Energy relief plan heads to state lawmakers
An emergency energy relief plan to send $450 checks to most Mainers this winter is due to be voted on by state lawmakers in January after getting unanimous approval from a special budget committee.
Members of a temporary Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee voted on Gov. Janet Mills' plan Wednesday night, sending the measure to the full Legislature.
The earliest the vote could come up is Jan. 4, when the full Legislature reconvenes for Mills' inauguration.
“I thank the members of the Committee for listening to the concerns of Maine people and for responding with a unanimous, bipartisan vote to recommend passage of the energy relief bills," Mills said in a Thursday news release.
"This measure — while not perfect to everyone, which is often the case in government — is a compromise that reflects concessions and consensus from Democrats and Republicans that will deliver much-needed aid to Maine people in the depths of winter," she added. I ask the Legislature to follow the lead of the Committee and pass this bill with the strong support needed to enact it immediately upon my signature.”
Mills’ Emergency Energy Relief Plan is the product of negotiations with Republican and Democratic leadership in the Legislature. A special committee approved the plan Wednesday night after a hearing that afternoon.
Besides the $450 relief checks to help Mainers foot high home heating bills this winter, the measure would supplement heating assistance for low-income consumers and provide additional emergency fuel assistance to prevent people and families from running out of heating fuel.
The plan would also fund emergency short-term emergency housing to avoid homelessness during the winter months.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments