By Rep. Ellie Sato
As we move into the fall season, there have been two issues I have been hearing more about from constituents: winter heating costs and back-to-school safety.
The cost of keeping your home warm during the winter, particularly for those with fixed incomes, can be a major financial burden. While recent actions from the federal government have created funding instability, there are fortunately still resources available to help folks afford to heat their homes.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible applicants pay for heating fuel. This program is available to homeowners and renters. If there comes a time this winter when you have an extremely low supply of heating fuel, you may qualify for crisis assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) — but don’t wait to apply. HEAP is only available until funds run out, and applications opened on Aug. 1.
Those who rely on electricity for heat may also be eligible for help with their electric utility bills through the Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP).
Gorham residents can learn more and apply through the Opportunity Alliance. To get started, give them a call at 207-553-5900. For more information, visit the income eligibility guidelines page on their website. You can also go directly to MaineHousing’s website to apply online or by phone, and to learn more about each program.
If you need to make energy-related repairs, which can significantly reduce long-term heating costs, MaineHousing also offers two programs that can help: weatherization and central heating improvement (CHIP). The programs provide grants to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency or to repair or replace central heating systems. Some households may also qualify for low-cost energy loans to make repairs or upgrades.
Back-to-school safety is also an issue I’ve heard about from many people in Gorham, with most schools now back in session from pre-K all the way through to university. This is particularly true for students and families who have come to this country within the last few generations. Recently, federal immigration rules have drastically changed, and are still rapidly changing. It is important that everyone knows and understands their rights – which includes the right to an education.
Immigration-related disruptions in what should be a safe environment can have harmful community-wide effects and endanger our students’ ability to learn. If you’re a teacher, parent or student, I encourage you to visit the “Know Your Rights: Back to School” guide that the ACLU of Maine partnered with other civil rights advocates to create recently. You can find the guide at: https://www.aclumaine.org/en/backtoschool.
The resources cover a variety of issues in public schools, including guidance to protect the rights of immigrant students, access to books and other information, the rights of pregnant students, students with disabilities and LGBTQ+ students, and more.
For other immigration concerns, including legal help, you can reach out to the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project at 207-780-1593 or visit their website for more information at: https://ilapmaine.org/contact-us.
I encourage you to reach out to me any time with concerns about issues you care about, questions on policy or legislation, ideas on ways to better our community, or even just to introduce yourself. Please do not hesitate to email me at ellie.sato@legislature.maine.gov, or call the House Democratic Office at 207-287-1430.
Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.