AUGUSTA - Last week, the Maine House of Representatives unanimously enacted LD 87, sponsored by Rep. Sean Paulhus, D-Bath, which would allow the governor to distribute funding during a state of emergency to nonprofits that provide food assistance.
As amended, the bill would authorize the governor to provide up to $400,000 to food pantries, soup kitchens and food banks that distribute food to low-income individuals and households if a state of emergency has been in place for more than 10 days.
"We were lucky that the Legislature was in session three years ago when COVID-19 hit Maine," said Paulhus. "We authorized the governor to take swift action to ensure access to food and other necessities for low-income families, but we can't guarantee that will be the case during the next emergency. That's why it's critical that we establish this authorization now so that in the event of a future disaster, the state will be prepared and Mainers will know that a plate of food for them and their children is not too far out of reach."
The bill faces additional votes in the Legislature.Paulhus is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents the City of Bath. He serves as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Paulhus], 305-965-2744