AUGUSTA - Today, Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, introduced LD 1422 before the Legislature's Housing Committee, which would establish a formal pathway for coordination between Maine's public school system and the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) via a voucher program, which would allow both entities to better serve Maine students who are experiencing homelessness.
The legislation would appropriate one-time funding of $2 million in fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. Further, the bill directs MSHA to identify three sites in Maine to be used for a site-based housing program, appropriating one-time funding of $3.5 million in fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25.
According to the Maine Department of Education, at least 2,186 students in Maine were classified as being homeless in October 2022.
"Without a permanent place to live, our students ability to learn is compromised," said Brennan. "LD 1422 provides a first step towards addressing a long-standing problem and will help ensure that all students in the state, regardless of economic circumstances, will have an equal opportunity to be successful in school."
The Legislature's Housing Committee will hold a work session on the bill on Tuesday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Brennan is serving his third consecutive term in the Maine House, having previously served four terms in the House and three in the Senate. He represents House District 115, which includes a portion of Portland, and serves as House chair of the Legislatures Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Brennan], 305-965-2744