AUGUSTA - Measures introduced this week by Rep. Victoria Morales, D-South Portland, aim to address Maine's housing crisis.
"The need for housing in our state is greater than we have ever seen it," said Morales, who leads a working group of lawmakers focused on housing policy. "Before the pandemic, 19,000 households were on the waiting list for Section 8 housing vouchers. Today, that number has increased by 27%. We must act with urgency to provide both short-term and longer-term solutions."
LD 1305, which Morales introduced during a public hearing before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday, would streamline the process of requesting and accessing housing assistance by including it as part of applications for other forms of aid, such as MaineCare and food assistance.
LD 1132 would expedite the municipal process of clearing titles of tax-acquired, abandoned properties so they can be available for families in need more quickly. Morales introduced the bill before the Taxation Committee on Wednesday.
"Safe, affordable, stable housing is the fundamental linchpin to the health and success of our people. When we house families, their children do well in school, they have better access to health care and job stability, and they no longer utilize expensive emergency and crisis-based services. It benefits the family and the community around them while ultimately saving taxpayer dollars," said Morales.
The measures are among a number of housing policy proposals lawmakers will consider this session. Morales also introduced LD 473, An Act To Create the Maine Rental Assistance and Voucher Guarantee Program, last month. This measure would create a state-level rental assistance program to augment federal programs, along with providing landlord incentives to help families access and maintain housing.
The committees will hold work sessions on the bills in the coming weeks. At that time, committee members will have an opportunity to offer amendments and vote on a recommendation to the full Legislature.
Morales is serving her second term in the Maine House. She represents part of South Portland and is a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Morales], 812-1111