AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Housing Committee voted Tuesday to advance LD 1422, sponsored by Rep. Michael Brennan, which would establish a housing voucher program for students living with homelessness, administered by the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA).
As amended, the bill would appropriate $2 million in one-time funding over fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 to create a voucher program, with the input of Maine's Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services and other stakeholders, to help students living with homelessness. MSHA would be required to report back to the Housing Committee on the progress of the program in January 2024.
"Before our students can adequately learn, they must have a space to call home," said Brennan. "Currently, over 2,000 students in Maine are experiencing homelessness. This lack of housing creates stress for children and their families, leading to increased health challenges."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
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