After many long days and nights at the State House, the Legislature wrapped up its work for 2023! We accomplished a great deal, namely passage of a historic budget that addresses some of our most pressing challenges and makes long-term investments in our people – all while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Most importantly, this legislation will make it easier for more folks to make ends meet.

Our budget contains funding to help tackle our current statewide housing crisis by boosting funding for the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which help incentivize the development of affordable housing. It also funds the creation of the Housing First Program, which will prioritize providing permanent housing and on-site services to persons who have been chronically homeless.

Child care is an issue impacting most every Maine family as households struggle to work sometimes two or more jobs while juggling the care for their children. Our budget takes significant steps to improve the current lack of available and affordable child care, by investing more than $35 million to double the wage stipend for child care workers while expanding eligibility for assistance to more families – a major boost for our economy.

Additionally, our budget funds the creation of a new paid family and medical leave program, so Mainers will no longer have to choose between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one in need. It funds a new, refundable child tax credit, enabling more families to pay their bills while lowering the rates of food insecurity and child poverty. And it expands property tax relief through the Property Tax Deferral Program and the Property Tax Fairness Credit, helping more Mainers – and particularly, those 65 and older – stay in their homes and age with dignity.

Collectively, these investments make clear what Maine values – our families and our communities. This budget will have a profoundly positive impact on our state. I remain committed to continuing my work to protect our environment, to ensure Mainers have access to affordable mental health and oral health care and that children are protected from abuse.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any ideas, questions or concerns. I am honored to serve you.