Panel recommends $474M heating aid package after hearing | Lifestyle

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A swiftly assembled legislative panel voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a proposed $474 million heating help package deal following a public listening to that was demanded by Senate Republicans.

When lawmakers reconvene in two weeks, the total Maine Legislature will vote on the proposal. It requires $450 reduction funds to 880,000 Mainers, together with extra funding to complement a federal heating help program, and for emergency heating and housing help.

Senate Republicans rejected Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal on the opening day of the legislatives session, calling for a public listening to to take care of transparency.

Senate Republican Chief Trey Stewart stated there are nonetheless issues in regards to the proposal however stated Republicans are prepared to “swallow a bunch of provisions that aren’t favorable in the direction of us” as a result of they perceive inflation and excessive heating prices have created an emergency.

Senate President Troy Jackson and Home Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, each Democrats, assembled a short lived appropriations committee and presided over the general public listening to, which lasted greater than 5 hours.

Lawmakers collect once more on Jan. 4, after they’ll vote on the proposal. If the measure is accredited, the state might then start mailing out the primary of the reduction checks earlier than the top of the month.

The invoice requires practically $400 million for use to offer $450 funds to an estimated 880,000 residents, including as much as $900 whole for a mean household. It additionally would offer $40 million to bolster the federal heating help program that’s administered by means of neighborhood motion partnerships.

It additionally would come with $10 million for emergency gasoline help and $21 million to bolster an emergency reduction housing fund to assist folks experiencing homelessness.

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