AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council approved a bill last week from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, which would direct the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) to examine systemic difficulties in obtaining and utilizing low-income affordable housing vouchers and provide further support for Section 8 housing voucher recipients.
Golek's proposal would direct MSHA to collect the necessary data to request a waiver of Fair Market Rent as set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This would allow MSHA and other local housing authorities to enter into contracts with landlords at the highest rent federally allowable. Further incentivizing landlords with guaranteed rent from the state would promote housing placement for those who need it most. MSHA would be required to report its findings to the Legislature by Dec. 30, 2024.
"We all know that Maine is in the midst of an extreme housing crisis. There are currently over 20,000 people on the Section 8 voucher waitlist hoping to secure housing, but there is a lack of landlords willing to rent to voucher holders," said Golek. "The federal government sets the voucher pay rates, but those rates are far too low compared to the market price of rent. This bill will ultimately help improve the voucher amount, allowing more Mainers to find the housing they need."
Across Maine, there is a shortage of affordable and available rental housing for those who fall at or below 30% of area median income. Section 8 housing is the only rental assistance in the state accessible to this demographic, which is predominantly composed of older Mainers and those with disabilities.
The bill is deeply personal to Golek, who experienced housing insecurity and poverty in her youth.
"I know from experience that Section 8 housing is a life-saving program," said Golek in her testimony before the Legislative Council. "I would not be where I am today without it."
Golek's bill will be heard when the Legislature meets again in January.
Rep. Golek is serving her first term in the Maine House and, in addition to sitting on the Joint Select Committee on Housing, is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. She represents District 99, which includes parts of Brunswick and Harpswell.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Golek], c. 305-965-2744