AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted Monday to provide $50 million to the Maine State Housing Authority to expand affordable housing options, $20 million of which will require the developers to use project labor agreements(PLAs). The funding measure was included in LD 1733, the bill to allocate the federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills.
LD 1733 incorporated elements of LD 1656, An Act To Promote Energy-efficient Affordable Housing, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth. Millett's proposal advanced efforts to construct energy-efficient, affordable housing with workers who have entered into PLAs with the developers.
PLAs enable workers to receive better wages and working conditions, and protect against costly delays due to labor disputes and worker shortages. When using the funds that require PLAs, housing developers must enter into pre-hire, collectively bargained agreements with the workers who will build the affordable housing. This will apply to those employed by contractors and all subcontractors of the developers.
With funds from LD 1733, Maine State Housing Authority may also provide planning and technical assistance for communities, developers and builders to encourage the construction or production of affordable, energy-efficient housing units.
"Maine is in desperate need of green, affordable housing and of tradespeople," said Millett. "I sponsored LD 1656 to create a comprehensive solution that would address the interconnectedness of these complex issues. I am grateful to see federal funding has been allocated to support these efforts."
Millett is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents District 30, part of Cape Elizabeth. She sits on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. Prior to representing House District 30, Millett served eight years in the State Senate, representing District 29, which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Millett] c. 812-1111