AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, the Maine House and Senate voted to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that would provide funding for the Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) to help Mainers pay their electric bills. The bill passed the House 120-26 and was approved unanimously in the Senate. The House gave final approval on Wednesday.
“Mainers across the state have made it clear that skyrocketing energy costs are putting a serious strain on their budgets,” said Sachs. “Working families are struggling now, and the Legislature must do everything we can to provide relief and lower costs. This bill is a big step to deliver relief for Maine families that need it.”
As amended,LD 995 would provide $15 million to LIAP over two years to fund the program. According to data from the Office of the Public Advocate, many low-income ratepayers in Maine are paying 8% of their household income towards their electric bills, which is double the 4% target benchmark that the Public Advocate is aiming for.
The bill faces a further vote in the Senate.
Sachs is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Freeport. She serves as House chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Sachs) | 305-965-2744