferred lower thresholds and increasing the payment amount to vulnerable Mainers needing assistance the most. I also wanted this legislation to focus more on adequately addressing Maine’s long-term energy and housing challenges, which will remain beyond the next few months. However, given the urgency of our current crisis, immediate action was required, and this legislation will provide direct relief for those who need it. The $450 checks will start to be distributed this month.

If you will be receiving a $450 direct relief check but feel fortunate enough to not need it, here are a few statewide organizations supporting Mainers in need that you could donate the check to as an alternative:

United Ways of Maine – Keep ME Warm Initative

Good Shepard Food Bank of Maine

The Opportunity Alliance

Maine Needs

New Beginnings

Additionally, local organizations that would be grateful for donations include:

Town of Bowdoinham General Assistance

Bowdoin General Assistance

Town of Richmond General Assistance  

Richmond Area Food Pantry

Bowdoinham Food Pantry

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention

ADDITIONAL HEATING RESOURCES

The 2022-2023 Winter Heating Season Guide from the Governor’s Energy Office includes many resources that are available to Maine homeowners, from weatherization help to information about emergency fuel assistance.

MaineHousing's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Kennebec Valley Community Action Program offers Fuel Assistance to qualifying households. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) serves Somerset, Kennebec, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, providing assistance for income eligible households to offset the rising costs of home energy, whether you have wood, electric, gas, or oil heat. Learn more here. If a member of your household is 60 years of age or older or under the age of 6, please call to schedule an appointment at (207) 859-1500.

Additionally, MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. For more information, call 207-626-4600.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

The Town of Richmond is celebrating its bicentennial this year. Celebrations will run throughout the year but the kickoff event is going to be held on February 10th and 11th beginning with fireworks at 6pm.

It’s tax season. Before you consider paying someone to prepare your taxes, please check out CA$H Maine’s Free Tax Prep program. And, if your only source of income is social security and you therefore don’t file state income taxes, please call CA$H Maine to see if you qualify for the Maine Sales Tax Fairness Credit ($240 per person) and Property Tax Fairness Credit (up to $1,000). Many people that don’t file state taxes miss out on this money every year.

IMPORTANT DATES

Bowdoin

• Town Meeting Date: March 11, 9am (Bowdoin Central School). In addition to the voting on the town warrant, residents will be voting to elect one School Board member and one Select Board member. 
• MSAD 75 School budget referendum date: May 18 (Orion Performing Arts Center)

Bowdoinham

• BCDI/Comprehensive Planning Committee Meeting on Housing, Feb 1, 6-7:30 pm (Bowdoinham Community School)
• MSAD 75 School budget referendum date: May 18 (Orion Performing Arts Center)

Richmond

• Bicentennial Celebration: Fire & Ice Weekend, Feb 10, 6pm (Richmond High School) & Feb 11, 12pm (Waterfront Park, Enterprise Grange, Houdlette Field)
• School Board Elections: March 7, Richmond Town Office 8am-8pm

CONNECT WITH YOUR STATE GOVERNMENT

This year, there will be many opportunities for you to weigh in on issues, offer input on legislation and track our work throughout the legislative process.

Members of the public will now be able to testify on legislation both remotely and in person at the State House, making government more accessible for Mainers from every corner of our state.

The Legislature’s website has numerous helpful resources, including:

• A full schedule of public hearings.
• An online form to sign up to testify live before a committee.
• A complete database with the status of all legislation that has been submitted.
• A livestream of the House chamber on days we are in session.

NOMINATE A TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Maine teachers are the backbone of our public education system.

If you have an outstanding teacher in your community that’s deserving of recognition, you can now nominate them as a 2023 County Teacher of the Year and 2024 Teacher of the Year!

The nomination period is currently open. Visit www.mainetoy.org to nominate your local teachers today.