AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted this week to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, that would provide more property tax relief to low-income older Mainers by expanding the existing Property Tax Fairness Credit. The bill passed the House in a 135-1 vote on Wednesday and passed the Senate in a unanimous vote on Thursday.
As amended, LD 2144 would lower the threshold for eligibility for the credit. Mainers 65 and older whose income is $36,000 or below would now be eligible for relief if their property tax bill comprises more than 3% of their income. Under current law, that number is 4%.
"Over the last few months, I have met with many constituents who are struggling to stay in their homes, partly due to an increase in their property taxes while living on fixed incomes," said Russell. "Those conversations underscore the importance of this legislation. We need to do more to support older Mainers and help them remain in their homes, and this bill is a step in the right direction. I'm proud that it received such strong, bipartisan support in both chambers."
The bill faces further votes in both the House and Senate.
Russell is serving his first term in the Maine House. He is a member of the Labor and Housing Committee and represents Bucksport, Orland, Penobscot and Verona Island.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Russell], c. 305-965-2744