AUGUSTA - The Legislature voted on Tuesday to enact LD 2006, a measure from Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, that would help eligible households better access available heating assistance from Maine State Housing Authority's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
The proposal directs the Maine State Housing Authority to establish the HEAP Administrative Efficiency Fund and to use state-provided funds for the purpose of improving application waiting and approval times by hiring temporary workers, purchasing technology or contracting with a third party. The funds may also be used for providing resources to establish a long-term system to efficiently process HEAP applications in future years.
More money has been allocated to heating assistance programs than ever before due to pandemic-related relief funds. LaRochelle submitted the legislation after learning that people have been unable to receive the available funds in a timely manner due to various administrative inefficiencies.
"This bill is a product of my constituents speaking out and sharing their concerns with me," said LaRochelle. "Their outreach led to this effort to create meaningful change to a crucial program that exists to help people. I am grateful to see my legislative colleagues support this effort, and hope to see LD 2006 cross the finish line."
The measure also directs the Maine State Housing Authority to convene a working group to investigate ways to improve and increase the efficiency of the assistance program in the long term. The working group must include one or more individuals who have used the program.
In its public hearing, the bill received support from the Maine Community Action Partnerships, Maine Center for Economic Policy and Maine State Housing Authority.
The bill now moves to the Special Appropriations Table.
LaRochelle, a member of the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee, is serving her first term in the Maine House.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [LaRochelle] c. 812-1111