Like many Maine people, I remain deeply concerned about the impact that high energy prices – from home heating oil to electricity – are having on Maine people.
This week, we got a bit of helpful news and I think it will help us finish up an emergency winter energy relief plan for the Legislature to consider.
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.
The State of Maine budget continues to be in the black as a result of Federal support and the good fiscal management of my Administration and the Legislature.
Earlier this week, Maine’s nonpartisan Revenue Forecasting Committee upgraded the State’s General Fund revenue forecast by an additional $282 million for the current biennium, which ends June 2023.
These anticipated revenues will help us address Maine’s most pressing needs – like the need for emergency heating assistance for Maine families this winter.
With the help of the Legislature, my Administration has already taken direct action to help Maine people with the rising costs of energy. These acts include:
- Returning more than half of the state’s budget surplus last spring to Maine people through $850 inflation relief checks as well as
- successfully pressuring the Congress for increased funding for Federal heating assistance programs and
- securing a one-time bill credit of $90 for tens of thousands of low-income customers of Central Maine Power and Versant.
- Also, we provided $800 in heating cost relief to nearly 13,000 low-income households to help pay for high energy costs.
- And we provided up to $1,400 in tax relief for eligible low- and middle-income families and seniors and;
- We provided a tiered credit of up to $3,000 a piece to Maine small businesses to offset their increased electricity costs.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be working closely with the Maine Legislature to provide more financial relief – particularly for middle-class and low-income people whose incomes are stretched thin right now – and help them remain safe and secure in their homes this winter.
If you or someone you know needs resources to stay warm this winter, please take a look at our Winter Heating Guide at maine.gov/energy/winter-heating-resources. Help is available and more help is on the way.
This is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.