AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Daniel J. Hobbs, D-Wells, that would direct the Maine Community College System to study providing more housing on its campuses.
LD 830 would direct the system to study housing construction costs, the cost to students, the availability of space on campuses, other infrastructure and staff necessary to support housing, alternate housing options and any other issues the system feels are appropriate.
"This bill is a step in the right direction for making on-campus housing more accessible for students across all Maine campuses," said Hobbs. "I would like to thank the members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee who support this important bill as we work to solve this unique aspect of our statewide housing crisis."
Currently, five of Maine's seven community colleges have residence halls. Both York County Community College (YCCC) and Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) do not. YCCC is currently lodging some students in a local hotel and KVCC is exploring housing options.
The Maine Community College System testified in support of the bill and welcomed the opportunity to continue studying housing options and report their findings to the committee next session.
LD 830 faces additional votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Hobbs is serving his second non-consecutive term in the Maine House, representing a portion of Wells. He serves as a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Hobbs], c. 305-965-2744