To the Editor:
Maine Revenue Services has begun mailing $450 winter energy relief checks to approximately 880,000 eligible Maine residents as part of LD 3, which the Legislature enacted with bipartisan support in early January.
I proudly voted for this legislation, which will help Mainers make ends meet during these cold months while the Legislature works on long-term solutions to address high energy costs. The direct payments give families the flexibility to spend the money as they see fit.
Many people will receive their checks this month, and all eligible recipients should have them by the end of March. The income thresholds to receive a check are consistent with those for the $850 inflation relief checks that were sent last year: $100,000 if filing single or if married and filing separately, $150,000 if filing as a head of household or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. You can read more here.
Additionally, LD 3 provides $40 million to supplement the Home Energy Assistance Program, $10 million to Maine Community Action Partnerships to help deliver emergency fuel assistance and $21 million to bolster the Emergency Housing Relief Fund, which supports emergency housing and shelters.
This legislation provides a critical lifeline for low- and middle-income families who desperately need it.
Rep. Michel Lajoie is serving his fifth non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 96, which includes a portion of Lewiston. He is a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.